Dominic Was a Beggar and So Am I

May I count on your help to strengthen the "Culture of Vocations" in our Church?

Dominic was a beggar and so I feel I am in good company when I reach out to others to beg for their help in strengthening the "Culture of Vocations" in the Church. Recently, with Srs. Pat Dual and Cathy Arnold, I had a splendid opportunity to voice this plea to the presidents, principals, and trustee chairpersons of the colleges, university and high schools founded by the Dominican Sisters of Peace, and I found these exceptional leaders most receptive.

While we need everyone's help getting the word out about this amazing and fulfilling way of life, both research and personal ministerial experience tell me that young women see vowed life in the Church as a viable life choice, and that they continue to explore the possibility of this mysterious call for themselves.

Are families supportive though, and can we say that there is "general support" in our Church for vowed life? Strengthening the "Culture of Vocations" in our Church invites us to recognize that our Church is at once a community and a communion of vocations. When the unique value of each vocation is honored, then all vocations can work together in the service of Christ's mission.

If you are a mom or a dad, how do you think you would respond if your daughter told you she felt called to be a Sister? If you are an 18-45 year old woman considering vowed life, where have you found your best support for your discernment? Consider taking a minute to blog your response.

Fortunately, many of the inquirers with whom I am in conversation, do find encouragement in their parishes, from their parish priests, their campus ministers, professors, from close friends, immediate family members, and parents, but this is not yet true for all without exception. Won't you help make this support more visible?

As mentioned, I recently reached out to receptive educational leaders with my plea for help strengthening the "Culture of Vocations" at their institutions, and I am proud to invite you now to take a look at the web pages of these founded ministries of the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Simply click here.

In each setting (Akron, OH; Columbus, OH; Memphis, TN; New, Haven CT; New York, NY; New Orleans, LA; or St. Catharine, KY) I guarantee you will find not only educational EXCELLENCE, but also strong support for all of the many ways the members of each community daily are called to make a positive difference in our world.