Monique Like Siswoyo and Mary Preenika Dabrera, the Federation novices, and Anne Davis and Bernadette (Bernie) Dean, the novice directors, have completed their first semester in the new Chicago Federation Novitiate.

Monique described her first semester at the Federation by saying, "we learned, played, met people, participated in the local church and got to know our neighbors." Preenika, Bernie and Anne agreed that the Federation Novitiate's first semester in its new Chicago home was a smashing success, characterized by a wonderful sense of welcoming and hospitality.

Sr. Julie Canon, (Congregation of St. Joseph), a long-time resident of the neighborhood helped introduce the novitiate community to their neighbors. The weekend they arrived there coincidentally was a block party which also helped.

The novices paid the novice directors the highest praise when Preenika described her experience in the novitiate saying, "They involve us in community decisions," and Monique chimed in that "they trust us when we make a decision." Having now visited three times, I can attest to the comfortable way of living together they have established. Anne described it as a "generosity of spirit in local community." There is an easy back and forth that you feel whether it is at dinner, prayer or just hanging around.

The Federation brings in some of our best speakers to inspire and challenge the novices. This year began with Mary Anne Mulzet, (Philadelphia), speaking about prayer and ritual. Paula Drass, (Baden), joined them for a few days discussion on the charism and the two trinities. Anne Hennessey, (Orange), talked about Fr. Jean Pierre Medaille. Patricia Byrne spoke about the primitive documents. Pat Bergen and Kathy Sherman, (Congregation of St. Joseph), prepared an Advent presentation entitled, "The Oneness of All Creation." Additionally, the novitiate community participated in an inter-congregational novitiate program which has had excellent presenters as well as having a diverse international membership.

Preenika commented on how their day of quiet prayer on Wednesday of every week provides the "balance" she appreciates to help her integrate her novitiate experience. She has enjoyed the opportunities for spending time with nature on a few of the community outings.

Mary Walsh, the Brentwood home novice director, commented on how wonderful it is to see the deepening of a sense of belonging and being a Sister of St. Joseph. She sees that the Federation Novitiate allows the novices to become an active part of the Chicago community while deepening their bonds with their home Congregation. This year the Congregations of Brentwood and Orange have really shown their support through mail, phone calls, email and gift packages.

So, with the close of the first semester, the novices returned to their home Congregations. The second semester in early January.

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