Lake Florentini was the location for a time of prayer and sharing for two women who attended a Vocation Retreat in Merrill, WI. Mary Stermer is from Trenton, Michigan, and Clare Marie Gillis resides in Merrill, WI. Claire Marie is beginning the process of entering the Holy Cross Sisters. She shared her story of call as did Sister Joelle Mauer, Sister Jeanne d'Arc Kilwein and Sister Kathy Lange. Photos are courtesy of Sister Kathy Wiesneski, Vocation Director.
(Above l-r.) Mary Stermer, Sister Celine Goessl, Clare Marie Gillis
(Below l-r.) Sister Joelle Mauer, Sister Jeanne d'Arc Kilwein, Sister Kathy Lange
Why I Chose To Become A Holy Cross Sister
Sister Pam Hodgson, Metairie, Louisiana
Ever since I was in elementary school I wanted to become a teacher and a sister. After receiving my college degree in education I was hired as a second grade teacher at the Catholic School in Merrill, WI. During this time the thought about becoming a sister would pop into my head, but quickly answering with my "head" I would say to myself, "teaching in a Catholic School is just like being a sister." Finally after 25 years of teaching I felt as though something was missing in my life. I was searching for more in my life then material possessions. I felt a need to give God top priority in my life and to be able to talk about my beliefs with others. The thought of becoming a sister kept tugging at my heart and was now at the forefront of my thoughts. But this time instead of answering quickly with my head I took time to pray and discern over it and finally answered with my heart, "Yes, this is what God is calling me to do. Yes, this is what I want." Knowing many of the Holy Cross Sisters and being familiar with their charism and ministries I felt that this was where God was calling me to go.
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I was strongly encouraged by my pastor to join the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross. After visiting with the Sisters, I was impressed by their caring, prayerfulness and friendliness. I learned that they followed the Rule of St. Francis with emphasis on serving the poor both in the USA and abroad. That was what I wanted.
Sister Mary Angela Sackmann, Wausau, WI.
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My interest in religious life began two years after my high school graduation. I came upon a spiritual director who asked me to make a serious discernment about my future.
At his request I agreed to pray daily to make the right decision for my life. After a year I knew I needed to give religious life a try, and made a visit to Holy Cross Convent in Merrill, WI, where I eventually applied to enter.
I believe my main motivation was to search for a way to find meaning and purpose for my life. I was very much at peace after I had taken that first step in giving direction to my life. Holy Cross seemed to be the right place to pursue my goal.
Sister Anita Wolf, Merrill, WI.
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Although I believe a call to religious life can be somewhat of a mystery, there can also be some obvious signs that attracts one to or distracts one from such a life. I chose to become a Sister of Mercy of the Holy Cross because as a teenager I was attracted to the life and ministry of the sisters. I observed that they were prayerful, dedicated and happy. Their community living seemed to be a strong bond among them. They seemed to have a happy rhythm of life, prayer, work and play and they took a sincere, caring attitude toward others beyond the assigned ministry.
Sister Mary Thomas Reichl, Merril, WI.
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We invite you to take a closer look at the Holy Cross Community vowed and non-vowed membership.
Like Clay in the Hand of the Potter
