Posted on 07/15/2006 6:29:15 AM PDT by Mrs. Don-o
CULLMAN — Sara Burress could have been the poster child for a modern woman making her way from pew to pulpit. But...
[snip] After years of working in Christian organizations, including Campus Crusade for Christ, Burress went to seminary. She became a preacher and pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Her career growth came as women clergy were expanding in number and influence. But...
[snip]
Burress left her pulpit, sold her house, put her belongings in storage and gave away her beloved cat. She began converting to Catholicism.
She is not a nun, although she is going through a discernment process ... She decided to become an oblate — a lay person who seeks to try to live by the Rule of Benedict, the founder of the Benedictines.
"I thought, 'This is me,' " Burress said. ...Burress moved to Sacred Heart in March. For now, she spends some days working in the monastery gardens, pulling weeds and doing upkeep along with the nun in charge of the grounds. Other days, Burress helps in recreation at Benedictine Manor, playing dominoes with residents of the retirement center.
Burress said she prays with the nuns, something she is not required to do but especially enjoys. She said that she appreciates the opposites of solitude and community offered at Sacred Heart. Both are essentials and create balance, something she said is missing in today's culture.
Welcoming helpers
The new volunteer program is for a way for Burress and other women to live the rhythm of monastic life and to share skills needed by the community...
"Whether it's a monastery, a church or a family, . . . we desperately need to learn to live together in peace," she said.
Interested in volunteering?
For more information about Sacred Heart Monastery's volunteer program, call (256) 734-4622.
(Excerpt) Read more at decaturdaily.com ...
Ping it about
at least, no signs of it. Yet.
However, has she addressed her "career goals" vis a viz that Church?
"that" should read "the."
Bump.
"Clearly, this lady has, as they say, "issues". Does one see a trend here? From Campus Crusade for Christ to the PCUSA to Catholicism. What's next, Scientology?"
Are you implying the RC Church is akin to Scientology? If so, you should expand your knowlege base.
Campus Crusade (1951)
Presbyterianism (1572)
Benedictine Order (531)
Catholic Church (33 AD)
If there's a trend here, it's from modern to ancient. That would rule out Scientology. Maybe next (if there's a "next") would be Judaism. If they have monasteries.
Having taken a very similar path myself, I can say that she is simply developing her religion in a process of continuing conversion to a deeper Christian faith. The "issues" you project upon Miss Burress might be better addressed by a thorough reexamination of your own beliefs.
Why would you think that was next? Converting to Catholicism is not a decision made in haste. It takes a lot of study, prayer and most of all the grace of the Holy Spirit. With so many mainline Protestant denominations becoming reflections of the the secular culture it is no wonder that so many seek a Church with clear doctrine.
I think if this lady had been a member of the more conservative Prebyterian church her choice might have been different. People are hungry for the rich spiritual food of the Gospel. Protestant or Catholic if their church does not feed them they will seek nourishment elsewhere.
Catholicism = Home
"Clearly, this lady has, as they say, "issues". Does one see a trend here? From Campus Crusade for Christ to the PCUSA to Catholicism.
Having taken a very similar path myself, I can say that she is simply developing her religion in a process of continuing conversion to a deeper Christian faith. The "issues" you project upon Miss Burress might be better addressed by a thorough reexamination of your own beliefs.
May the Holy Spirit guide her through this journey of faith. It seems she is now learning an important practice for the faith - becoming humble.
Sinkspur!
I have to admit I clicked on this thread thinking she's was becoming a Catholic priest and only because she's converting! Ha!
Many people are seeking and finally find the truth in Catholicism - I'll put my money on her staying in the Church and depending on her discernment she may become a nun.
Sometims God is very patient while we take alternate paths trying to find our way to Him.
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