Be An MSC


beanmsc.jpgAll of us are called to be, to become, to do something specific and unique by God in our lives.  It is called a vocation.  It does not have to be spectacular or extra ordinary, in fact it may seem very ordinary.

Have you discerned how God may be calling you?
How can I discern my specific vocation?
Have you ever considered a religious vocation?

Discernment of any vocation involves much prayer and time.  It would be helpful to seek the advice of a Spiritual Director or your local parish priest to help to sift and sort out the various desires and attractions involved.   This process in no way involves any commitment long-term, it is simply a time of listening, clarifying and sorting out the many options in front of you.

The late Pope Paul II once said, “We need heralds of the Gospel who are experts in humanity, and who know the depths of the human heart, who can share the joys, the hopes, the agonies, the distress of people today”.   These words capture our own spirit as Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.   Maybe they also find an echo in your journey!
Who knows where the quest will lead you?  We wish you well in your searching.

If you would like further information you may contact:
Fr. Andrew Torma, MSC,   National Vocation Director based in Chicago.
e-mail : vocation@misacor-usa.org
Tel      : (773) 254-2366
Cell     : (630) 862-0979

Or

Fr. Michael Fitzgibbon, MSC,   Based in San Antonio, Texas.
e-mail  : michaelfitzgibbon@sbcglobal.net
Cell     : (210) 544-3143

Individual Vocation Prayer

“ Dear God,
I often wonder what my life will become and how I can best use the gifts and talents You have so lovingly given me.  I am sometimes puzzled and scared by all the choices I will have to make.  What do You want of me ,God?  How shall I serve Your people?  What are You calling me to do and to be?  Help me to listen to Your voice within me.  Give me the courage to make choices that will benefit others – and not just myself.

Help me to be a positive influence on others, someone who reflects Your light and glory, someone who offers Your love and compassion.  Enlighten me, dear God, as I ponder these things.

Walk with me please, and keep Your guiding hand on me as I try to do Your Holy Will. Amen.

Who are the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart?

We are an international religious congregation of more than 2,000 priests and brothers working in diverse ministries in more than 50 countries worldwide.   Religious life is one way of following Christ in the Gospels through vowed living and community life.

Religious congregations have much in common, yet each one has some specific characteristics or special emphasis on how to follow Christ which sets them apart.

The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) have an internalized spirituality.  Our Founder, Fr. Jules Chevalier, was inspired by contemplating on how Christ cared for all of us, especially those often forgotten and marginalized.  He came to realize and experience God’s tremendous love and concern for him as an individual as well as for the whole community.  He founded the MSC and co-founded two congregations of women  whom he wished to first experience this great love and then to share that gift with others so that they in turn could experience this love personally.

Many religious congregations were established to do some particular task, like working in education or medical fields.  But we work wherever and however we are needed.  We are not confined to any or a few ministries but to wherever there is an expressed need in the Church.

Here in Texas, we work in a variety of ministries.  We are a Section of the Irish Province who work in Ireland, England, South Africa, Namibia, Venezuela, Russia and the Southern States of the U.S.

Path to the Priesthood or Brotherhood as an MSC

Aspirancy
This is the initial discernment process with the vocation director.  (Am I really being called to be a religious?).  This process continues while living and working at home or staying in an MSC house with peers under the guidance of a formation director.  During this period you will learn about the MSC, about deepening prayer, prayer methods, communication as well as deepening your general knowledge of our faith.  There is no cost to this level of formation except for your travel and personal expenses.

Postulancy/Pre-Novitiate
This happens in our formation house in Chicago.  As Religious Life continues, this step involves academics;

  • A  candidate who has had no college will begin a B.A. program at CTU (Catholic Theological Union in Chicago)
  • A candidate who enters with some college credits will have to pick up any necessary credits and finish the B.A.
  • A candidate who has a degree or degrees, will have a specialized program of at least two years before novitiate.


Novitiate
After at least two years of living with the MSC community, and upon completing a B.A., the next level of formation is the Novitiate.  This is a special intensive year of prayer and reflection preparing the novices for their first vows of Obedience, Chastity and Poverty, and also an in-depth study of the history of Religious Life, our Constitutions and our MSC spirituality and mission.  This year will be spent at an international MSC novitiate outside the U.S.A.

Temporary Professed
This a three year period of temporary vows before making perpetual or final profession of vows during which the candidate will continue with his theological studies once again back in C.T.U.

At the end of four years of theological studies the candidates for priesthood will continue with a pastoral year before ordination.   Candidates for the MSC brotherhood will continue in other professional training.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1.    Who or what is a religious priest or brother?
A priest, whether Diocesan or religious, is a Christian, a member of the Church, called by God to proclaim the “Good News” of salvation to the world and to lead God’s people in worship, especially in making present the saving sacrifice of Jesus on the cross in the Eucharist.  He is also privileged to celebrate the other sacraments with God’s family in baptisms, reconciliation, anointing of the sick and at weddings.

A religious priest does the above within the context of his particular religious congregation’s charism and mission. An MSC priest operates as  part of a religious community which can also include MSC brothers who are equally MSC but who not feel called or attracted to priesthood.    

2.    What exactly is a “vocation”?
A vocation is a call from God to do something specifically for God to further His reign on earth.  The primary vocation of every Christian is to be holy!  Yet everyone lives it in a special and unique way according to God’s plan.

3.    What are some of these other vocations?
The most common vocation is marriage, while others may be called to diocesan priesthood, to religious life as a sister, brother or priest.  Equally, God calls some to the commitment to the single life.  One can be attracted to many of them, Discernment and prayer will determine which one is God’s choice.

4.    Do I have to be “holy” first?
All of us are called to holiness – to be Christ-like. This is a life-long process for everyone in every vocation.  Once we begin to surrender our lives to Jesus then the Holy Spirit continues to form and shape us ever so slowly.  Holiness is living from Gospel values rather than from our own self-centered and self-serving ways.

5.    Is being a religious boring or difficult?
Being a member of a religious congregation means that we are ‘team players’. We both draw strength from, and offer strength and support to each other. We share a common vision and mission. Yet each one of us is a unique individual with his own gifts and talents. These are shared with and respected by the community. It is a challenging, very fulfilling life but it is also extremely rewarding.