Chero Chuma, CSJP Professes Perpetual Vows
The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (CSJP) welcomed Sister Hellen Cherotich (Chero) Chuma into full membership on April 13, 2012. Sister Chero professed final vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience during a Eucharistic Liturgy held in the Chapel at St. Mary-on-the-Lake in Bellevue, Washington.
Watch a video of the Rite of Profession below
Read the reflection on the Scripture readings by Sister Alexandra Kovats, CSJP.
“I am filled with joy and excitement as I profess my life commitment with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace,” said Sister Chero. “With God’s grace we will walk together into the future that is in God’s hands.”
Sister Chero Chuma, a 30-year old native of Kenya, has been involved in health care ministry at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, WA, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, and at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, WA. She is currently a full-time student at Seattle University, majoring in Theology and Religious Studies.
Growing up as a member of the Nandi tribe in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya, Sister Chero’s heart was touched by the suffering of women and of those affected by HIV/AIDS. In 2000, she came to the United States to begin her studies toward a career in health care. While completing her AA degree at South Seattle Community College, she encountered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, and found that the community’s charism of peace through justice resonated with her calling.
“Touched by the needs of my brothers and sisters in Kenya, I felt the need to be involved in some way to make a difference in the world,” said Sister Chero. “Our charism of peace through justice made lots of sense. In collaboration with others, together we build the reign of God here on Earth.”
During her novitiate—a two year period of prayer, study and ministry formation—Sister Chero had a variety of opportunities to experience life as a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace. She ministered with people emerging from homelessness and domestic violence in Bellevue, WA and with low-income children and children with multiple disabilities in Jersey City, NJ.
“Formation is a life-long process as Sisters participate in the mission of Jesus Christ through the vowed life,” said Sister Sheila Lemieux, Congregation Formation Director. “As a perpetually professed, Sister Chero will respond to this opportunity daily by the continued integration of her prayer life, community life, and ministry.”
Sister Chero professed her first vows on October 11, 2008. During her time of temporary profession, she has lived in CSJP communities in Bellevue, Seattle, and Vancouver, WA. In addition to her health care ministry and theological studies, Sister Chero is actively involved with the Kenyan community locally and globally. With two other Kenyan women living in the United States, she hosts a weekly radio program in her native language that is broadcast globally via the internet and on the radio in Kenya on KASS FM. The radio program engages issues of justice, especially those impacting women and people who are living in poverty.
Sister Chero signs the community vow book |
Sister Chero dances with friends after the Eucharistic liturgy |
Sister Chero wearing traditional clothing sent by her mother in Kenya |
Sister Chero receiving a blessing |
Sister Chero processing in with Father Crispin Okoth, the presider for our Eucharistic Liturgy |
Sister Chero and friends dance during the Song of Praise following communion |
The Seattle Kenyan community hosted a party on Saturday at St. Theresa's Parish in Seattle |
More dancing! |
