Two IHM Sisters Profess Final Vows

by Sister Julie on May 7, 2008

in blog post, catholic sisters and nuns

On Sunday, May 4, 2008, Sister Katherine Collard, IHM professed final vows during the Eucharistic Liturgy. It was a joy to celebrate with her and to welcome her fully as an IHM Sister. We are greatly enriched by Katherine’s presence, her gifts, her faithfulness, and her love. I have a few videos of the ceremony that I’d like to share with you. Stay tuned!

We are also blessed to have just had another final profession of vows by Sister Barbara Stanbridge, IHM. Unfortunately my plane ride was canceled and I missed the ceremony. However, you can read about her profession in the article “Detroit Business Woman Returns to IHM Sisters as Vowed Member” at our IHM website. I’ve known Barbara almost since I first joined the community. She is a delight, full of energy, and committed to mission.

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Kathy June 26, 2008 at 8:29 pm

Hi –

I have a very good friend that is celebrating her final vows soon. I am trying to think of a perfect gift…Any ideas, any restrictions?

Thanks – Kathy

Sister Julie July 4, 2008 at 5:39 am

Dear Kathy,
How thoughtful of you! There aren’t really any restrictions, though we do strive for simplicity in terms of “stuff”. Some ideas …

Practical gifts:

  • note cards
  • stamps (very helpful following a profession for all the thank-you cards that need to be sent!)
  • journal
  • gift card for a restaurant, favorite store, amazon.com

Books are always good:

  • Thomas Merton
  • Macrina Wiederkehr
  • Teresa of Avila
  • John Main
  • about or by her favorite saint
  • Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet
  • book on prayer

Handmade stuff:

  • quilt or afghan
  • beaded bracelet/necklace with meaningful beads/charms
  • bag for books, knitting, whatever hobby she has

Other:

  • an icon of her favorite saint (could be her namesake, her congregation’s saint, etc.)
  • donation to her favorite cause
  • mp3 player with downloads of her favorite tunes

That’s it for my ideas at the moment. Blessings on your search for a gift. I’m sure whatever you give will be perfect to her!
Sister Julie

Mary Duffy September 2, 2008 at 7:32 pm

Thank you Sister Julie:
Your suggestions on a personal gift are all perfect. With the donation I will include stamps (great idea) and a leather journal. God bless you.
Aloha, Mary

Gayle OSF September 3, 2008 at 5:52 am

I just professed final vows a month ago, and I am still trying to tame the tide of notecards, candles, notepad, journals etc. All of these are good, but not always in large quantities. So I am just going to comment for future reference. Donations are very good. Also, consumable gifts such as chocolate, nuts, fun popcorn which can be shared work well. I second the idea of gift cards, esp. if you know the Sister’s hobbies, interests, etc. I did get a purple iPod Shuffle which is WAY cool. So that’s my two cents.

Mary Duffy, I hope you enjoy the profession!

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