The Life and Mission of a Charism Carrier

by Elia Cardenas, DMin, Associate Director

As we continue reflecting on the vocation and unique calling of an associate, as well as the significance of the life and mission of a Charism Carrier, I invite you to consider how God is calling us in the silence of our hearts. Although silence may seem to be passive, when God calls us to a vocation, it results in an enormous disruption within us, affecting our lives and those around us. God calls, igniting our lives, and charism shapes our conscience, thus redirecting our journey within the shared spirit of the congregation to which we are affiliated. 

In the mystery of God, my journey began with a simple invitation for my daughter to participate in a youth retreat. This invitation provided me with the opportunity to sponsor a novice from Mexico who recently joined the congregation. Since the first day at the convent, I have been on a journey that has grown into a friendship with several of the religious sisters and associates. 

As happens in life, we have shared the sorrow of losing some of these sisters, including the founder of the order. But most significantly, the congregation has accompanied me through challenging times in my life. 

Our vocation is unique and rooted in the same vine; with the religious sisters, we are called to be agents of hope in our wounded world. Today, the invitation is to continue reflecting on the uniqueness of our calling as associates or partners in mission.  

Learn more about the Hermanas Dominicas de la Doctrina Cristina here.

Leadership Collaborative Associate Director Elia Cardenas was recently interviewed on the Archdiocese of Chicago's Dare to Love episode "The Vocation of Associates and Oblates." Click on the image below to watch.