Looking at a photo of a hydrangea bloom above, as an extreme close-up, gives an entirely different perspective than looking at the same bloom from farther away. One's perspective makes all the difference.

Today in our country we have significantly less numbers of consecrated women Religious than in the past. Our own Congregation is down to 45 members. Many congregations of women Religious around the country are down to fewer than 100 members. 

Instead of asking ourselves, "Why is this happening to me/us?", we are challenged to ask ourselves "God, where do you want to meet us/me in this experience?"

During Advent we will reflect on meaning-making in times of transition. We are invited to "find meaning in our suffering and transform it into something noble and full of hope." ("The Role of Meaning-Making in Transitional Times" by Ted Dunn, PhD in LCWR's Summer 2019 Occasional Papers).

As Sisters of St. Joseph we are called to be contemplatives in action working to bring about union of  ourselves with God, and of the Dear Neighbor with God and one another. Our charism of unity and reconciliation in the world we share with our co-workers and our lay associates. 

During November we give thanks to God for the many blessings we have as a nation at Thanksgiving. One of the things for which I am grateful is the gift of my religious vocation. 

November is also the month of All Souls in the Catholic Church, so I remember all the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine who have gone before me, starting in 1866. Our Congregation is still here after 153 years. Deo gratias, thanks be to God!