Home + Vocations + Becoming A Sister of Saint Basil the Great
TO A LIFE OF METANOIA – A DAILY CHANGE OF HEART “If you seek perfection, go sell your possessions and give to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Afterward, come back and follow me.” (Mt. 19:21-22) As all Christians, we as consecrated women are called to a greater life of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. TO KOINONIA – A LIFE IN COMMUNITY Community life has as its aim the glory of God. Community life makes it possible for us to fulfill the gospel precept of sisterly charity. “One who receives any of the gifts of the Spirit does not possess it for one’s own sake but rather for the sake of others, so that, in the life passed in community, the operation of the Holy Spirit in the individuals is at the same time necessarily transmitted to all.” (St. Basil: Long Rule 7) TO DIAKONIA – A LIFE OF CONSECRATED SERVICE “There are different ministries but the same Lord; there are different works but the same God who accomplishes all of them in everyone.” (1 Cor. 12:4) Diakonia, consecrated service, which flows from our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is the very nature of religious life. It is because of this relationship with the Trinity that service can be offered to others. He Calls Us To Be HIS PRAYING PRESENCE: We respond with love, offering our lives of prayer and commitment so that the world in seeing us sees him, in hearing us recognizes his voice, and in knowing us knows him. HIS HEALING PRESENCE: We respond with kindness and hospitality to those who are sick and needy, whether in body or spirit, dedicating ourselves in a special way for the reconciliation of those who live in the pain and darkness of separation from Jesus and his Church. HIS LIFE GIVING PRESENCE: We respond with sincerity and the willingness to share his gifts and goodness with those whose lives we touch so that they too may live more fully and be transformed in him. United in this common mission we journey forward, making known the Kingdom here on earth. |
Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick, OSBM, is a member of the Sisters of St. Basil. Currently, she serves as vocation directress, directress of the community's Association Program, and the program director of the Mount Saint Macrina House of Prayer (formerly the Retreat Center) located in Uniontown, Pa. After teaching in parochial schools for nine years, Sister earned a Master's Degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University, and she then began her ministries in retreat work, spiritual direction and parishes. For twelve years, Sister Barbara Jean served as the Assistant General Superior of the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great with residence in Rome and frequent ministry among the Sisters in Eastern Europe. Since living at Mount Saint Macrina, Sister Barbara Jean has participated in each of the LifeQuest weekends held there. She has also worked with committees in preparing formation guidelines. Sister also serves as a Provincial Councilor. For additional information or questions, contact Sister Barbara Jean at sbjm45@yahoo.com or call (724) 438-7149. Her address is Mount Saint Macrina House of Prayer, 510 West Main Street, Box 878, Uniontown, PA 15401. Coming soon a newsletter for women interested in religious life and/or spiritual growth. Sign up to have this newsletter e-mailed directly to you by contacting Sister Barbara Jean. |
