Day of Reception- almost Perfection

Dear Readers, Friends:

This will be my final post in the Candidacy Chronicle because I am no longer a Candidate!

As of August 10, 2024, I am Sr. Jamie, NOVICE of the Adrian Dominican Sisters !

I am still smiling at the memories of a nearly perfect day here in Adrian.

My family and best friend from high school arrived August 9 and settled into Weber Center. They came to Siena House for a cookout to celebrate their arrival and get to know my local community and the formation team. We had a lovely time and I watched with joy as my siblings and parents chatted and laughed with ease. I smiled as they explored the house I've called home for the past year, asking questions and offering compliments. Lively conversations and laughter filled each part of the kitchen and I knew that all was right with the world- my chosen family and my biological family were converging and anyone could see it was going well.

August 10- Reception Day

My high school best friend, Caitlin, had come in late the night before so we got to catch up and enjoy a good hug as I joined everyone for breakfast. We walked around the campus for a while, introducing them to many sisters and coworkers who were around. By 2:45, we gathered in Holy Rosary Chapel for a photo session! By this time, friends from South Bend and Windsor, ON, were arriving as well. I was feeling nervous because it was almost time for the ceremony! Take a look at these great photos:

During the ceremony, I couldn't stop smiling. Then, I surprised myself when I began to cry after Sr. Patty Harvat, OP, offered the preaching. I couldn't. stop. crying! Don't worry, these were not tears of fear or lament. Quite the opposite: these were tears of joy. When Sr. Elise Garcia, OP, our Prioress, gave me my new name and called me Sister Jamie, I felt like a puzzle piece clicked into place in the center of my being. These were tears of joy, of release, of liberation. Now, I am living the dream our God placed within me so many years ago.

And let me tell you, I actively denied the prompting of God. I was afraid to say "Yes" and afraid to let go of the things our world says make us successful: A car, a job, a house, a healthy financial situation. I worked hard to be successful in the eyes of popular culture and I am proud of what I have accomplished in my life. I am grateful to God and my family for supporting my educational and musical pursuits; accepting my need to relocate for work and ministry (here's looking at you, South Bend!). I was learning, loving life, and growing, yet I was still searching...

On this day, as Sr. Tarianne DeYonker, OP, and my dear Sr. Pat Walter, OP, dressed me in my preaching garment (NOT a habit for those who are curious), I was embraced in a new way of assessing the successes and experiences of my life. A new way of being human. Some months ago, when I interviewed with our Prioress as part of my application to the Novitiate, Sr. Elise asked me

"What does being 'sister' mean to you?"

I cannot recall my exact answer, but I hope it was good (and stated succinctly!)

Today, as I remember my reception day and this new life I continue to embrace, I know I want my life to be measured in love (insert Rent reference here). To me, being Sister means being present and supportive to all who are lonely, lost, in pain, and in need of a friend-- a sister. Whether family, friend, or stranger. I am grateful I chose the Beatitudes for my scripture reading at the Rite because this is what I hope to do as Sister--to bless all those who need it and to be a supportive, loving presence in a world that currently feels upside-down:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven."

(Matthew 5:1-12, NIV)

After the Rite concluded, I was able to greet all present in a receiving line. They offered congratulations, tokens, and cards. I enjoyed being addressed as Sister and probably will for a few weeks to come!

The evening continued with a beautiful dinner and a shared Dance Party with my sister Katherine Frazier, OP, who was celebrating a huge milestone of her own the next day, her Perpetual Profession of vows. Sr. Katherine has been a friend, mentor, and companion this year. I am so grateful we got to share such a celebratory weekend and I thank God for her own YES to God, Church, and our community.

Couldn't be with us for the livestream?

I invite you to watch my Reception into the Novitiate here.

So, what does a new Sister do? She moves! I am currently packing to move to Chicago, IL, into a new community of novices. I will be one of 6 women at this stage in formation and we range in age from our early 20s to our late 50s. As I prepare for this move, I am mindful of all the wonderful lessons I've learned as a Candidate:

• Slow down
• Breathe
• Fall in love with God
• Listen to your body
• Be open
• Develop faith and trust

As a Dominican Novice, I will continue to live into the above and focus on studying intercultural religious life with a course at Catholic Theological Union . With my ICCN sisters, we'll engage in weekly meetings with our Charism Formators and Novice Directors and attend workshops on the vows and other aspects of religious life. Some of these meetings and retreats will be with men in formation. Also of great Dominican importance is the focus on contemplation and prayer. I am still working on this as an individual but I know my community will pray together each day. When I think of all that is to come, I can't help being excited for the learning and the myriad experiences waiting to be lived in Chicago!

Once I arrive and settle into life in the Intercongregational Collaborative Novitiate, I hope to contribute to the ICCN blog . Please do visit the ICCN website if you'd like to continue following my journey as a Novice. Many sisters will contribute to the blog so you'll get to hear multiple perspectives and see with whom I'm sharing this step on the journey.

Thank you all for your love and support. Thank you to my family, especially for your loving and supportive presence.

Love and continued Prayer,

Sister Jamie