Sister Speak
Terminology used in documents of religious congregations may have a different meaning in other arenas. Definitions of terms we use include the following:
Adoration
worship and praise offered to God alone
Apostolate
another word for ministry, carrying on the work of the apostles, spreading the Good News of God’s love
Apostolic
a description of work done in the apostolate
Asceticism
strict self-discipline (even denial) in order to be a more faithful disciple of Christi
Canonical
dealing with Church law
Celibate Chastity
in order to focus all our energy on our mission to offer love universally, we vow to abstain from the intimate expression of love for one person/family
Charism
Charism is a particular gift of the Holy Spirit to a group of Consecrated Religious for the good of the Church. This gift is the focus of the spiritual orientation and the special characteristics of the mission of the group. Our charism is to be an extension of Jesus, the Incarnate Word and make present the human face of God's love.
Consecrated Life
way of life formed by the three vows of poverty, celibate chastity and obedience
Constitution
the central document that expresses the essentials of a religious congregation
Councilors
four Sisters elected for a specified term to assist the Superior General in serving the congregation through advice and decision-making.
Evening Prayer
Liturgy of the Hours celebrated in the evening to close the efforts of the day and bless the evening hours
Final Vows
sometimes known as perpetual vows; vows taken for life, making the Sister a permanent member of the congregation
Incarnation
The Incarnation is the central Christian belief of the second Person of the Trinity's becoming human. "And the Word was made flesh." (Jn 1.14)
Leadership
those called to assist the community in living out our charism and to coordinate our ministry.Two levels of government call for two levels of leadership: The General Administration serves the entire community or congregation. The Sister-in-Charge serves the local community.
Leadership Team
Superior General and four General Councilors serve (lead) the congregation.
Liturgy of the Hours
official, public prayer of the Church, based on Scripture, offered at various times of the day
Ministry
specific work or effort of the congregation or an individual to contribute to the fulfillment of our mission
Mission
purpose for existence
Morning Prayer
Liturgy of the Hours celebrated in the morning to dedicate the day to God
Obedience
in order to focus on God’s will in accomplishing our mission, we vow to refrain from making significant decisions individually.
Poverty
in order to focus on God’s providence in accomplishing our mission, we vow to detach ourselves from personal control of material goods.
Prayer
response to the awareness to the presence and action of God in our lives
Renewal
a call from Vatican Council II to the religious congregations, and their response to return to the original focus of their charism and mission
Retreat
time set aside for prayer and reflection; time dedicated to deepening one’s relationship with God
Sister
title given to a woman canonically recognized as a member of a religious congregation
Spiritual Director
one who journeys with and provides guidance on the spiritual journey of one’s life in terms of discernment and spiritual growth as a disciple of Christ.
Spirituality
manner in which we (as whole persons) live in and with the power of Spirit
Superior General
Leader serving the congregation, elected for a specified term
Temporary Vows
vows taken for a specific amount of time, usually during one of the steps in initial formation
Vocation
the call from God to live the Baptismal commitment to love within a particular life pattern and set of relationships (married, single, consecrated, ordained)
Vow
promise to God
Witness
because of personal knowledge, we testify to the truth of God’s love through our life – both actions and words.
