‘Sundays with the Sisters’ program will showcase women’s religious orders

Young women who want to learn about women’s religious orders in the Arlington diocese can visit a different community every month through a new program called Sundays with the Sisters: Rejoice! Tour 2023, offered by the diocesan vocations office. The program is offered in conjunction with the second year of preparation for the Diocesan Golden Jubilee, Marian-themed “My soul rejoices in the Lord.”

“Young women can experience the joy of the religious sisters in our diocese, learn about their lives and work, and unite in prayer with other women, for our diocese and our world,” said Anne-Marie Minnis, coordinator of events and communication for the vocations office. The program will provide a window into the lives of women religious and maybe eliminate a little fear of exploring a possible call to religious life, she added.

Each month on a Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m., a different order will host an event for young women over 18. Programs will include an overview of the order’s charism and mission, a vocation story or day in the life of a sister, a tour of the convent and a time of community prayer. A booklet with background on all the orders will be distributed to participants and will be available on the jubilee website, so young women can learn about the different communities, even if they can’t attend every event, Minnis said.

To kick off the program, the Daughters of St. Paul in Alexandria will offer an Advent day of recollection Dec. 18.