Is Jesus Calling Me?

Women’s choices

The Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family (MSHF) were founded by Patriarch Elias Hoyek in 1895. The first Maronite Order of Active Sisters their mission focuses on teaching the less fortunate children and ministering to the sick and elderly. Currently there are approximately 290 sisters who work in schools, hospitals and in parishes throughout Lebanon. The MSHF established themselves in Sydney Australia in 1968. Today they operate their two Colleges (K-12), 2 pre-schools and one childcare centre. They also have a nursing home and administer a hostel. Along with their own establishments the sisters work tirelessly on the diocesan and parish levels. For more information on the life of a MSHF contact Sr Margaret on mghosn@olol-college.nsw.edu.au

The Antonine Sisters were originally established in the 1700s as Sisters of the Maronite Antiochene Rite of Saint Isaiah, functioning as an enclosed, contemplative Order. In 1940 it became an active Order, contributing significantly in areas of education, healthcare and social work throughout Lebanon. After the upheaval in the 1970s the Order responded to the needs of communities of families who fled Lebanon. Besides missions in France, Syria, Cyprus, Canada and the US, the Antonine Sisters have established themselves in Melbourne, Australia. Since 1980 the Sisters have run an Arabic language school, child care centre, hostel and a K-10 school along with extensive work in the parish.

Men’s Choices

The Diocesan Priest draws people to Jesus and Jesus to the people, by administering the sacraments and caring for God’s people in their daily needs. To become a diocesan priest takes at least 6 years of Theological and Philosophical studies. Do not let this discourage you; God always gives the graces we need to do what God asks us to do. Unlike priests who belong to a religious Congregation, a diocesan priest is often assigned to a parish and the Bishop of the Diocese is his point of contact. There is never a boring moment in the priesthood. It is challenging and at the same time it is very rewarding.

Lebanese Maronite Order (LMO) was founded in the north of Lebanon in 1695. Its mission is to serve the Maronite Church, both through pastoral life and academic education. It is active in a number of countries over seas. The Order arrived in Australia in 1972 and since then has established a Church, monastery and St Charbel’s College, which caters from K-12. The LMO also manages a retreat centre in Appin, and a Maronite Mass centre in Leppington. One member of the LMO, St Charbel, was canonised in 1977; another monk, Blessed Neematallah El-Hardini, is to be canonised on May 16, 2004. For more information contact St Charbel’s monastery on 9750 6000.

The Antonine Maronite Order originally known as St Isaiah Monks, began in the 1700s by a reformer of monastic life (Patriarch) Mgr Gabriel. The first monastery, Deir Mar Chaaya, was followed by 23 more, along with schools, universities and a hospital in Lebanon. The mission has also extended to Syria, Canada, France, Belguim and Italy. The Order maintains a harmony between traditional monastic observance and the spread of pastoral and apostolic work in the surrounding districts. The Antonines have always considered the spreading of the word of God as an important mission in the numerous parishes they serve. In 1998 the Antonine Order arrived in Australia, working in the Melbourne parish and opening St Charbel’s Monastery to spiritual retreats, prayers, bible studies, youth spiritual development and other community services.

Lebanese Maronite Missionaries (CLMM) 'Kreimists' was founded by Rev Father Youhanna Habib, in 1865, who was inspired by society's need for zealous priests to attend to the spiritual welfare of the faithful, while remaining apathetic to political and social matters. Obedience and charity are the two main virtues Fr Youhanna Habib set as examples for missionaries to uphold. Their vocation extends beyond that of a diocesan priest, not only being called to serve their parishioners but also to actively reach out to the community, preach the word of God and take a practical approach towards enlightening and empowering the faithful in becoming effective witnesses. Besides Lebanon they have missions in Australia (Sydney), US, Brazil, Argentina and South Africa.

Deacon meaning servant or helper, has a prominent position in the Church. They are a needed blessing for the service and administration of the Church. The process of ordaining married or unmarried men to the Holy Order is called and ordination and is performed by the bishop. After Bishops and priests, the deacon is third in line in Holy Orders.

Websites of interest

For the Krimea – www.kreim.org
For the MSHF – www.saintefamille.org

www.catholicvocation.org.au
www.ozvocations.catholic.org.au
www.vocations.com/vocfag.html
www.visionguide.org

Worth while Articles

• The Second Vatican Council Documents of Religious Life
• 'Unglued' by Sr Rosann Ocken OSB
• 'Finding the Treasure' by Sandra Schneiders (A 3 volume book about religious life today)
• 'The Consecrated Life: Crossorads and directions' by Marcello Azevedo SJ