Thursday, November 6, 2014

Anticipating Lifetime's Reality Show "The Sisterhood"

The Sisterhood premieres November 25th at 10/9c on Lifetime


I am feeling a nudge by the Holy Spirit to provide commentary on the new reality TV show that will showcase five young women as they undergo a deeply personal experience: initial formation in a convent. Ever since I began this blog, I have had the goal of giving you, the reader, a good look into our mysterious life. Now there is a TV show that promises to take care of that.

As someone who has been in initial formation for the past five years, I have my reservations about this show, particularly after viewing the preview. As one of the young women said, "It's something personal, and there's cameras here!"

Initial formation is not easy. I wrote about that topic in a previous entry: What It Means to be in Initial Formation. I can't imagine what it would be like to go through it behind cameras. 

On the flip-side, and perhaps most importantly for young women who are discerning, I do hope that the show does not focus on solely on the struggles of initial formation. It is a beautiful life and there are so many blessings that come from following God's call for your life. We spend so much time assuring people that God won't call them to a vocation unless they will be happy living it. I hope that the reality show will affirm this.

Within twenty-four hours (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time) after each episode, I will be posting a review on this blog. I hope it can serve as an unedited supplement to the reality show. 

20 comments:

  1. I'm rather worried that they'll harp on how "unrealistic" it is for these girls to take vows of chastity, or what they're "missing out" on =-\ I have zero faith in Lifetime....or TV, period, but still... I don't really think the vow of poverty will be portrayed poorly, (especially not in the current Pontificate!) and obedience will probably be handled respectfully enough. But we live in a world that cannot and does not WANT to understand chastity, let alone in the states of life in which that means celibacy =-\ At least that's my $0.02 =-p

    ~Janet

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    1. So good to hear from you, Janet! I am anxiously awaiting hearing how the vows will be addressed as well!

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  2. Hi Sr. Monica Martin, I am so excited to hear all your thoughts on the show! It is something that we hope will break down some of the barriers young Catholics face when considering a vocation and make religious life a real option. As one of the girls on the show, I can tell you the journey was real and I can't wait to share it with everyone. I'll also be posting/tweeting during the shows to talk about what's going on and answer questions - you can follow me on Twitter @ChristieYoung07 or at Facebook.com/ChristieYoung07

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    1. Thanks for your comment, Christie! It was reassuring to read. I look foreword to following you during the season and know of my prayers for you as you journey through wherever life is taking you.

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  3. Dear Sr. Monica Martin,
    I'm another one of the girls on the show, and I believe it will be a powerful witness to a culture that knows little to nothing about nuns. As a lifelong Catholic and someone who takes discernment very seriously, I was concerned about many things to do with the show but it was a positive experience for all of us. I am so excited to share our journey and to present the religious life as a real and beautiful option for young women today. I'm on Twitter as StackeyJaxx, if you'd like to follow me and further the dialogue!

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    1. Thank you for commenting Stacey! I really appreciate you and Christie taking the time to respond to this post. I'm am so glad that it was a positive experience for all of you, and I am sure it is reassuring for my followers to read your words as well. You and the others remain in my prayers.

      P.S. My cousin, Brian, said you are a friend of his from the national Beauty and the Beast tour! The world keeps getting smaller.

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  4. Hello Sr. Monica Martin!!

    I am the young woman who said "It's something personal, and there's cameras here!" - the cameras definitely took some getting used to but the crew was super respectful and we were able to have time away from the cameras to reflect & be quiet with Jesus during the process. I'm glad you'll be watching & I know that this program will be inspiring and shine a positive light on the church and the sisters of each community.
    I'll also be on twitter during each show to answer questions ~ @ChescaDiPaola, if you'd like to follow me as well!

    Thank you for keeping an open mind and being supportive ~ you'll be in my prayers!

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    1. Thank you very much, Francesca! I really appreciate your input! I am glad that you had quiet time with our Lord during the process and that the crew was so respectful!

      Since I live on Kauai, Hawai'i, I will be watching the show much later than most viewers, but after I watch it, I will be sure to check out your twitter page. Thanks for your prayers, and you are in mine as well!

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  5. I'm not very internet savvy so I'm not 100% certain. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

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