First Profession of Vows

September 10, 2007

‘Lift up your hearts to the Lord, in praise of God’s mercy! Sing out your joy to the Lord, God’s love is enduring’ – thus proclaimed the assembly of Sisters of Mercy, family members and friends of Marie Etheridge at the opening of the liturgical celebration of her First Profession of Vows. The Liturgy, celebrated on August 24, 2007 in Corpus Christi Parish Church, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, was one of praise and thanksgiving to God for Marie’s generous response to the call of Mercy in her life.

All the readings of the Liturgy – First Reading (1Samuel 3:1-10), Psalm Response (Psalm 63 ), Second Reading (Colossians 3: 12-17), Gospel (John 15: 9-17), as well as song, including ‘The Suscipe’, reflected the theme of God’s call and of a loving and willing response.

In answering her ‘Call to Profession’, Marie spoke of her faith in the everlasting love and providence of God and with a deep desire to serve God’s people she asked to profess vows in the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy. Following the testimony of two sisters who accompanied Marie in her journey over the past several years, Marie very joyously pronounced her first vows. All of the Sisters of Mercy affirmed Marie’s profession and prayed that God who had begun this work would bring it to fulfillment.

An invitation to continue celebrating with Marie was extended to the entire assembly and all joined together in sharing refreshments and companionship in the parish hall.

During the coming year, Marie, a licensed practical nurse, will minister to the aged and infirm at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home. We wish Marie well as she embarks upon a new phase of her call, that of first commitment, a phase which will provide many new opportunities for her to continue her formation and on going discernment.