Susan Francois, CSJP Professes Perpetual Vows
The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (CSJP) welcomed Sister Susan Rose Francois into full membership on November 11, 2011. Sister Susan 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.
"Responding to God's call to seek justice, love tenderly and walk in the way of peace, I Susan Rose Francois, in the presence of Margaret Byrne, Congregation Leader, and in the presence of the community gathered here vow to God poverty, celibacy and obedience for life according to the Constitutions of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace."
(Watch the rite of profession below!)
Sister Susan professed her vows in the presence of Sister Margaret Byrne, Congregation Leader, members of the CSJP Community, family, coworkers and friends. The theme for the liturgy, printed on the invitations and program, comes from the first reading, Proverbs 3: "Trust in God with all your heart."
CSJP Associate Fr. Terry Moran presided at the Eucharistic Liturgy. Sister Susan Dewitt, CSJP shared her reflection on the readings (download a pdf copy here). "We’re all called to that journey up the hillside of the Beatitudes, all called to find our journey, the path with our name. Tonight we rejoice with Susan as she claims and names her pathway. May all her paths be peace."
“My heart is filled with peace and joy as I make this lifelong commitment to follow Jesus and serve God’s people in need,” said Sister Susan. “Confident of God’s faithful love, I join my heart and life with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace as we seek peace through justice for our broken world.”
Sister Susan ministers at the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center (IPJC) in Seattle, Washington, a co-sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. She serves as editor of IPJC’s justice journal, coordinates young adult programming, and provides outreach and presentations to Catholic parishes and schools on human trafficking, immigration and other justice issues tied to Catholic Social Teaching.
Born in Washington, D.C., Sister Susan attended Catholic elementary and high school in suburban Maryland. In 1994 she graduated from Lewis and Clark College with a degree in political science and history. Prior to her reception as a novice on August 26, 2006, Sister Susan worked as City Elections Officer in Portland, Oregon for eight years. Sister Susan was also deeply involved at St. Philip Neri Parish in Portland, where she served as co-chair of the Peace and Justice Commission, Vice-Chair of the Pastoral Council, and Sunday school teacher.
“It was through my volunteer ministry at my parish and my work for peace and justice that I realized I might have a religious vocation,” said Sister Susan. “I yearned for a community grounded in the gospel where I could use my gifts to foster peace in our world. I am so glad that I decided to take the risk and explore religious life.”
During her novitiate—a two year period of prayer, study and ministry formation—Sister Susan had a variety of opportunities to experience life as a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace. She ministered with people emerging from homelessness, domestic violence and human trafficking in London, England and Jersey City, New Jersey.
“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 Susan will respond to this opportunity daily by the continued integration of her prayer life, community life, and ministry.”
Sister Susan professed her first vows on October 11, 2008. During her time of temporary profession, she has lived in a CSJP community in Seattle, Washington. In addition to her ministry at IPJC, Sister Susan is enrolled in graduate studies at the Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry. Her blog, Musings of a Discerning Woman, documents her entry into religious life and her life as a young Sister.
Watch video of the Rite of Profession portion of the Liturgy: