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

RECOLLECTION Guide

               

                 MONTHLY RECOLLECTION GUIDE 2026

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.                                                                                             

APRIL 2026

“Courage in Peace: Radiant in Bold Faith”

SPC MARK: TRANQUIL DARING

INTRODUCTION: 

April invites us to live a tranquil daring—a courageous serenity that trusts God even amid uncertainties. Rooted in prayer and strengthened by our communal life, this peaceful courage enables Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres to carry the Gospel boldly into new situations, to serve the poor with calm confidence, and to witness that faith need not be loud to be powerful.

Our Book of Life and missionary history show Sisters who faced hardships, crossed oceans and entered difficult fields, all while remaining peaceful in heart and daring in mission.

GRACE:

Lord, give me the grace to beg for a courage that is gentle, and a peace that is brave. Teach me to trust you in every fear, to act boldly for love, and to remain serene in prayer so that my faith may shine forth for the good of your people. Amen.

READINGS:

  • Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God is with you”
  • Mark 4:35–41 Jesus calms the storm

CORRELATED READING:

  • Book of Life, Article 3

The Sisters, true to their humble origins, want to live the poverty and the simplicity of the Gospel; genuine charity is rooted in humility. But self-effacement does not rule out the tranquil daring of those who trust.

  • Capitular Acts 2025, p.23

Cultivate a spirituality of Visitation, going to the peripheries with audacity, leaving our comfort zones, and persevering in difficult situations.

POINTS FOR PRAYER AND REFLECTION:

  • Prayer Life: Is my prayer a place of calm readiness? Reflect on how silence and listening (e.g., longer times of adoration, examen) prepare you to act with serene courage when required.
  • Community Life: Do we foster a tranquil daring as a community—encouraging initiative while supporting one another? Consider how we respond to brave proposals or necessary changes: with fear or with prayerful encouragement?
  • Vows

           Chastity: How does an undivided heart free us to trust the Lord and serve without anxious attachments?

           Poverty: How does simple living cultivate reliance on God and openness to bold service?

          Obedience: How does listening enable courageous decisions made in communal discernment rather than impulsive individualism?

  • Apostolic life: Are our ministries marked by peaceful courage—risking new forms of outreach while rooted in Gospel prudence? Identify one apostolic area where a calm, faithful risk could extend our service.

POINTS FOR SHARING:  

Personal:

Share one occasion when you had to act boldly but peacefully. What helped you remain calm and what did you learn about trusting God?

Communal:

As a community, name one recent decision or initiative that required tranquil daring. How did your communal prayer and support strengthen that step, and what might you do differently next time?

Revisit your community plan of action for the implementation of the Capitular Acts 2025.