|
My first contact with the SCJ's came through a newsletter, "Children of the Prairie' that was published at St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota. Later, I was to serve at the school as a chaplain and counselor for six years. I was drawn to the SCJ's by their focus on mission and service throughout the world. Our call to be "prophets of love and servants of reconciliation' is a vocation to answer a growing need in the Church today. To me, being an SCJ means that I am a witness to the love of Christ symbolized in his Sacred Heart in the day-to-day work of building community whether among the Lakota Sioux of South Dakota or the Hispanic communities of South Texas or with second-career vocations at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. What I live and who I am both challenges and enriches my life as I experience the presence of Christ in the diversity of cultures. Our founder, Fr. Leo John Dehon, believed in our mission to the world. It's a mission to which I witness no matter where I live. My counseling background opens me to frequent opportunities to reconcile those who feel hurt and often angry at the larger church or who are seeking a more peaceful way to live in their families and communities 
None of this would be possible without the support and struggle of living in community with other men who share a common vision and mission. I have lived in communities with as few as two members or as many as eleven. Presently, I live with 9 US SCJs and another 24 who come from countries around the world to learn English and share in our prayer and community life. Each community offers its gifts and challenges. I continue to feel motivated and energized as an SCJ. I see the challenges of living religious life today but I am encouraged by the many and diverse talents around me. Together I believe we can help build the church of tomorrow as today we live out the reality of the church in our prayer and community life. 
Top of Page
|