Apostolate
The first apostolate of every Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is to contemplate the Word and to pray and work for the conversion of sinners and the sanctification of priests.
Father Joaquin Masmitjá, the founder of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, realized how important prayer and education was in facing the challenges of his time in mid-nineteenth century in Spain. He was facing a society, secularized and anti-religious; yet he knew that he could reach countless souls through the education and formation of young women. In this he could transform culture and bring people back to God. As mothers, these women would be able to rebuild society, strengthening others in their sharing of the faith. The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Wichita continue Fr. Masmitja’s mission. Now more than ever, there is a need for a strong and faithful Catholic formation of the youth.
Catholic Schools
The Sisters serve in all four Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Wichita and in several parish elementary schools. Not only do the Sisters teach in the primary and secondary classroom, but they also facilitate the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atriums in several schools. Each Sister becomes a true spiritual mother and Marian influence to her students. It is her hope to assist parents, the primary formators, in the endeavor of forming these little souls into the saints they are called to be.
Grade Schools
The Sisters teaching in the grade schools have a unique opportunity in forming children during a very receptive time. Since the classroom is contained and the students do not switch teachers for different subject areas, they can experience an IHM formation all day. The children experience the Sister’s religious influence during recess, math, science, literature and all other daily activities in the grade school. The Sister is free to integrate virtue and Catholic culture throughout the students’ entire day and in every subject.
High Schools
The average high school student is constantly being inundated with noise and other distractions. These young people crave a deeper prayer life, but they do not know where to start. As spiritual mothers, each Sister has the beautiful opportunity to teach and nourish their souls in the ways of the spiritual life. The Sisters primarily teach in the Religion classroom, covering such topics as prayer, Scripture, apologetics, and morality. With a two-fold formation in content and in the spiritual life, the Sisters seek to provide the means by which each student can actively pursue a relationship with Our Lord and grow in a deep and abiding love for the Catholic Church.
To continue Fr. Masmitjá’s initial aim of educating young women, the Sisters, for the past thirty-five years, have sponsored a group called the Handmaids of Mary in each of our Catholic high schools. The Handmaids of Mary consist of young women who desire authentic virtues and a genuine prayer life in imitation of Mary, the perfect woman. Handmaids are not only concerned about personal sanctity, but they are also committed to support each other in the spiritual life through healthy friendships. The young women are called to witness to their devotion by serving in their families, parishes and schools, bringing a Marian presence of love, gentleness and service wherever they go.
Retreat Work
In today’s world, it seems to be getting more difficult to find time to pray and to withdraw from the busyness of life in order to be alone with God. In order to assist lay people in finding an opportunity for silence and prayer, the Sisters provide days of recollection for their Auxiliary members during Advent and Lent. Taking a day to soak in the prayerful atmosphere of the convent and prepare for Our Lord’s birth and for the Paschal Mystery is a true spiritual gift.
Click here for more information about becoming an Auxiliary member.
In addition to leading retreats, the Sisters also speak at parish events, to adults as well as young people. Each year, the Sisters host a novena in preparation for the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; the faithful are invited to listen to talks to deepen their love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Click here to see the different talks offered by the Sisters.
Throughout the year, the Sisters host various discernment Come and See weekends for young women. During these weekends, young women spend time with the Sisters praying, eating meals together, recreating, and listening to talks on religious life and discernment. Click here for more information about Discernment Retreats.
