Drawn from the Little Virtues, inspired common sense, and spiritual counsel found in the writings and teachings of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, monthly Salesian themes have been chosen for our journey through each school year.

Network of Visitation Schools Theme for 2017-18:

JULY: GENEROSITY

August: Humility

September: Balance

“It is better to do little and to do it well. It is not by the multiplicity of the things we do that we advance in virtue but by the fervor with which we do them.” - St. Francis de Sales

October: Faithfulness

“Do everything in a spirit of gentleness and fidelity, thinking of attaining your goal in God’s time not your own.” - St. Jane de Chantal

November: Gratitude

“Of ourselves we are nothing; all that we have and all that we are come from God.”- St. Francis de Sales

December: Optimism

“Faith is like a bright ray of sunlight. It enables us to see God in all things as well as all things in God.” - St. Francis de Sales

January: Gentleness

“Gentleness encourages hearts and makes them more receptive while harsh words only harden hearts.” - St. Jane de Chantal

February: Thoughtful Concern for Others

“Those who anticipate their neighbor with the blessings of sweetness will be the most perfect imitators of our Lord.” - St. Francis de Sales

March: Perseverance

“When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them but bend them with gentleness and time.” - St. Francis de Sales

April: Simplicity

“To be faithful, we must live simply. Then being free from attachments, we are possessed by nothing.” - St. Jane de Chantal

May: Hospitality

“An open heart is a heart disposed to help the neighbor at all times. Such a heart loves the will of God in all things.” - St. Jane de Chantal

June: Sincerity

“A good vocation is simply a firm and constant will to serve God in the way and places the Almighty God has called you.” - St. Francis de Sales

Typically 10 a.m. on the third Sunday of the month in the Nolan Center ~ refreshments follow in the lobby

In the spirit of hospitality, please join us as we welcome an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales to celebrate Mass with the Visitation community. All are welcome!

2017-18 Dates & Presiders

8:30 a.m. in the Heritage Room ~ Second Tuesday of the Month. Join us for one or all!

Sisters, alumnae, parents, and faculty come together once a month for spiritual nourishment and learning about Visitation’s Salesian charism. Sr. Mary Berchmans '48 & '50 and Sr. Loretta’s “Salesian Friends Group” explores the timeless and inspired teaching of our founders and the spirit that infuses all that we do at Visitation. Each year the group focuses on a different book. For 2017-2018 the group will be reading St. Francis’ letters from "Francis de Sales, Jane de Chantal: Letters of Spiritual Direction."

2017-18 Dates

• September 12
• October 10
• November 14
• December 12
• January 9
• February 13
• March 13
• April 10
• May 8

Sponsored with the support of the Salesian Center, the Women Who Make A Difference Speaker Series brings “great-hearted women” to campus to share how they have heard and responded to the call to live lives of faith, vision, and purpose.

2017-18 Speakers

• Meghan Ogilvie, CEO of Dog Tag Inc., spoke about "baking a difference" in the lives of transitioning veterans and military families, encouraging service and trust in God. Watch her speech here.
• Margaret Camarca, nurse, writer, humanitarian, spoke on "Sowing Seeds of Peace: My Life at Mother of Mercy Hospital in Uganda."
  
  2016-17 Speakers

• Rebecca Kamen, sculptor & lecturer, spoke about her work "STRATA: The Interconnection of Art, Science, and Spirituality."
• Dr. Nancy Cowdin, neuroscience researcher & Visitation science teacher, spoke on “Sleep, Memory, and Emotions.” Dr. Cowdin presented current research findings on how sleep quality and quantity affect learning and health.
• Cokie Roberts, journalist, political commentator, and author, was this year's Rosemary Hannan Mother-Daughter Book Talk guest. Ms. Roberts spoke on her most recent work, “Capital Dames," an account of the experiences, contributions, and influence of women in Washington, DC, during the Civil War era, including several Visitation alumnae.
• Sr. Mada-anne Gell, VHM, Monastery archivist, spoke about Visitation Sisters who were World’s Fair prize-winners, architects, engineers, computer pioneers, artists, authors, and historians who made lasting contributions to American education.
• Anne Goetze shared the love and story behind her photographic painting exhibit, "Pray to Love, Love to Pray: The Annecy France Nun Series.”
• Magda Pettey (Veronika '17) reflected on God’s mercy and grace during the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

To share the charism of the Visitation Sisters, Georgetown Visitation offers weekly spiritual reflections for members and friends of our Salesian family far and wide. Learn more about our Loving Life, Living Jesus reflections.

Salesian Lay Association for Men (SLAM) gatherings are an opportunity for fathers of Visitation students - current and graduates - to gather monthly for Mass, fellowship, and Salesian formation.

SLAM was founded by and for fathers of students and graduates of Oblate Salesian schools who were attracted to the practical and optimistic spirituality of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. Their Apostolic Mission is “living Jesus” through practicing the Spiritual Directory of St. Francis de Sales, praying for the Church and for one another. The Visitation SLAM embraces this same mission, particularly as it is lived out in their vocations as fathers of Visitation women.

The Visitation SLAM meets on the third Saturday of the month during the school year, joining the Sisters at Mass in the Chapel at 7:30 a.m., then gathering at 8:00 a.m. in the Faculty Lounge for an hour of coffee, prayer, and conversation about that month’s Salesian readings (2-3 pages of Salesian writings, emailed in advance with a copy always on hand as well).

Come to SLAM once or every month, as your schedule allows.

Questions? VFC SLAM Leader, Scott Troxell (Meg ‘14, Katie ‘20) peaceboxtrox@gmail.com