Frequently Asked Questions
When I was in college, we dedicated the campus to Christ the King on the Solemnity of Christ the King. (Shout out to all the Benedictine College Ravens out there!) The dedication involved walking the mile around campus in a Eucharistic procession. The beauty and majesty of that experience sparked an ever-growing devotion to Christ as King and a love for this great feast day. So when I began to pray about the "perfect" date for my consecration, the Solemnity of Christ the King was obvious.
As I've discerned and prepared for this vocation a deep love and devotion to the Sacred Heart has grown. That's why you'll see a lot of the sacred heart imagery on this site and at the Mass!
Everyone is invited. The Mass is open to the public and the reception is open to anyone who wants to celebrate. Bring your kids - the Mass might feel a bit long for young children, but we love the sound of little ones filling the church!
Please RSVP by November 10 so we can plan accordingly.
For those who are Catholic: This is a Sunday Mass for the Solemnity of Christ the King. The consecration takes place after the Gospel and homily and lasts about 30 minutes. Which means the entirety of the Mass will be about 90 minutes.
For those who are not Catholic: You are warmly invited to join in this celebration! We will have a worship aid/booklet which will explain what is happening throughout the ceremony. The Mass will include beautiful music, scripture readings, prayer, the consecration, and then communion. Receiving communion is a public testament to God and others that you believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist and are in communion with the Catholic Church. Therefore, receiving Communion is reserved for Catholics who regularly attend Mass and are prepared to receive.
The reception will begin Immediately following the Mass in the North Hall of Christ King, located in the lower level of the school. We will serve dinner buffet-style. The reception will be casual and a good excuse to hang out with friends, celebrate God's goodness, eat good food, and dance!
Menu: Italian Beef sandwiches with sides and cake. More detailed menu coming soon!
Gifts are not necessary, nor expected. Prayers, kind words, and your presence are the greatest gifts. Any monetary gifts received will be used to offset the cost of the reception and for future retreats/ongoing spiritual formation for Sarah.
A consecrated virgin is a never-married woman who has dedicated her heart and mind, body and soul to God. She foregoes marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of God, so she is free to spend more time in prayer, fasting, and service, nurtured through a profound and deep relationship with Jesus Christ. Canon Law 604 explains that a consecrated virgin is one who is "consecrated to God, mystically espoused to Christ and dedicated to the service of the Church,"
Watch
The Church's Oldest Vocation (3.5 min)
Consecrated Virginity and Theology of the Body (15 min)
Read
Some women are called by the Holy Spirit to dedicate their lives to Christ in this profound way. The life of a consecrated virgin is marked by:
1) Fervent love of Christ
2) Great freedom to serve others
3) Dedication to works of penance and of mercy, in apostolic activity, and in prayer.
4) Commitment to praying with the Church in praise of God and toward the salvation of the whole world.
(taken from the Rite of Consecration to a Life of Virginity, #2)
Religious Sister or Nun | Consecrated Virgin |
Dedicates life to God out of a deep love for Christ | Dedicates life to God out of a deep love for Christ |
Is considered to be a bride of Christ and is an icon of the Church and the life we are called to in heaven. | Is considered to be a bride of Christ and is an icon of the Church and the life we are called to in heaven. |
Makes vows to God (poverty, chastity, and obedience) which are received by the Church | No vows said. Instead, is consecrated by God Himself through the Bishop. Promises to persist in virginity, fidelity to Christ, and to be a Bride of Christ. |
Typically wears a habit: outward sign of their vocation. | Does not wear a habit. The only outward insignia worn is a ring. |
Takes the title of "Sister" before her name, often takes new name. | Dedicates life to God out of a deep love for Christ |
Lives in community, often in a convent or monastery. | Does not live in formal community, but may choose to live with other consecrated women or family. |
Lives under direct obedience to their superior. Their community or superior can send them on assignments to new locations or apostolic work. | Is obedient to the bishop, but has freedom to discern where she lives, works, and serves. |
Takes vow of poverty. Everything they own is owned communally with their community. | Dedicates life to God out of a deep love for Christ |