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Welcome to Rachel

Praised be Jesus Christ! Hi! My name is Rachel Erb. I am from York, Pennsylvania. I am 19 years old. I entered the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George on December 28, 2008.

While studying Catechetics along with a Youth Ministry Concentration I met the Sisters. I had a blessed one and a half years at Franciscan University of Steubenville which helped me discern if God might be calling me to religious life. I first heard God calling me in eighth grade when I had a sister for a teacher. She radiated Christ with her joy and love. Throughout high school I decided to push this idea out of my mind. Every once in awhile God would ask "What about becoming a bride of Christ?" Many times I argued and told God no! At Franciscan University this idea changed because I saw all the religious sisters who were in love with Jesus and this overwhelming joy was bursting from my heart.

I was afraid at first but I asked Jesus what I should do. He replied, "What did Mary do?" So Mary's fiat "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done unto me according to your word" began to resound in my heart. Jesus confirmed many times this path to become a bride of Christ. After meeting the sisters from our community and visiting my heart was filled with joy and peace. Our charism of "making the merciful love of Christ visible" and "looking on the One Whom they have pierced" has become the desire of my heart. There is still an overwhelming joy and peace after entering.

Right now I am down at our day care working with Sister M. Christina. We have very eventful days down at the day care with the two year olds. There is never a dull moment! I enjoy very much working at the day care. As I continue on my journey with my Beloved I am sure He has many eventful things planned. But I am learning from the children that it is much more freeing to be child-like in the arms of Christ. God bless!

"Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38)

Comments

Unknown said…
RACHEL! I stumbled upon this blog and immediately thought of you and wondered how you were doing. And then...there's your beautiful, smiling face as the first picture to pop up. I miss you, but know that you're in my prayers!

-Liz Ela
Anonymous said…
Hello Rach! How wonderful to read your thoughts. I have been looking at your picture on the website everyday waiting to read what you had to say. Thanks for being a powerful witness to so many, especially the girls at St. Joseph York youth group and parish.

Love you and miss you so much-
Mom
Sissy said…
Sister Rachel,
I have really enjoy working with you and I love your faith in the Lord. You are a very kind, sweet, and loving person. You have made me think about my relationship with Christ. I hope one day I can have the faith you have, keep praying for me.

Love,
Sissy

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