Sister Mary Caroline Fritter, a sister of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, believes that her congregation’s unique contribution to the Church is that of carrying out its two-fold mission—adoring the Incarnate Word and evangelizing by proclaiming the mystery of the Incarnation.

A lengthy history of administration in both congregation and school settings is part of Sister Agnes Marie Tengler’s legacy. Sister Agnes Marie is celebrating 70 years of service to consecrated life with the sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament.

“By their fruits you will know them (Mt 7:16).” Jesus’ cautionary comment in the Sermon on the Mount offers a yardstick by which all disciples can measure the trustworthiness of those who claim to be about the work of the Lord.

Consecrated life is a vocation just as marriage and priesthood. Both men and women can choose to consecrate their lives to Christ as a way to seek an intimate relationship with him.

Nobody is called to do nothing with his or her life! God calls everyone to a specific vocation. And while discerning our vocation takes time, and can often be difficult, rest assured that God is not calling anyone to perpetual indecision.

One of the hardest decisions that Sister Isabel López, PCI had to make was to leave her mother and become a Pax Christi Sister. She felt called to be a Pax Christi Sister when she and a friend went to a mission to visit and pray with the sisters near her home in Veracruz.

Historically, within the canonical (legal) structure of the Church, congregations of men were referred to as the “first order.” Congregations of women were designated as the “second order.” Around the 13th century, the Holy Spirit–as always throughout the events of human history–provided for the needs of the times. A “third order” came into existence.

St. Monica is known the world over for her patience and persistence in prayer for the conversion of her son, Augustine. That—along with the graceful way she endured the abuse of her pagan husband—is why she is the patron saint of patience.

Bishop Michael Mulvey ordained two priests from the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity on June 6 in Corpus Christi Cathedral. The new priests are, Father Jeremy Davis, SOLT and Father Beau Schweitzer, SOLT.

As a teenager, Sister Emma Marie Stillman, a member of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, dreamt of providing for the needs of the poor as an attorney, but Father Alvin Tengler, Vocation Director for the Diocese of Corpus Christi broadened her idea when he asked, "So, what’s keeping you from being a Sister?" Fifty years later she is observing her golden jubilee in religious life.

One of the essentials of any strong relationship is keeping connected. Members of consecrated life are well aware of this truth. Since relationships in consecrated life are multi-directional; so are the opportunities available to keep connected.

Parents with children considering a life as a priest or religious sister or brother often have many questions. This is the second of two-part series in which we will review some of these questions. Perhaps you have not thought of all these questions or perhaps you have others, but it is important that you honestly consider these questions so that you can provide your son or daughter the support they need.

Five sisters of the Incarnate Word of the Blessed Sacrament were honored for their years of consecrated life at the Mass of Thanksgiving and Jubilee of Profession of Vows on April 18 at St. Patrick Church. Bishop Michael Mulvey was the main celebrant and Bishop Daniel Flores from the Diocese of Brownsville was the homilist. Many priests throughout the diocese concelebrated the Mass, including Msgr. Roger Smith, pastor of St. Patrick Church.

Each religious congregation or order has a special gift to bring to the Church…to offer the world. The uniqueness of this charism or spiritual gift marks the congregation with its own personality and dynamic—both internally and externally.

Parents with children considering a life as a priest or religious sister or brother often have many questions. This is the first of two-part series in which we will review some of these questions. Perhaps you have not thought of all these questions or perhaps you have others, but it is important that you honestly consider these questions so that you can provide your son or daughter the support they need.

More than 40 sisters from different congregations throughout the diocese attended the March 7 Lenten Morning of Reflection held at the Pax Christi Liturgical Center.