- September 18, 2017 Sister Stories
Sister Mary Flick Makes Profession of Final Vows
In a culmination of her life-long desire, Sister Mary Flick made her profession of perpetual vows with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet on September 9 at the motherhouse, surrounded by family, friends and members of the CSJ community.
“The world hungers for meaning and longs for spirituality. My commitment to Christ and to this community gives me the freedom to offer both through my presence and my ministry,” she says.
A native St. Louisan, Sister Mary entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 2009. She brings to the community her love for Ignatian spirituality, having spent 25 years working at St. Louis University, a Jesuit university.
Her background also includes a bachelor’s degree in communications from Maryville University, a master’s degree in religious studies from St. Louis University and a certificate in spiritual direction from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis.
She currently serves as the justice coordinator and a writer for the St. Louis province, works in the Office of Mission and Identity at St. Louis University and offers spiritual direction. She relishes serving the Sisters of St. Joseph community and serves on a number of committees.
“The legacy I inherited continually leaves me in awe and asking how to best live out the love of God and dear neighbor without distinction,” Sister Mary says. “I’m excited about the future of religious life and proud to claim the CSJs as my home, knowing my sisters are there to support me and I, them, wherever God leads.”
Sister Clare Bass Renews Temporary Commitment
On June 18, Sister Clare Bass renewed her temporary commitment to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet for two more years. Sister Clare joined the CSJs as a candidate in 2010 and entered the community in 2012.
Originally from Biloxi, Mississippi, Sister Clare holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Mississippi State. She is currently working toward becoming a licensed clinical social worker in the master’s of social work program at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville while serving as a residential aide with Our Lady Queen of Peace Center in St. Louis.
“Working with people affected by addictions and other traumatic experiences in their lives or who are considered on the margins of society is how I best serve the dear neighbor, and it’s what I’m passionate about.”
She is also passionate about social justice issues. In the tradition of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Sister Clare serves as an advocate for the issues that speak to the dignity of the human person. “Just trying to be a person of solidarity and compassion is important and energizing for me.”
Sister Clare sees the renewal of her temporary vows as giving her the time to “really come to grips with commitment. Emotionally and spiritually it’s a process. The commitment is not just for one day. It’s a process for the rest of my life. So committing to living out of the vows and community each day requires a daily ‘yes.’”
Sister Mary Alice Collar Enters Federation Novitiate
Sister Mary Alice Collar was received as a novice into the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet on July 29 at the St. Louis province assembly. In August, she entered the federation novitiate program a common project of the Sisters of St. Joseph in the United States, currently being held in Concordia, Kansas. This 10-month concentration in the life, spirituality and mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph offers the novices the opportunities for greater peer interaction and to come to know themselves as part of the Sisters of St. Joseph nationwide.
Sister Mary Alice says, “It’s an opportunity to deepen my relationship with God, understand the charism and mission as it is lived today and learn from Sisters of St. Joseph that are experts in their field.”
A native of Pittsburg, Kansas, Mary entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet as candidate in January 2017 and lived in community with the sisters, whom she says have offered her a great support system. “I always have them to talk things over with, and they help me discern what I need to do in any situation.”
A dental hygienist by profession for 31 years who also has a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Sister Mary Alice is discerning her next ministry. She says her opportunities in the future are many and promising, and, supported by the community, she is confident the Spirit will reveal her path. “As I’ve grown on this labyrinth journey, I realize I have all I need to live the mission.”
10/17 (originally posted 9/17)