Community Life

A-Day-in-the-Life

Description of gallery.

[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dscn2375.jpg]Our day begins at 5 AM
From morning to evening, let us praise the Lord As Servants of Mary, our consecrated life is an uninterrupted act of praise to God; The Eucharist is the very center of our life which expresses praise and thanksgiving in a very special way. We give praise to the Lord when we pray the Liturgy of the Hours. 5:00 AM - Our day begins with praise to God “Thank you, Lord, for this new day” The sound of the bell calls us to rise in the morning One of the Sisters rings the bell The bell is the voice of the Lord that calls us to be in His Presence Bell ringer: “Hail, Mary Most Pure” All respond: “Conceived without sin” Bell ringer: “Arise, Sisters, to praise God and His Most Blessed Mother” [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc00070.jpg]Habit
While the Servant of Mary dons her holy habit, she raises her prayer to the Lord. “Cover me, Lord, with the white stole of innocence and make me pure of heart that I may be worthy of everlasting life.”[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc00067.jpg]Belt
“Gird me, Lord, with the cincture of purity and quench in me the fire of vice that I may be always clean of heart.”[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc00069.jpg]Cape
“Grant, Lord, that I may carry the yoke of your holy law and the light weight of my religious duties with fortitude and meekness, that I may always be worthy of your divine grace.” [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc00071.jpg]Veil
“Defend me, Lord, with your grace, that I may victoriously resist all evil thoughts. Amen.” [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_ph-6-dsc02823.jpg]5:30 AM - In the Chapel
“In the morning, Lord, hear our prayer” Gathered in the Chapel, we begin with a prayer of praise to the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar and to Our Blessed Mother, followed by the “Angelus” or the “Regina Coeli”, according to the liturgical season. An hour of prayer We invoke the assistance of the Holy Spirit with the prayer “Come, Holy Spirit” at the beginning of an hour of personal prayer in silence before the Tabernacle where we know that Jesus dwells.[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_ph-7-dscn4795.jpg]6:30 AM - Liturgy of the Hours - Morning Prayer
“Christ prays in us and for us to the Father” “The Liturgy of the Hours, public prayer of the Church, associates us with the hymn of praise of Christ to his Father” (Const. 39). [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_rev-j-aquinas-guilbeau_-o-p-bronx-2009.jpg]6:45 AM - Celebration of the Eucharist
“We shall participate in the Eucharistic Sacrifice, offering to the Father in union with Christ our lives and the pain of our suffering brothers, converting our working day into a continual Mass” (Const. 38). [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_ph-9-dscn4842.jpg]The Sacrifice of Christ
The Eucharist is the sacrifice of Christ on the cross as well as the “Lord’s Supper.” In it, we bring to mind our Salvation and the Paschal mystery of Christ made present, making himself truly present under the species of bread and wine. Furthermore, Christ is present in the assembly, in the minister and in the Word. When one lives the Eucharist, she incorporates herself into Christ, dead and risen, and offers herself to the Father in the oblation of his Son. [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_ph-10-imag0124.jpg]Center of Religious Life
The Eucharist is the center of religious life and of the Community. Participation should be interior and exterior, full and conscious, fruitful and active. This Eucharistic celebration extends throughout our daily life’s commitments, which in turn, carry us back once again to the Eucharist. At the end of the Mass, the thanksgiving is prolonged for a few minutes. Then, all shall leave the Chapel in silence. [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc00990.jpg]7:30 AM - Breakfast
Whatsoever you do, do it all for the glory of God “Lord, grant that the nourishment we take be a sign of fraternity” After the greeting and blessing of the food, a passage from Sacred Scripture or the Imitation of Christ is read. [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dscn2434.jpg]7:45 AM - In the Chapel
The Sisters on night duty with the sick have their time for personal prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and in silence. The student Sisters leave for school.[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc00661.jpg]Offering to Our Blessed Mother
At the designated time for silence, a prayer of offering to Our Blessed Mother is said either in community or individually, followed by the Hail Mary and Glory Be.[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_reading-scripture.jpg]8:30 AM - Spiritual Reading
To know the Scriptures is to know Christ “Spiritual Reading is another powerful means to nourish our faith and cultivate the interior life” (Const. 42). As we begin the Reading, we pray the invocation to the Holy Spirit, a Hail Mary and Glory Be. At the conclusion we offer our thanksgiving prayer to God. [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_cleaning-refectory.jpg]9:00 AM - Duties. Time for work and study
Cleaning the refectory “Blessed is he who walks in the presence of the Lord” We offer the Lord all the moments of these hours, asking Him to grant us the grace to employ them in the accomplishment of His most holy Will.[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dscn4883.jpg]Rinsing the dishes
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc01077.jpg]Doing the laundry
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_washing-dishes.jpg]Washing the dishes
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_018.jpg]Laundry
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc01014.jpg]Ironing
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_sewing-machine.jpg]Sewing
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc01011b.jpg]Folding laundry
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_sacristans-carnations.jpg]Sacristans arrange flowers
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_sacristan-chalice.jpg]Preparing the sacred chalice
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_cleaning-the-blinds.jpg]Humble task
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc01090.jpg]It smells good
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_sister-nursing-elderly-sister.jpg]Infirmary
At the infirmary, taking care of our own sick and elderly Sisters[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_sister-taking-blood-pressure.jpg]Taking blood pressure
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_preparing-the-meds.jpg]Preparing medications for our Sisters
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_003.jpg]Conferences that the Novices have every day with Mother Mistress
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc01022.jpg]Study
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_sister-ringing-bell.jpg]Cloister Bell
At the sound of the cloister bell, we recite the “Miserere” or Psalm 51 in alternate choirs. “Have mercy on me, God, in your goodness; In your abundant compassion blot out my offense. Wash away all my guilt; From my sin cleanse me…” In silence we proceed to the refectory for lunch [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dscn4793.jpg]11:15 AM - In the Chapel
Prayer of Praise to the Blessed Trinity Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Let us praise and exalt him above all forever. “Following in the footsteps of our Holy Mother Foundress, we shall offer daily our Prayer of Praise to the Blessed Trinity.” (Const. 42) Examination of Conscience Show us, O Lord, your mercy and grant us your salvation. “We shall examine the state of our conscience daily in order to humbly acknowledge our misgivings and less upright attitudes, give impulse to the proper development of our spiritual life…” (Const. 42)[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_refectory.jpg]11:30 AM - Lunch
The Lord gives nourishment to every living being After the Blessing before Meals, a Sister reads a number from our Constitutions followed by a spiritual book while the other Sisters eat in silence. (It is our custom to observe silence while we eat. Only on Thursdays, Sundays or special feasts is speaking permitted. Then the Sister reads a number from our Constitutions and the Gospel Reading for the day). [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_chapel-sisters-praying.jpg]12:00 Noon - “Te Deum”, “Angelus” or “Regina Coeli,” and the Prayer to Saint María Soledad
Following lunch, we proceed to the Chapel in silence to recite the “Te Deum” in alternate choirs. During Holy Week this is substituted with one of the penitential psalms. We continue with the “Angelus” or “Regina Coeli” according to the liturgical season and a few minutes of silence for a colloquial-visit to the Blessed Sacrament, concluding with the Prayer to Saint María Soledad, our Mother Foundress. [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_volleyball-sisters.jpg]12:00 Noon
While some Sisters wash the dishes and clean the refectory, the rest participate in time for recreation. [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_stroll-in-the-garden.jpg]Time to play, share and laugh
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_2010-kansas-city_-ks-066.jpg]Friendly chat
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_volleyball-beach.jpg]Novices and Postulants playing volleyball
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dscn2236.jpg]12:30 – 7:00 PM
Time for rest for the Sisters who are going out at night to care for the sick[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dscn2300.jpg]1:00 PM
Time for duties or study for the Sisters who are not on night duty.[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc01062.jpg]Study
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_imag0084.jpg]Kitchen work
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_imag0013.jpg]Sending out the mail
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc01073.jpg]Computer tasks
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_sisters-chapel-5-45-pm.jpg]5:45 PM - In the Chapel
Prayer of the Holy Rosary We meditate on the mysteries of Christ with Mary “Mary should occupy a special place of preference in our spiritual life as Mother and Teacher.” (Const. 41)[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_sisters-in-white-praying.jpg]Praying the Rosary
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dscn2320.jpg]6:15 PM - Personal prayer in silence in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament
Listen and meditate on the Word of God “We must cultivate with lively and persevering interest the spirit of prayer and the practice of it, ever drawing on the genuine sources of christian spirituality, principally on those of Sacred Scripture and the liturgy” (Const. 36) The Holy Spirit is invoked followed by a Hail Mary and Glory Be [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_chapel-prayers.jpg]6:45 PM - Divine Office: Evening Prayer
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_2010-pictures-025.jpg]7:00 PM - Time to arise
The Sisters who will go out at night to care for the sick arise.[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc00973.jpg]7:00 PM - Recreation for the Sisters at home
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc01017.jpg]Friendly game of cards
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_2010-kansas-city_-ks-029.jpg]7:30 PM - Dinner
Blessing at Dinner The “Angelus” or “Regina Coeli”, according to the liturgical season, is recited before blessing the meal. A Sister announces the liturgy for the following day and the Community in which the Mass for vocations will be celebrated and reads a number from our Norms of Application and from a spiritual book or Life of the Saints. [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dsc00986.jpg]8:00 PM - Cleaning the refectory and kitchen
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dscn2434_0.jpg]8:00 PM - Visit to the Blessed Sacrament
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_sister-helpiing-older-lady-in-bed.jpg]8:00 PM
The nursing Sisters leave the convent to go out to take care of the sick. [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_blood-pressure-older-lady.jpg]Meeting her in her home
[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dscn2227.jpg]Recreation
Where does that blue piece go?[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_snowball-fight.jpg]8:30 PM - Recreation
Who threw that?[img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_dscn3296.jpg]9:00 PM - Divine Office: Night Prayer
Lord, change our rest into a humble act of praise Examination of conscience At this time an examination of conscience or revision of the day is made in silence followed by the penitential rite. We conclude our day with a hymn or song to Our Blessed Mother. Grand Silence [img src=http://www.sisterservantsofmary.org/wp-content/flagallery/a-day-in-the-life/thumbs/thumbs_stained-glass-virgin.jpg]Salve Regina
On Saturdays the Salve Regina is sung in honor of Our Lady and Mother.