Why We Love Being Sisters of Divine Providence!

Welcome to National Vocation Awareness Week. We can think about our vocation as our call from God to love in the world. God calls each of us to love and to build community around us, and the way each one of us loves is not in general but in particular. God calls us to love in the way that also makes each one of us happy.

Religious life is a pretty unique calling. It’s somewhat rare, although God is definitely still calling people to this vocation. Because it’s unique, not as many people know much about religious life, and this week, we’re going to tell you all about it. What we have for you in this blog post is a sharing from some of our sisters on why they love being Sisters of Divine Providence so much. You’ll enjoy these reflections and, hopefully, be inspired too.

Sister Emerita McGann describes why she loves being a Sister of Divine Providence – how she loves sharing our common dream of being a face of Providence, being a risk taker, and having the freedom to live into our mission however we’re called to do so. “We love and we trust one another, and this trust is grounded in our trust in God. We have many miles to go, and we need you to go with us.”

Escuche cómo Hermana Paula Gohs comparte por qué le encanta ser hermana. Listen as Sister Paula Gohs describes her love of community, prayer, and mission! You can hear her talk in Spanish and read the English translation here:

My name is Sr. Paula Gohs, CDP. I professed vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience at the age of 20. I love being a Sister of Divine Providence because this vocation solidly grounds me as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Every day the ring and cross I wear remind me that I am vowed to Jesus for life. Simply and graciously, I try to live faithful to this commitment. A true morning person, I love to get out of bed at 5:00 in the morning. With a cup of hot coffee, I am ready to spend an hour with Jesus Christ in prayer and meditation. For me, this is the most important hour of the day. I love that I live in community with three Sisters. We share our life together. Each of us has unique personalities and special gifts that enrich all of us. I love that we four Sisters pray together each evening, including also the experiences of our ministries that day. Night brings good closure to each day, and creates a deep sense of peace for me. I love examining together the four fundamental virtues that we live as women of Divine Providence. At times we share with the whole community, but mostly with our local community. Because life is always in process, the lived experience of these four religious values is also always in process. I love that besides the ministry and the community, there are lighthearted moments of celebration—days of rest, birthdays, reunions with my birth family, good times with friends and companions in ministry, and now and then vacations. Finally, I appreciate personal time to recreate myself—body, mind and spirit. I love very much being in ministry with lots of people—as a teacher in schools, as a counselor for youth and adults, and in pastoral ministry at many Catholic churches, including the Hispanic communities. I look forward to seeing lots of these folk face to face in heaven, along with my family. Most of all, I will see Jesus himself, along with all the saints I have come to admire. What joy we will share for all eternity! This is my life in process. Thank you for your attention!

Sister Carleen Schumacher describes why she loves being a Sister of Divine Providence. She’ll share a little bit about her own call story and reflect how mission, community, and Providence spirituality still inspires her after living religious life.

When it comes to making big life decisions, like vocation or a career or a relationship, what helps you to discern? What does a call from God feel like for you?

Escuche cómo Hermana Kay Kramer comparte por qué le encanta ser hermana. Listen as Sister Kay Kramer describes what brings her such joy as a Sister of Divine Providence. You can hear her talk in Spanish and read the English translation here:

My name is sister Kay Kramer and I am a sister of divine providence. Why am I a sister of divine providence? Because it is the life God has called me too and it is a life that brings me great joy. Praying, serving God’s people, and trying to be a sister to everyone… These things are a part of this beautiful life. Come and join us in following Jesus Christ!”

For Sister Judy McMahon, being a sister has brought many opportunities for new experiences. Her rich spiritual life helps her to find God in joy and difficulty – even in the challenges brought by the pandemic. Her prayer calls her to surrender all to God while also continuing to grow as a person.

How does her wisdom resonate with you? What prayer or prayer practice draws you closer to God?

And if you still want to know more, if you yourself might be wondering if God is calling you to religious life, or if you are seriously discerning it, we’ll have a question and answer conversation on zoom on November 21 at 4 PM. It will be just like you’re sitting here in the living room with us chatting about life and God and love and service. It’ll be great, so we hope you join us. You can sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/QAwithSisters

And if you feel like God might be calling you to explore a vocation to religious life, let me know and we can have a conversation about it. Email Sister Leslie at vocation@CDPKentucky.org.

However God is calling you to love and serve, may you know always God’s love for you.