My Franciscan Discernment Journey: Finding the Right Order
I just walked in from Mass! Yes, I made it to Mass AND the meeting. If you recall, I only learned about this meeting because Sister Colleen came to my church a few weeks back and gave a presentation. I approached her after Mass to ask about joining their secular order, and she told me to join today’s meeting on Zoom. When I found out you could attend in person, the Holy Spirit said, ‘GO’, even though the journey is always arduous. BUT, despite rainy weather the last several days and the hurricane up north, the skies were clear, and the only thing raining was GRACE.
About a mile from the Convent and Retreat Center, I noticed I was tailing a car lol. Every turn Siri told me to make, the car in front of me was doing first. After the third or fourth identical turn, I was worried that the driver may be worried about me haha. They pulled into the destination parking lot, I pulled in right behind, and since all the spots were full except the one next to theirs, I pulled right in next to her haha.
She got out and smiled and said, ‘I thought you were following me!’ I said, “I Am”.
A moment later, Sister Colleen pulled in and I walked in with both of them. The meeting was beautiful, the energy warm and welcoming- both in person and on Zoom. But about 15 minutes in, I could tell that while it would be a beautiful group to belong to, this wasn’t a Third or Secular Order.
From the language they were using (‘associates’ instead of ‘sisters and brothers’) and the time it would take to join (not long), and no talk of ‘vows’ or commitments (which I need), I could sense that it may be a breadcrumb along the way.
When it ended, I approached the co-director and she confirmed my suspicions but informed me that there was in fact a secular order member amongst us. Her name was Linda and she sat right next to me the whole time. I followed her into the parking lot. And, I just may follow her into the Third Order Franciscans! We exchanged information. But because I’m overzealous I already reached out to them lol. And they messaged right back about a meeting of ALL the orders next Saturday. Like a smorgasbord if you will. I can meet everyone at once and let God decide. I love this path. And I’m happy you’re on it with me!
I asked the Associates of the Allegheny Sisters (and attending sisters) if we could take a selfie for you, and they agreed! I also ate some delicious home-cooked food (!!!), and then walked the property briefly for the first time since my silent retreat there in 2023. It felt like a full-circle moment. I’ll keep you posted on Saturday’s meeting! Another breadcrumb! I’m hot on His Heels!
I love you,
nik
P.S. I talked to two beautiful sisters who attended today and asked when they knew they were called. One said 10 (while riding her bike one day)! The other said 15! There was also a sister who’s been in the order for 60 years and lives in Jamaica!
Read More:
ALMOST A NUN- Notes From My Third Order Discernment Pt.1
Almost a Nun, Part 2: The Little Book That Changed My Life Completely
Driver, Roll Up the Partition, Please…
Almost a Nun, Part 3: Sister Mary Nikki?!
