ST. LAWRENCE DEANERY — A local religious community is hoping that a new DVD, which reflects their vibrant charism and ministries, will help expand their vocation outreach. "Extravagant Love: the Vocation of the Sisters of Charity," was developed by the congregation’s vocation team in collaboration with the membership focus committee. St. Anthony Messenger Press produced the DVD.

"We had been talking about ways to publicize our vocation outreach and every indication is that print media isn’t where our target audience (young women ages 16 to 35) is looking," explained Sister Janet Gildea, a member of the vocation team. "It seemed obvious that we needed a CD or DVD that we can put on our website and on U-Tube and send out to people who express an interest. We wanted something that would truly express who we are."

In addition, she said, they wanted the DVD to convey the continuity of mission and charism of charity and, in particular, to demonstrate how the congregation’s current ministries are reinventions of the charism their foundress, St. Elizabeth Seton, along with Sts. Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac, who founded the Daughters of Charity.

Rather than an overview of the entire community, Sister Janet said the decision was made to highlight the ministries of a few Sisters and feature them telling their stories. Among those featured on the narrative are Sisters Kateri Koverman, Juana Mendez and Sandy Howe. In telling of their work, the Sisters also make a connection to the women who came before them. Sister Kateri Koverman, who has ministered in times of war and conflict in Vietnam, Ethiopia and El Salvador and now serves as director of Them Bones Veterans Community, is following in the footsteps of the Sisters of Charity who were Civil War nurses. Sister Juana Mendez, director of Centro de Amistad, the social service and educational arm of Christo Rey Parish in Erlanger, Ky., has been actively involved outreach to immigrants. In doing so, she is continuing the ministry of Sisters Blandina and Justina Segale, who founded the Santa Maria Institute in 1897, to assist local immigrants adjust to their new country.

Among the other women featured on the DVD is Sister Sandy Howe, a newer member of the congregation who referred to the occasion of professing her final vows as, "the happiest day of my life. There was just this excitement, joy and sense of peace within me," she said.

The DVD also explores how a number of Sisters experienced their "call" to religious life, along with examining the communal aspect of their lives. "I was drawn by community element, the day in, day out support of the Sisters," Sister Janet said. "It’s enabled me to develop my gifts and has challenged me to grow."

She described the 15-minute DVD as "very user friendly," and said the congregation is hoping to distribute it to as broad an audience as possible, including teachers, parish vocation committees and parents. "We really want them to encourage children to consider religious life. Sometimes people think no one is asking or talking about it. The DVD is way to reach people and hopefully promote some discussion."

Alisha Rust, an associate in volunteer ministry with the Sisters of Charity who has seen the DVD, believes it will serve as a valuable tool in promoting vocations. "The Sisters’ willingness to follow Christ, love all people in spite of the barriers we’ve placed in the world, and address social justice concerns (as shown in the DVD) is great evidence of their compassion, determination, and influence in today’s society. The ministries that many of the Sisters have dedicated their lives to attest to their extravagant love for others and Christ. This message will reach women who watch the video in a very real sense. In today’s age, I believe that young women seek to join a religious community when they want to give their whole lives to God. They want to commit to a lifestyle that enables them to serve others in the fullest of all senses, while living in a community that fosters spiritual growth and offers support. The DVD portrays the Sisters of Charity community as doing just that."

The DVD, which features beautiful music composed and performed by member of the congregation, is available free of charge. For more information, contact Sister Janet at janetsc@juno.com or 513-535-1624.