Feb. 4, 2015

Watertown – Four religious communities in Watertown will join congregations around the world with open houses Sunday as part of the observance of the Year of Consecrated Life.

The Congregations of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, 668 Thompson St.; the Sisters of the Cross, 866 Arsenal St.; the Sisters of the Precious Blood, 400 Pratt St. and the Sisters of St. Joseph, 1425 Washington St. will hold open houses in each of their community houses from 1 p.m. to 4.

All are invited to visit each of the communities to learn more about the history, the mission and work of the religious men and women in their Congregations.

Opportunities for a tour through each community house will be offered.  Refreshments will also be available at each place.  

“Let us continue to pray for more vocations to the Consecrated Life, said St. Joseph Sister Mary Eamon Lyng, major superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph. “We look forward to your visit with us.”

In response to Pope Francis
Dominican Sister Marie Bernadette Thompson, council coordinator of the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious,  announced the open houses during an Oct. 1 press conference at the Washington headquarters of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB.)

“I am excited to announce to you this unique opportunity that will be taking place on February 8, 2015,” she said. “In response to Pope Francis’ announcement of this special year of Consecrated Life, religious houses around the country will be opening our doors for everyone to come and meet their ‘brothers and sisters’ as we welcome all to come and see our religious life.

“This event will be open to all: families, the young and the old, parishioners and those who are not part of our church, friends and neighbors,” she said.

“Have you ever wondered what a brother or sister does all day?” Sister Marie Bernadette said. “What would make a young man or woman give up their family, their home, or their career and dedicate their life to God?
“On February 8 at the Open House Day you will be able to find out the answers to all of these questions and learn more about the lives of those who have promised to follow Christ through the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience throughout history, both the saints who were inspired first to follow the call, and the men and women who continue to follow in their footsteps today,” she said.