Vocation Story
On 13th January 2018, I professed vows and became a Sister of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. I feel strongly called to live a life of service and connection. Walking with an open listening heart, sharing gratitude, and of course humor and joy are fruits of this grateful listening.
This journey of consecrated life is indeed a counter cultural choice. Sure, I have had an abundance of all the normal things that society said should make me happy and peaceful. I grew up in rural New Zealand, and have had many international adventures. I have worked as a snowboard instructor among other things, operated a successful graphic design business, and have many years of experience working in digital communication and illustration. But, a few years back now our creator God had other plans. My life journey has been blessed and indeed far from perfect. Tragedy strikes in many forms; the earthquakes in Christchurch in 2011 really did rock my world and when paired with other personal events my perspective on life certainly changed, grace opened my heart.
The Aboriginal culture has a word 'Dadirri' which speaks of a deep listening that I feel is central to my life and relationship with God. Dadirri means inner, deep listening and quiet, still awareness; calling us to reflect and contemplate the wonders of all God's creation. My life and faith are a continual daily listening to God in gratitude and continual surrender. I believe that God is found in truth, goodness and beauty.
Artwork is something I have created since childhood to spread joy and love. I am now developing artwork as a ministry and listening to where God is taking it. I believe that creativity / artwork is a way to serve God, it is a tool that I try to use to serve God, to hopefully connect us to the transcendent and create community. You are welcome to read my Artist Bio. I am hoping you can join me in solidarity as I live life as a Sister of St Jospeh of the Sacred Heart. Every one is welcome here. Everyone is included no matter your sexuality, race, age, history. Everyone is welcome.
Thank you for travelling with me today.
~ Jane
Note: Any views here are my own. I do not speak on behalf of my congregation.
This journey of consecrated life is indeed a counter cultural choice. Sure, I have had an abundance of all the normal things that society said should make me happy and peaceful. I grew up in rural New Zealand, and have had many international adventures. I have worked as a snowboard instructor among other things, operated a successful graphic design business, and have many years of experience working in digital communication and illustration. But, a few years back now our creator God had other plans. My life journey has been blessed and indeed far from perfect. Tragedy strikes in many forms; the earthquakes in Christchurch in 2011 really did rock my world and when paired with other personal events my perspective on life certainly changed, grace opened my heart.
The Aboriginal culture has a word 'Dadirri' which speaks of a deep listening that I feel is central to my life and relationship with God. Dadirri means inner, deep listening and quiet, still awareness; calling us to reflect and contemplate the wonders of all God's creation. My life and faith are a continual daily listening to God in gratitude and continual surrender. I believe that God is found in truth, goodness and beauty.
Artwork is something I have created since childhood to spread joy and love. I am now developing artwork as a ministry and listening to where God is taking it. I believe that creativity / artwork is a way to serve God, it is a tool that I try to use to serve God, to hopefully connect us to the transcendent and create community. You are welcome to read my Artist Bio. I am hoping you can join me in solidarity as I live life as a Sister of St Jospeh of the Sacred Heart. Every one is welcome here. Everyone is included no matter your sexuality, race, age, history. Everyone is welcome.
Thank you for travelling with me today.
~ Jane
Note: Any views here are my own. I do not speak on behalf of my congregation.
Misc Articles / Resources
|
Relevant reflections from my Blog:
The 'Yes' to first profession > Surrender, Home, Joy First Year of Vowed Life > 2018: Listening, Doors, Merry-go-rounds A day in the life > Sounds of Pastoral Ministry The Sisters of St Joseph: > When we Truly Listen || > What are you so afraid of? > Firsts (First Profession) || > Technology & Teenagers |
Learn more about my story by listening to a 2017
abc Radio Melbourne interview Tui Motu: Listening to the Depths The Daily Telegraph: Why young people are lining up to... The Wireless: Taking a leap of faith into religious life + see video below |
