Oct. 31, 2005

Fr. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem.

Vocations Are Everyone's Business.
What Are You Doing About It?

Dear Friend of the IRL,

The "Phoenix phive" and Mother Angelica before the young sisters founded their monastery. Help Sisters just like these. Become an IRL member today at half the normal fee — only $10! (offer for U.S. only) Offer good only until Nov. 6.

Is religious life dead? Not hardly. While many in the Church have lamented the drop in the numbers of priests, religious sisters and brothers throughout the English-speaking countries in recent years, there are real signs of vitality and growth.

Look at the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, Mother Angelica's group in Alabama who sent five sisters to open a new monastery in Phoenix, AZ. The Poor Clares had been "bursting at the seams" in Hanceville, and were hoping to open another foundation during the Year of the Eucharist, when they happened to talk to the Institute on Religious Life (IRL). The IRL then directed them to Most Rev. Thomas Olmsted, the bishop of Phoenix, who desired to establish a monastery of cloistered, contemplative nuns to pray for special needs in his diocese.

A Monastery is Born

And Our Lady of Solitude monastery was born this past May, less than a year after that initial phone call! This was more than a coincidence — it was a "God-incidence," in which the IRL — as well as its members and friends — could claim to be a part of. And this is only one example of the importance of our work.

It is every baptized person's duty to encourage and support religious life. What have you been doing to help? It may not be as grand a plan as financing the building of a new monastery or the funding the education of a priest or missionary. Rather, it may be simply your prayers and hidden sacrifices — and a membership in the IRL — which helps produce an abundance of vocations.

Just recently, Pope Benedict XVI, in speaking about religious, reminded the Church that we all still rely on their prayers, prophetic voice and dedicated service. The Pope noted, "There is not a human or ecclesial environment where they are not present, often silently, but always hardworking and creative." Don't you agree?

Fulfilling the Pope's Vision

To fulfill the Holy Father's vision, the IRL provides programs such as a summer institute for religious, an annual meeting for religious and laity, audio and video vocational resources, a magazine and other publications, an extensive website, and constant efforts to help young persons in discernment searching for God's will.

You are the first step in helping us make this happen. You can become part of our mission by becoming an Associate Member and uniting your prayers and sacrifices to ours in promoting and supporting consecrated life. And you will be directly making all of our efforts possible.

Membership Offer — Half Price!

You can become an IRL member for only $10 — half of the normal price of $20. And you will receive the next issue of Religious Life magazine, issued six times per year. But you must act now — the offer is only good until Nov. 6 . So just click on the below button to begin your discount membership. (Offer for U.S. only.)

Already a Member?

Are you already an IRL member? Why not give a gift membership to a priest, sister, brother, or a lay person whom you know? The special offer of only $10 applies here as well. Just indicate in the payment message that this should be a a gift, and include the person's name and address.

Call our office at 773-267-1195 if you have any questions, or want to pay by phone. I hope to hear today that you will join in our work to support and promote consecrated life.

Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem.
Executive Director

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