Caritas Christi Urget Nos The Love of Christ Impels Us L'amour de Christ Nous Presse
RECOLLECTION Guide

MONTHLY RECOLLECTION GUIDE 2025 |

Introduction
As Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, we are called to be pilgrims of hope, journeying together with hearts rooted in God’s promise and eyes set on His vision. In a world filled with uncertainty, our vocation challenges us to bring Christ’s hope into every community we serve. As Spes Non Confundit reminds us, “Hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured into our hearts” (Rom 5:5).
This monthly recollection guide invites us to reflect deeply on our mission, nurturing a hope that inspires and strengthens us to be active bearers of God’s light. In our faith sharing, we will engage in spiritual conversations structured in three rounds as we have already been doing. In the first round, we will listen to one another without interruption, creating a space for each person’s insights and feelings to be shared.
In the second round, we will reflect on and share on what we have heard. Finally, in the third round, we will express our personal commitments moving forward, articulating how we can embody and share God’s hope in concrete ways. May this time of reflection draw us closer to God, renew our commitment to His call, and empower us to carry His hope to those around us. Let us embrace this sacred practice, trusting that through these conversations, we will be strengthened and inspired to fulfill our mission with renewed zeal and commitment.
SEPTEMBER 2025
THEME: Second Sign of Hope: Enthusiasm for Life and Readiness to Share It
INTRODUCTION:
This month, we are exhorted tocontinue to be hopeful, that is, to be ENTHUSIASTIC FOR LIFE AND EVER READY TO SHARE IT. The word enthusiasm is derived from two little Greek words, en and theos, with theos being the Greek word for God. So “enthusiasm” literally means, in its root concept, “full of God”.
To name a few, the Bible uses different words for this idea of being filled with enthusiasm:
- Be “eager to serve” (1 Peter 5:2).
- Be “eager for the gifts of the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 14:12).
- Wait in “eager expectation” for God (Romans 8:9).
- Be “eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:14).
Think enthusiasm! Talk it, live it, pray it, and act it! And you will keep enthusiasm going for you every day!
GRACE:
Let us ask for the grace to embrace life with enthusiasm and to be ever ready to share our joy and love with others.
SCRIPTURE TEXT: John 10:10
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
CORRELATED READING: Spes non Confundit # 9
Looking to the future with hope also entails having enthusiasm for life and a readiness to share it. Sadly, in many situations this is lacking. A first effect of this is the loss of the desire to transmit life.
POINTS TO PONDER AND PRAYER EXERCISES:
Take time for silent reflection, focusing on God’s presence in your life. Spend this moment of silence to reconnect with your inner joy and the divine enthusiasm that fuels your readiness to share life.
- Reflect John 10:10. How does your faith inspire you to embrace every moment with joy and enthusiasm, and to live life abundantly?
- Contemplate how you see God’s presence in your everyday experiences. How does this awareness fuel your enthusiasm for life and readiness to share it?
- Reflect on the challenges that may dampen your enthusiasm for life. How can you address these obstacles and maintain a hopeful outlook?
POINTS FOR SHARING:
- Consider the ways in which you share your enthusiasm for life with others. How can you be more intentional in spreading joy and hope in your community?
- How can your community collectively foster an environment of enthusiasm and shared joy