Joni Luna enters novitiate

On Sunday, Aug. 10, the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, welcomed Joni Luna of Corpus Christi into the novitiate. From now on she will be referred to as Sister Joni.

The novitiate is a two-year process of intensive discernment.

Sister Janice Smith, Director of Novices, said the first year of the novitiate - referred to as the canonical year - involves intensive study of scripture, prayer, theology, community history and the vowed life among other topics.

"The novice delves more deeply into the Catholic faith, religious life and the history and traditions of the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence," Sister Janice said.
The Canon law of the Church has established regulations for the first year.

"There are certain expectations about how the year is lived," Sister Janice said. "Canon law requires this year to be a continuous time period of 12-months, so that the novice can stay focused on the internalization of the Gospel values."

Sister Janice said the first year of the process is "intense."

"There is a total focus on going deeper into yourself and your relationship with God," she said. "The program is designed to help a woman really delve into what that means. She is given the opportunity to become very connected to what Jesus was teaching the world.

"Essentially, it's the beginning of deep discernment. Every aspect of the novice's life enters into this. She examines her call (to religious life) in the context of her whole being. It is a year of transformation and learning about who she is in her relationship to God, her community and all creation."

During the first-half of the year, Sister Janice and Joni will travel to St. Louis once a week for presentations on a series of topics to aid the novice in her understanding and commitment to religious life. Novices from many other religious communities also attend these presentations and are able to share their experiences and time together.

In the second-half of the year - referred to as the mission year - Luna will begin studying the vows and how they are lived out by the Sisters of Providence. During the course of the next year, Sister Janice, as her director, will work closely with her on all of these areas of focus.

"It's such a deep year," Sister Janice said. "The novice works closely with the director for guidance and mentoring through the different components of the program."
Sister Janice added that entering religious life is not for everyone.

"It's a very deliberate choice to make... the call (to religious life)," she said. "Religious life has changed over the course of time. It has continued to evolve. It's not just about the number of women and men who enter, nor about how they dress or where they live. It is about being called to a unique commitment to God and the people of God. Through the profession of the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, one learns to give oneself completely to God's mission of service in and to the world in this very special way."

"To be honest, I am not sure exactly what to expect or how things will turn out," Sister Joni said. "I can only trust in the desire that fills my soul to serve God in a more intentional way.

"I will continue this providential journey with the expectation of fulfilling that desire. I ask for continued prayers as I deepen my relationship with God and the Sisters of Providence."

Sister Joni, coached and taught at Roy Miller High School at Corpus Christi, Rockport-Fulton High School in Rockport, Flour Bluff High School in Flour Bluff ISD and was women's athletic coordinator at San Diego High School. She was also interim vice principal at Archie Parr Elementary in San Diego.

The Sisters of Providence, a Congregation of nearly 350 women religious, exist to further God's loving plans by devoting themselves to serving others through works of love, mercy and justice. The Sisters of Providence have their motherhouse at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, located just northwest of downtown Terre Haute, Ind. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin founded the Sisters of Providence at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 1840. The Sisters of Providence do ministry in 17 states, the District of Columbia and Asia. More information about the Sisters of Providence and their ministries may be found at www.SistersofProvidence.org.