By Jennifer Mauro | Associate Editor
A Dominican order of sisters known for their joy and dedication to education is coming to the Diocese next month to present a talk on learning to pray as a family.
The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia from Nashville, Tenn., will visit Holy Cross Parish, Rumson, at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 in the parish’s gymatorium, 30 Ward Ave. The event is free and open to the public.
Topics to be discussed will include: why pray as a family, obstacles to family prayer, praying with your spouse, sacred time and sacred space, and drawing your family together.
“I thought they [families] should see these sisters, as their excitement for the Gospel and prayer is contagious,” said Father Michael Manning, parish pastor.
The Nashville congregation of sisters, whose foundation goes back to 1860, is a young and vibrant order dedicated to the monastic lifestyle and Catholic education. The median age of the nearly 300 sisters is 36. They are the author of the book “A Short Guide to Praying as a Family,” which offers a step-by-step guide to family prayer life. English and Spanish versions of the book will be available for purchase for $20 at the event.
“This program is for people trying to introduce prayer into their family life,” said pastoral assistant Lori LaPlante, adding that includes spouses, teachers or whatever “family” looks like to an individual. “It’s an approachable topic for anyone, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey. I think there’s always something more we can add to our prayer practices.”
Father Manning said that in his experience, families that pray together are stronger and happier and that the children do better in school, which is why he hopes those attending will hear that beginning the process of worshipping together doesn’t have to be complicated.
“I’m hoping families realize it doesn’t have to be a mega production – it can be easy to start,” he said.
Leading up to the evening presentation, the sisters will meet during the day with students in Holy Cross School. Father Manning said he pursued the idea of having the sisters visit the youngsters because he thought it was important for them to understand the sisters’ religious life.
“I feel like something is missing when our young people don’t see religious women anymore in terms of vocation,” he said.
LaPlante agreed, saying children aren’t necessarily familiar with seeing sisters dressed in habits. “They see the vocations of marriage and family from their parents, and even [the vocation of] priests and deacons, but their exposure to the religious sisterhood is something they don’t see every day.”
Father Manning said he expects those who attend will experience the sisters’ enthusiasm for faith.
“I hope the sisters will evangelize them and that they’ll see the happiness of these women who’ve given their lives to God,” he said. “They’re a great model for families.”
For more information on the event, call the parish office at (732) 842-0348.