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.                                                                                             

MAY 2026

“Led by the Spirit: Rooted in Trust, Radiant in Obedience”

SPC MARK: DOCILITY TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

INTRODUCTION: 

May is a month rich in Marian devotion, culminating in the Feast of Pentecost, where the Church celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It is also a time of transitions in many apostolic settings—graduations, endings, and new beginnings. In this sacred season, we are invited to deepen our openness to the Spirit’s promptings, just as Mary did at the Annunciation and the apostles did in the Upper Room.

GRACE:

Lord, grant me grace to be docile to the Holy Spirit—attentive, receptive, and courageous in following His lead, with Mary as my model.

READINGS:

  • Galatians 5:25 – “If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.”
  • Luke 1:38 – “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according toyour word.” 

 CORRELATED READING:

  • Book of Life, Article 5

From the beginning, the Congregation has been placed under the protection of the Virgin Mary… They find in Mary the model of deep faith and complete trust, absolute conformity to the plan of God, perfect participation in the mystery of salvation, thoughtful, warmhearted service of others.

  • Capitular Acts 2025, p. 12

Live Christ’s way: chaste, poor, and obedient; bearers of God’s love, fully trusting in  His Providence, and docile to the Father’s Will through the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

 

POINTS FOR PRAYER AND REFLECTION:

 Like Mary at the Annunciation and the apostles at Pentecost, we are invited to say “yes” to the Spirit’s movements in our lives. Let their examples guide our reflection:

  • Prayer Life: Do I create space for silence and listening in my prayer, or do I rush to speak? How do I discern whether a prompting is truly from the Spirit or from my own desires?
  • Community Life: Am I open to the Spirit speaking through my Sisters, especially in moments of correction or challenge? How do I respond when the community’s discernment differs from my own?
  • Vows: In what ways does docility stretch my understanding of obedience, especially when I’m asked to let go of personal plans or preferences? How do I live my vows as a response to the Spirit’s invitation rather than mere obligation?
  • Apostolic Life: Am I flexible and available when mission calls me to unfamiliar or uncomfortable places? Do I trust that the Spirit equips me for what I am sent to do—even when I feel inadequate?

POINTS FOR SHARING:  

Personal:

 Recall a time when the Spirit nudged you—perhaps through a quiet intuition, a word from a Sister, or a situation that called for unexpected courage or surrender.

Did you respond with openness or hesitation? What fruits emerged from that moment of docility? Let this sharing be a testimony to the Spirit’s quiet power and your growing trust.

Communal:

Reflect together on how your community listens and discerns.

Do you make space for silence, prayer, and shared discernment? Are decisions made with spiritual attentiveness or practical urgency?

How can you, as one body, become more sensitive to the Spirit’s invitations— especially in mission, relationships, and communal life?

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