Vocation Brisbane has recently run two women’s discernment events – Quo Vadis for Women and Archbishops Dinner for Women. These events were specifically designed to empower and uplift women in Brisbane who are discerning a call to religious life or single life.

Both events were a huge success, with attendees able to ask new questions in their vocation journeys. This post will delve deeper into both events, exploring the themes, speakers, and overall impact on participants.

Quo Vadis for Women 2023

Quo Vadis for Women 2023, held on the 29th of April, there were 11 candidates discerning consecrated life gathered at the Santa Teresa Spirituality Center. It was a full-day retreat with times of personal prayer, adoration and sharing, enabling young women to ponder in the silence of their hearts where God might be calling them. Sr. Ursula O’Rourke journeyed with us throughout the day and shared on the Christian call, discernment, and consecrated life in today’s society with her personal journey as a Good Shepherd Sister.

We were also joined by Fr. Thomas McFadden who celebrated Mass and Reconciliation for us. It was inspirational in encouraging the retreatants not to be afraid to respond if God is calling them to religious life. Coincidentally, it was the feast day of St Catherine of Sienna, in which Fr Thomas highlighted her life and call of service to the Church.

During the day, we had the opportunity to visit the Carmelite monastery, meeting with 10 Carmelite Nuns from their community. They shared about their daily life, community, and prayer life, which was a surprise gift to most of these young women. They are so impressed with how they are so joyful and happy in their lives. The Sister sang a little prayer of “My Vocation is Love” like a heavenly choir for us to enjoy.

Everyone left the day desiring more in their lives, being excited to discern further with like-minded women, feeling like they were ‘in it together’ in a special unity of walking together.

Archbishops Dinner for Women 2023

There are 12 women who are interested in discerning a religious vocation and joined Archbishop Mark Coleridge for an evening meal and informal discussion at Wynberg on Thursday, 1st June 2023.

It was a wonderful and exciting night hearing the archbishop sharing his journey of discernment to Priesthood and his vision on the call to Religious life in the Church. He encourages the women to take on the step to say “Yes” Try it out, and you will lose nothing

If you are interested in coming to future women’s discernment events, please contact Sr Theresa Maria Dao at daot@bne.catholic.net.au for upcoming dates and more details.