Christine Baty's Final Profession of Vows

On December 5, 2004 Sister Christine Baty pronounced her final vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience within the community of the Living Word.  It was a day which culminated and celebrated eight years of preparation.  The readings that Christine chose for the Eucharistic Celebration captured her search for a way to consecrate her life to God in dedicated service.

Christine is incorporated in and supported by the Sisters within the community.  However, in another context, Christine is a member of a unique group called "Sister Moms".  With the greater openness encouraged by Vatican II, religious communities began accepting women who had been married and in some cases, been mothers of families.  Christine has been a member of the Chicago Chapter of "Sister Moms" since 1999.  Membership in this organization gives recognition to her first life commitment and to the life she brought into the world - her daughter, Jennifer.

During the first year novitiate, referred to as the canonical year, Christine was able to devote uninterrupted time to studying the Constitutions and the history of the community.  This year stressed the contemplative aspect of religious life, and lays the groundwork for the combination of prayer and activity that marks the life of an apostolic religious.

During the subsequent years of formation, Christine continued her work in the health field at Villa Addolorata.  At the Villa, Christine was responsible for one of the small units of sick and elderly residents.  This arrangement promoted unique awareness and individual care for each of the patients.  It stirred Christine's creative bent to invent ways to distract her clients from pain and loneliness and to fearlessly advocate for the well-being of her patients.

-Christella Carbaugh, SLW