In this second of a two-part Becoming a Franciscan Sister discernment post from Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Novice Sister Rose Reed, Sister reflects on the ‘action steps’ of a vocation. If you did not read part one, click here.
Years later, when that niggling thought of religious life re-entered my mind, I knew I should listen. I had been taught by a Dominican Sister in high school and was currently attending a Dominican parish as an adult. I felt somewhat acquainted with Dominican spirituality, so it just made logical sense that I would discern with Dominican communities.
It’s always good to get an outside perspective while discerning. That could be a spiritual director or a familiar priest. When I spoke to one of the Dominican priests at the priory about my wanting to be a Sister he said that was great. I told him I wanted to be a Dominican Sister, and he stopped me short and asked me, “Why?”
I didn’t know how to respond to that initially. I knew I wanted to be a Sister and I knew the most about the Dominicans based on my proximity to them throughout my life. And Father told me, “I don’t see you becoming a Dominican. You have the heart of a Franciscan.”
That one statement changed the course of my life. I started looking into Franciscan communities. Had it not been for that one conversation, the thought of becoming a Franciscan would never have entered my head. After looking online, I found the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowoc and started seeing a spiritual director from the community.
As soon as I came to visit, I knew that I wanted to be a religious with this community, but as soon as I landed back home, I began having doubts. I wondered if I was just experiencing the euphoria of imagining a new life. A friend picked me up from the airport late at night, and I asked if we could stop at the 24-hour adoration chapel. I knelt in front of the Blessed Sacrament, and I told Jesus all my worries and doubts. I worried about all the things that I wanted, and I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to accomplish those things as a Sister. And suddenly, as clear as day, I felt the words Jesus gave me in response. “You just need me.”
Being able to accept the call was not simple. Those doubts and fears arise in all of us, but the takeaway is that we need to rely on Jesus by talking to Him and allowing Him to really respond.
If you are a Catholic, Young adult woman in need of further guidance regarding your own discernment, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and Cistercian Nuns invite you to a silent Discernment of Spirits Retreat on April 25, 2026 at Our Lady of the Valley Cistercian Monastery Hollandale, Wisconsin. Click here to find out more invitations that may fit your life.
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