Originally posted November 1, 2019

Image by Mayur Gadge from Pixabay

It's Not Make-Believe

With the passing of Halloween, I think of all the fun we had as children dressing up as our favorite monster, animal, movie star, or saint. We worked for hours and asked our mothers for help making this dress-up the most believable it could be. There was always excitement in the house at this time of year.

Discernment can be a little like this too. When there’s no more thinking or praying that can help. We just need to try it on and see how our choice feels.

There’s an initial period in religious life where a woman lives the daily life of a Sister, entering into the daily rhythms of prayer, community life around meals, study or relaxation, and chances to serve in a volunteer capacity. There are also times to reflect with a formation director on how living this way fits the person’s own sense of self-expression and use of the gifts God gave her.

While putting on a costume at Halloween lets the child pretend she or he is that person for a brief time, actually stepping into religious life really allows someone to sense whether this is God’s call or not.

The weekend of March 7-9, 2025, will offer an opportunity to step a little closer into this way of Dominican life as we host a “Zoom and See Discernment Weekend” here in Adrian at Weber Center. If this sounds like an experience you would like to try on, please be in touch.

Sister Tarianne

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¡No Es Una Fantasía!

Con el paso de Halloween, pienso en toda la diversión que tuvimos cuando éramos niñas disfrazadas de nuestro monstruo, animal, estrella de cine, o santo favorito. Trabajamos durante muchas horas y pedimos ayuda a nuestras madres para que este disfraz fuera lo más creíble posible. Siempre había mucha emoción en la casa durante esta época del año.

El discernimiento también puede ser un poco así. Cuando ya no hay ninguna oración o pensamiento más que pueda ayudar. Solo tenemos que probarlo y ver cómo nuestra elección se siente puesta.

Hay un período inicial en la vida religiosa en que una mujer vive la vida diaria de una Hermana, entrando en los ritmos diarios de oración, la vida en comunidad desarrollada durante los alimentos, el estudio o relajación, y oportunidades de servir como voluntaria. También hay momentos para reflexionar con una directora de formación sobre cómo vivir de esta manera se adapta al sentido de autoexpresión de la persona y al uso de los dones que Dios le ha dado. 

Si bien ponerse un disfraz en Halloween le permite al niño/a fingir que él o ella es esa persona por un breve tiempo, entrar en la vida religiosa realmente le permite a alguien sentir si este es el llamado de Dios o no.

El fin de semana de Marzo 7-9, 2025, ofrecerá la oportunidad de acercarse un poco más a esta forma de vida Domínica duante un “Venir y Ve Fin De Semana de Discernimiento” aquí en Adrian en Weber Center. Si esto suena como una experiencia que le gustaría probar, póngase en contacto.

Hermana Tarianne

With the passing of Halloween I think of all the fun we had as children dressing up as our favorite monster, animal, movie star, or saint. We worked for hours and asked our mothers for help making this dress-up the most believable it could be. There was always excitement in the house at this time of year.

Discernment can be a little like this too. When there’s no more thinking or praying that can help. We just need to try it on and see how our choice feels.

There’s an initial period in of religious life where a woman lives the daily life of a Sister, entering into the daily rhythms of prayer, community life around meals, study or relaxation, and chances to serve in a volunteer capacity. There are also times to reflect with a formation director how living this way fits the person’s own sense of self-expression and use of the gifts God gave her.

While putting on a costume at Halloween lets the child pretend she or he is that person for a brief time, actually stepping into religious life really allows someone to sense whether this is God’s call or not.

The weekend of November 8-10 will offer an opportunity to step a little closer into this way of Dominican life as we host a “Come and See Discernment Weekend” here in Adrian at Weber Center. If this sounds like an experience you would like to try on, please be in touch.

Sister Tarianne

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¡No Es Una Fantasía!

Con el paso de Halloween, pienso en toda la diversión que tuvimos cuando éramos niñas disfrazadas de nuestro monstruo, animal, estrella de cine, o santo favorito. Trabajamos durante muchas horas y pedimos ayuda a nuestras madres para que este disfraz fuera lo más creíble posible. Siempre había mucha emoción en la casa durante esta época del año.

El discernimiento también puede ser un poco así. Cuando ya no hay ninguna oración o pensamiento más que pueda ayudar. Solo tenemos que probarlo y ver cómo nuestra elección se siente puesta.

Hay un período inicial en la vida religiosa en que una mujer vive la vida diaria de una Hermana, entrando en los ritmos diarios de oración, la vida en comunidad desarrollada durante los alimentos, el estudio o relajación, y oportunidades de servir como voluntaria. También hay momentos para reflexionar con una directora de formación sobre cómo vivir de esta manera se adapta al sentido de autoexpresión de la persona y al uso de los dones que Dios le ha dado. 

Si bien ponerse un disfraz en Halloween le permite al niño/a fingir que él o ella es esa persona por un breve tiempo, entrar en la vida religiosa realmente le permite a alguien sentir si este es el llamado de Dios o no.

El fin de semana de Noviembre 8-10 ofrecerá la oportunidad de acercarse un poco más a esta forma de vida Domínica duante un “Venir y Ve Fin De Semana de Discernimiento” aquí en Adrian en Weber Center. Si esto suena como una experiencia que le gustaría probar, póngase en contacto.

Hermana Tarianne

We humans fret a lot about what God might want us to do with our lives, as if we’re in a powerful guessing game and we must get it right or else. There is no need to fret and no need to guess what God is thinking. When we pay attention to our deep desires, we discover the purpose of our lives. The challenge is to know ourselves well enough that we become aware of our deepest desires in life.

This is where prayer and quiet are invaluable. A wise guide, mentor, or spiritual director can help as well. God created us out of love so we can love. God’s desire for us is to be able to love in the best ways possible throughout our lives. Whether as a single person, or with a spouse through married life, or serving with others in a community in religious life, it doesn’t matter to God. Discernment helps us sort through our choices and find what fits best.

God desires our happiness and the fulfillment of our gifts, given for sharing in whatever community we choose. If you haven’t thought about how you desire to share God’s love with the world, I encourage you to investigate. Don’t assume you know. Ask yourself, “What is my deep desire?” Explore options for your life. Pay close attention. Talk with and listen to others. Don’t eliminate options too soon. Give yourself a chance to explore.

If you think you would benefit by a weekend of discernment, please consider the “Come and See” weekend in November 8-10 here in Adrian. You can register online.

The Sisters pray for your discernment,
Sister Tarianne

 

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El Emparejamiento de Deseos

Como humanas nos preocupamos mucho de lo que Dios quiere que hagamos con nuestras vidas, como si estuviéramos en un poderoso juego de adivinanzas y debemos hacerlo bien o ya veremos! No hay necesidad de preocuparse ni de adivinar lo que Dios está pensando. Cuando prestamos atención a nuestros deseos más profundos, descubrimos el propósito de nuestras vidas. El desafío es conocernos lo suficientemente bien como para que nos demos cuenta de nuestros profundos deseos en la vida.

Aquí es donde la oración y la solemnidad tienen mucho valor. Una guía sabia, mentora, o directora espiritual también nos puede ayudar. Dios nos creó por amor para que podamos amar. El deseo de Dios para nosotras es poder amar de la mejor manera posible a lo largo de nuestras vidas. Ya sea como una persona soltera o con un cónyuge a través de la vida matrimonial o sirviendo con otras en una comunidad en la vida religiosa, no le importa a Dios. El discernimiento nos ayuda a clasificar nuestras elecciones y encontrar lo que sea más adecuado. 

Dios desea nuestra felicidad y el cumplimiento de nuestros dones, dados para compartir en cualquier comunidad que elijamos. Si no ha pensado en cómo desea compartir el amor de Dios con el mundo, la animo a investigar. No asuma que lo sabe. Pregúntese: "¿Cuál es mi deseo profundo?" Explore las opciones para su vida. Preste mucha atención. Hable y escuche a las demás. No elimine las opciones ligeramente. Dese la oportunidad de explorar.

Si cree que se beneficiaría con un fin de semana de discernimiento, considere el fin de semana “Come and See” en Noviembre 8-10 aquí en Adrian. Puede registrarse en línea. 

Las hermanas rezan por su discernimiento,
Hermana Tarianne

It’s so much easier to have a sense of purpose in life when we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s the reason programs like AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Lay Missioners, Peace Corps, Dominican Volunteers, and many others thrive. When the time of volunteer work is finished, people treasure what they experienced. The work is hard, often far away from home and yet provides experiences like no other. 

I believe one of the elements that makes the volunteer experience valuable is what we learn about extending ourselves beyond our normal range of giving. In a sense we belong forever to the experience and to the people and needs we responded to.

Now imagine having that experience with your whole life! Imagine committing yourself with others in a religious community to make an impact on the challenges facing people. It is hard work. It often takes us far from what is familiar. The call of God to meet the needs of God’s people who otherwise may not have their needs responded to is gratifying in itself. It creates an inner joy in realizing the promise of Jesus in the Gospel, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40) Such a privilege!

Together, Sisters ponder the world’s needs and then together respond to them in answer to God’s call. How about you? Is God calling you to respond along with others as a Dominican Sister?

For any of you wondering whether God may be inviting you to religious life, Sister Mariane and I will be hosting a discernment weekend November 8-10, 2019. Click here to learn more.

Sister Tarianne

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Ofreciendo Su Vida

Es mucho más fácil tener un sentido de propósito en la vida cuando somos parte de algo más grande que nosotras. Es la razón por la cual prosperan programas como AmeriCorps, Hábitat para la Humanidad, Catholic Lay Missioners - Misioneros Laicos Católicos, Peace Corps, Voluntarias Domínicas, y muchos otros. Cuando termina el tiempo del trabajo voluntario, las personas atesoran lo que experimentaron. El trabajo es duro, muchas veces lejos de casa y, sin embargo, proporciona experiencias como ninguna otra.

Creo que uno de los elementos que hace que la experiencia de la voluntaria sea valiosa es el hecho de extendernos más allá de lo normal. En cierto sentido, pertenecemos para siempre a la experiencia y a las personas y necesidades a las que hemos respondido. 

¡Ahora imagine tener esa experiencia con toda su vida! Comprometerse con otras en una comunidad religiosa para tener un impacto en los desafíos que enfrentan las personas es una experiencia muy gratificante. Es un trabajo arduo. Muchas veces nos lleva lejos de lo que es familiar. El llamado de Dios para responder a las necesidades de las personas de Dios a las que de otra manera no se les respondería es gratificante en sí mismo. Crea un gozo interno al cumplir la promesa de Jesús en el Evangelio: "lo que hiciste por uno de los hermanos y hermanas míos más pequeños, lo hiciste por mí." (Mateo 25:40) ¡Qué privilegio!

Juntas, las hermanas reflexionan sobre cuáles son las necesidades y luego juntas responden a ellas en respuesta al llamado de Dios. ¿Qué ta lusted? ¿La está llamando Dios a responder junta con otras como una Hermana Domínica? 

Organizaremos un fin de semana de discernimiento del 8 al 10 de Noviembre de 2019 para cualquiera que se pregunte si Dios puede invitarla a la vida religiosa. (Haga clic aquí)

Hermana Tarianne

The increased darkness we experience around us at this time in the northern hemisphere is conducive to pondering some of our deeper questions about life. Questions come whether we’re anticipating a graduation, awaiting some other natural ending and therefore the beginning of something else or are gainfully employed. 

In contrast to the darkness let’s consider light. Every plant needs a certain amount of it but not 24 hours every day. Plants also need darkness. When discerning – thinking about my life choices - the light I need could be in the form of researching my options. It could come from reading about what I'm thinking about doing or in talking with someone who has more knowledge of the path I'm considering and then listening to what they can teach or advise me to do. When I get to certain point I might write in order to shed light on what I'm thinking or feeling about each option. Light for discerners becomes insight and gifts of the Spirit, THE guide to wise choices.

If in these days of much physical darkness you find yourself longing for more light (insight) for your future life path, try the activities above. They can bring new wisdom into the struggle with where to go and what to do. Be open when entering into the light of the discernment process and allow the Spirit to work freely with you and your spirit. In the end may you be open to outcome, not attached to an outcome. 

If Sister Mariane or I can assist you in this discernment, feel free to contact us. Why not join us for a weekend of discernment March 1-3 to “Come and See for Yourself” where God may be calling you.

May you be persistent in your search,
Sister Tarianne

P.S. Discerning takes time!

Have you ever noticed that pine cones hold hidden seeds? Each cone, each seed is full of promise for the future, no matter how large or small they are. 

The same is also true for each of us. Our lives hold seeds full of promise. They can be hidden so deeply within our longings that we can’t see or recognize them at first. But they are within us.

As we complete this Advent time of waiting, I’d like to invite you to consider attending our March 1-3, 2019, weekend here in Adrian to discern what those hidden desires of your heart are. These are the ones planted by the Spirit and awaiting time for you to ponder them. The gathering will provide time to listen – to yourself and others, to pray and to examine those seeds of God’s calling that want to grow in our lives. What a lovely gift to offer yourself the time to really pay attention. Click here for a detailed description of the upcoming event.

May we celebrate the joyous gift of Jesus’ birth every day,
Sister Tarianne

I deliberately used “opening” in the title because I believe we are actors creating our own life stories. As actors we have choices to make. We can choose to open the doors ahead of us or leave them closed and go on to the next one. But like the game show that had contestants taking a risk on opening the next door and the next and next, we are often surprised at what is on the other side of them.

Granted there are some doors that we don’t want to choose, but where God is involved, doors are openings to opportunities to let God into the depths of our hearts, into all their mess and muck, joy and sorrow, anger and elation, gratitude and angst. How could we not risk opening them! In fact, we are urged to open them. 

And this is the secret too. God’s every-moment involvement with us invites us through doors that draw us into the Mystery of the call for our lives. When we are attuned, paying attention and listening for what draws us, we engage the inner conversation. Sometimes we name it “prayer.” At other times it’s called “discernment.” Whatever the name, we encounter within a chance to meet our deep yearnings for meaning and God’s tender love for each one of us. 

God is never outdone in the abundance of grace we need for a particular choice before us – a metaphorical door, an opportunity, a choice, a risk. In the way God leads us, it’s worth the risk. Each door we come to invites our curiosity and questioning. Come and see!

May you open doors and see,
Sister Tarianne

To open the door for a visit and see for yourself click here.

“I didn’t realize it was so beautiful here!” “Wow – you have so much going on; I had no idea!” Those were just a couple of the comments we heard last night as we held “An Evening with the Adrian Dominican Sisters,” and invited the local community to spend time with us, tour the motherhouse, and visit displays of the many activities in which we are involved. It was a great event.

Even in our small city, where we have had sisters since 1884, there are people who don’t know much about us. As human beings we need to connect, to meet face to face at times, to really encounter each other in the flesh, in order to really meet each other. We just get a better sense of people and their reality when we show up. That’s why Jesus said to his first followers, “Come and see.” He could have only talked and talked to them, but it was in journeying with him that they truly came to know him and his mission.

If you have a sense that you may be called to religious life, after you have done the e-mails and the calls and it still seems to draw you, but you are not sure, the next step is to “come and see.” Almost all communities of sisters, brothers and priests have this option. The next Adrian Dominican Sisters’ “Come and See” is April 15-17. Click here for more information.

What is God inviting you to “come and see” in your life?