Open house helps women discern consecrated life

About 50 young women had an opportunity to learn more about what it means to live a life consecrated to God by meeting with women who live that life.

At an Open House for Consecrated Life – held Sunday, Nov. 2, at the St. John Paul II Newman Center in Omaha – participants shared a cup of tea and snacks with the consecrated women, listened to their stories, prayed together and played games.

The open house was organized by the Archdiocese of Omaha Vocations Office, its Consecrated Life Team and Newman Center students. It marked the beginning of National Vocation Awareness Week, celebrated November 2-8, a week dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renewing prayers and support for those who are considering one of these vocations.

Consecrated women from four communities were able to attend Sunday’s open house. Participants were high school age and older at various levels of discernment, from those open to and curious about consecrated life to about eight to 10 young women seriously considering entering a community, said Father Scott Schilmoeller, archdiocese vocations director.

The open house was intended to be “an event where young women can be together with consecrated women in a relaxed environment where they can share food, fellowship and faith-filled conversations,” Father Schilmoeller said.

More than just an event, the open house was designed to help lead women further their discernment, he said.

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