The new evangelization calls for personal involvement on the part of each of the baptized. Every Christian is challenged, here and now, to be actively engaged in evangelization; indeed, anyone who has truly experienced God’s saving love does not need much time or lengthy training to go out and proclaim that love. Every Christian is a missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered the love of God in Christ Jesus: we no longer say that we are “disciples” and “missionaries”, but rather that we are always “missionary disciples”. …So what are we waiting for? (Evangelii Gaudium 120)
Apostolate
- Where We Serve
- Evangelization and Catechesis
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In the fall of 2011, at the invitation of Archbishop Michael Miller, CSB, the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia were privileged to begin serving in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, Canada. Providentially, the patroness of the Archdiocese is Our Lady of the Rosary, to whom Dominicans have a special devotion, since tradition holds that the Blessed Virgin appeared to St. Dominic and gave him the Rosary.
As with their missions in the United States, the sisters’ primary apostolate in Vancouver is Catholic education. Currently, three sisters teach at two elementary schools, with a fourth sister teaching at Catholic Pacific College at Trinity Western University.
In addition to the teaching apostolate, the sisters participate regularly in archdiocesan activities to promote spiritual growth and religious vocations. The sisters host a discernment group for young women called “Vocations in Progress” (VIP). This VIP group meets once a month on a Friday evening to pray together, share a meal, and discuss a particular topic related to vocation discernment. Once a year, the sisters organize a spiritual retreat for young women.
When not engaged in the apostolate, the sisters often take the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular nature of this beautiful region. They have discovered that hiking excursions along the gorgeous coastlines and through the majestic mountains frequently become occasions when they can exercise the ministry of “presence”, as fellow hikers approach to share their experiences of God or ask questions about faith or the consecrated life.
The Congregation is grateful to be part of the vibrant faith community of the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
For more information about retreats or other events in hosted by our sisters in Canada, click here or email vancouver@op-tn.org.
