My story reflects a bit of resistance! I was in fourth grade when my principal, a School Sister of St. Francis, invited me to consider being a Sister someday. I thought she was crazy and I told her so. She didn’t listen to me and instead she kept inviting me. I didn’t listen to her either and I kept resisting. Well…God had other plans!
I attended Alverno College in Milwaukee to study to become a teacher. It was through campus ministry there that I met many of the School Sisters who worked at Alverno. These women amazed me! I definitely felt a connection and I began to form relationships with the Sisters. I knew I related to this dynamic group of women on a spiritual level. As I learned about their mission and lifestyle, I felt as though I shared it with them. Even though I still resisted the invitations, I began to listen more and resist less, but not with the openness needed to make a life decision.
While in college, I also dated. I wasn’t totally sure about religious life, nor that I wanted to be married. I acknowledged an interest in religious life and began my discernment process. I was discerning seriously with the School Sisters of St. Francis and fell in love with the person I was dating! The decision to get married was the hardest decision I ever made.
Little did I know that my discernment was not finished. During that time I learned three important things about what I needed in order to be true to who I am. First, I knew I needed to be committed to service and mission. I wanted to serve in ways my gifts would allow and where the needs were. Second, I needed to have a closeness to God and faith; I needed to practice it actively and in varying ways. The final lesson was that I did not want to do any of these things alone. When I opened my ears and heart to these lessons, I was more open to wisdom from others, from my experiences.
One of the Sisters asked me to reflect on where “home” was for me. Instantly, I knew the answer to that question. I stopped resisting and began really listening. I realized that God was calling me home to the School Sisters of St. Francis to choose religious life.
Now, as a vowed member of the School Sisters, I am continually being reminded of being “home.” There is a deep contentment in knowing that I am living in a way which is authentic to me. My Sisters energize me and I energize them as we collaborate to further our mission, serve others, pray together, play together, and most importantly share LIFE with one another.
Katy LaFond, SSSF
School Sisters of St. Francis
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