Ruth Cunnings, RSCJ, professed first vows

Sheila Hammond, RSCJ, joins attendees in congratulating Ruth Cunnings, RSCJ, on the profession of her first vows.

By Erin Everson

AFTER TWO YEARS IN FORMATION as a novice (someone who has entered a religious order and is preparing to take vows), Ruth Cunnings, RSCJ, professed her first vows in the Society of the Sacred Heart on July 10, 2021.

The liturgy and vow ceremony took place in the Shrine of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne in St. Charles, Missouri. While only a few close friends and family of Sister Cunnings could attend in person along with local Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ), Associates and the Provincial Team, the liturgy was streamed live via YouTube so that family, friends and sisters across the United States – Canada Province could share in the celebration.

Sister Cunnings recounts the day in her own words:

Taking my first vows was a momentous occasion, an opportunity to say yes, once again, to God and to commit myself to following and living into the Heart of Jesus. But I did not, and do not see my first vows as a singular occasion. They were and are the next step on a life long journey, through which I have found a home in the charism of the Society of the Sacred Heart to discover and reveal the love of God’s heart in the world.

My vocation in the Society is a beautiful gift. I am fortunate to have been able to respond to this call in the Society and to have received the support of so many RSCJ who have traveled with me as mentors and sisters through my formation process.

As I stood in front of friends and family to take my vows, I remember feeling incredibly present in the moment and incredibly focused. I take seriously the self-gift of the vows and wished to truly enter into this life in a spirit of prayer. But I was also very aware that I cannot, and do not have to, make this journey alone. Through the vow formula, each RSCJ recognizes the importance of her relationships with God and with the community in her spiritual journey: “Trusting in the fidelity of God and in the love of my sisters.”

The day was also marked by great joy. I was grateful to be able to gather with friends and family, after the isolation of the pandemic. The Shrine provided a beautiful setting; and through the contributions of so many, the ceremony was simple but beautiful. When I look back on that day, I am humbled by the abundant graces of my first vows. I feel truly blessed by God through the gift of my life as an RSCJ.

Ellen Collesano, RSCJ, the director of novices, shared of Sister Cunnings during the homily, “It has been my sacred privilege to journey with her. … Ruth lived with such great openness, co-responsibility for her own formation, transparency, and commitment. We are thrilled to send [her] forth this day, in this way, surrounded by all who love [her], who promise to support [her] and who walk with [her] in this mission.”

Current novice and former community member of Sister Cunnings, Angela Deasy Natalia Hartanto, NSCJ (Novice of the Sacred Heart), from the Australia – New Zealand Province, said, “It was a very touching moment for me, having journeyed with her … Ruth is true to herself. She is a genuine person, honest and comfortable with herself. Everything about the day, and how she was willing to give herself to God. I feel that Ruth has found her true self.”

In one of her final acts as Provincial, Sheila Hammond, RSCJ, received the vows and at the conclusion of the liturgy formally sent Sister Cunnings to her next ministry to teach at Our Lady’s School in San Diego, California.

Before entering the Society novitiate, Sister Cunnings taught middle school and upper school theology at Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

The Province has run an international English-speaking novitiate in Chicago since 2016. While working in various ministries, Sister Cunnings spent much of the last two years in prayer and spiritual formation at the novitiate alongside Sister Hartanto. Sisters Collesano and Hartanto, along with Maria Cimperman, RSCJ, and Mary Bernstein, RSCJ, currently reside in the novitiate community and look forward to welcoming five new novices from various provinces in the coming year.

Maria Cimperman, RSCJ, (right) Elaine Abels, RSCJ, (left) welcome their new sister to the Society.

Erin Everson is the communications project manager for the Province.

View a highlight video about the liturgy and ceremony at: rscj.org/firstvows