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What is Profession?

Sr Kelly Moline signing the profession book
Sister Kelly Moline will make her perpetual profession of vows on St. Dominic’s Day, August 8, and you are invited to attend via livestream to join in the celebration!

Under different circumstances we’d be throwing open the doors for all our friends to be with us in Sacred Heart Convent Chapel for the Mass and profession ceremony. That can’t happen this year, but we would still like you to join us from your living room if you are able.

Here are some things to watch for as you participate in the ceremony from home.

The Rite of profession takes place within the context of Mass, between the liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of Eucharist.
  • The Call

    Sister Kelly will be called forward and invited in this very public forum to declare before God and all those gathered that she intends to make profession in the Order of Preachers.

  • The Litany of Saints

    Many sisters remember the moment they prostrated themselves on the altar while the congregation sang over them the litany of saints as one of the most powerful experiences of their lives. During this time, Sister Kelly will be stretched out on the sanctuary floor and will not see, but will hear the voices of the congregation praying over her in song. Watch and listen carefully. Imagine what it might feel like to be so close to the moment when she will promise a life of faithfulness and service in the presence of her family, friends, and Dominican sisters.

  • The Vows

    Consecrated life consists of a commitment to three vows, obedience, poverty, and chastity. Dominicans are unique among religious orders because we pronounce only one vow—obedience—through which we are bound to adhere to all three evangelical counsels. Watch for the moment Sister Kelly places her hands in the hands of the prioress general and says: “I make profession and promise obedience to God, to blessed Mary, to blessed Dominic, and to you Sister N., the prioress general of our congregation the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, and to your successors, according to the Rule of St. Augustine and the Constitutions of this congregation. I will be obedient to you and to your successors until death.”

  • Obedience

    While the word has developed negative connotations in some circles, for consecrated religious women and men it is an important word. It comes from a Latin word that means "to listen." Listening to the movement of God's spirit within, to the cry of Earth and the cry of the poor, to the needs of those we serve and the deepest desires of the Church to form disciples of Jesus—these things are at the heart of our Dominican vocation.

We hope you can join us for this joyful occasion when Sister Kelly deepens the promise made for her by her parents at the moment of her baptism by professing her desire to live deeply a lifelong consecration to God in the service of the Church. Click the button below to RSVP today.

In honor of the perpetual profession of vows of Sister Kelly Moline, OP, she has asked that in lieu of gifts donations be made to Cor Unum House. There is no expectation of gifts, but if you would like to make a gift visit our donation page here to make a gift in Sister Kelly's honor.

3 thoughts on “What is Profession?”

  1. Sister Kelly,
    Wishing you the very best as you continue your journey as a Dominican Sister. May God Bless and keep you in the palm of His Hands along your Life’s Way.
    Bill
    St Dominic Hospital
    Pastoral Care Team

  2. Dear Sister Kelly.
    Best wishes as you take your Perpetual Vows today and make your commitment to God.
    Sue Malone
    Pastoral Care Team
    St. Dominic Hospital

  3. Dear Sister Kelly,
    May your life be gifted and filled with God’s love as you give Him all of your love, time and talents today. My prayers join yours on this journey.

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