The Announcement

It is with a joyful and humble heart that I announce to you this day, on the memorial of the Queenship of Mary, the decision to pursue a vocation to the religious life as a sister - currently with the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal. Today marks four months of active discernment following an almost indescribable experience in which I 'just knew' God was calling me to Himself in this most intimate way.

I first felt the 'tug', as it is so affectionately called, around the age of twelve. After being 'outed' before I was ready, I quickly forgot the whole idea and pursued everything except the religious life. I rarely looked back though the thought never really did leave me. In April of this year (April 22 to be exact), at a Youth 2000 Mass, during the consecration, I felt the tug again, only in a much more profound way. This time, it was not a gentle nudge in His direction. It was a quiet whisper in my heart much like ones I had experienced before in my lifetime on a much smaller scale. I 'just knew'. It seemed to be the theme for vocations that weekend - 'just know'ing that is. I was in complete awe. In that moment I felt probably twenty different emotions. All I could bring myself to do was praise and thank Him. What a beautiful gift He was giving me!

After Mass I said the Liturgy of the Hours with the brothers again, talked with a friar about it, and then attended the vocation talk. I spoke extensively with Sister Mary Paul Haas of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (Irving, TX) afterward and was really excited. She was excited for me as well. She was definitely very supportive and encouraging, listening patiently and affirming many aspects of my life and my personality. I finished out the night with Adoration (and the procession). It was beautiful and I am just as excited today (for the most part) as I was then. It is an interesting journey to be sure and I am enjoying every minute of it - the trials included.

Since then I have attended the Vocation Awareness Program hosted by my diocese (as well as the diocese of Forth Worth) and sponsored by the Young Serrans. It wasn't the best retreat in what it physically provided but it was a seemingly perfect balance of solitude and socialization - and I was thankful for it. I was able to get to know an aquintance of mine in a very unique way and that was great. We have really bonded a lot over that weekend and the things we took away from it. I also spoke with many religious about the religious life and about my vocation specifically. They have all been very affirming for me.

Well, it looks as though this post has turned into a long one. I certainly did not mean for it to be. If you've read to the end, I apologize and thank you at the same time.

Please keep me in your prayers. I definitely need them!

May God bless each of you abundantly now and always!