If you haven’t heard the news already, the Diocese of Austin has an amazing group of nuns in town, the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. On Thursday, March 22, you have the opportunity to attend a luncheon and hear about their plans for Catholic education in our diocese. I can tell you, first-hand, that they are making a difference in our diocese every day. As teachers in three of our schools, they not only touch the lives of hundreds of students, but countless families and individuals, as well. I’d like to share the details about the luncheon, their impact on our family and how you can “Ask a Sister a Question” about life as a Dominican. Keep reading!
DOMINICAN SISTER LUNCHEON
Photo courtesy of DSMME
March 22, 11:30am-1pm
Driskill Hotel
Tickets are $35 and pre-registration is REQUIRED. No tickets will be sold at the door. Deadline for registering is NOON on Monday, March 19.
You may register online or by calling Sr. Elizabeth Ann, (512) 949-2436.
At the luncheon, Mother Assumpta Long, O.P., will share the Order’s inspiring mission and vision for their young and growing community and their contribution to Catholic education in our country, especially as it relates to Texas and their plans to build a Priory in Georgetown. You may know them as the Ann Arbor Dominicans (based on their Priory’s location in Michigan), or perhaps you saw them appear on Oprah a few times.
Their impact on our family has been great. As a convert to the Catholic faith, not only did I initially believe most priests were over 50, but that nuns were a dying breed. Then, I was introduced to the Ann Arbor Dominicans and was happily surprised to hear their average age is 28, almost a decade younger than I am! One of the sisters currently teaches at our children’s school in north Austin. Her influence there is undeniable. As a mother I am constantly aware of my children’s company. Who is influencing them? Who helps mold and shape their decisions and opinions about our faith? Certainly, the Dominicans have a positive influence on my daughters, showing them that a religious vocation is fruitful, joyful and blessed. For my boys, I pray they are a model of how to treat a woman. As brides of Christ, what better example is there?
If you’re like me, you may have a thousand questions about religious life and how they can positively affect Catholic education in our diocese. Several months ago I had dinner with girlfriends, none of whom are Catholic, and the topic of the “nuns in the neighborhood” became a hot topic of conversation. Their northern convent is in our neighborhood and it’s not uncommon to see a Sister taking a walk while praying the rosary. My girlfriends’ true interest was evident in the barrage of questions I was asked, everything from the Sisters’ habits, to their schedule to the decision to enter religious life. I’m giving you the opportunity to do the same. In the comment section below, ask your question. In the next week, we’ll have Sr. Elizabeth Ann answer your questions and post the answers back here on ACNM. Don’t be shy, ask away!
I often tell people when you are in the presence of a Dominican Sister, you can truly feel the Holy Spirit at work. There is a joy, peace and closeness with Christ that is uplifting and humbling. As a mother, they inspire me to pray more with, and for, my children. As a wife, they emulate the kind of honor and respect that should exist in a marriage. As a Catholic living in the Diocese of Austin, you need to meet and support these women of God. They will blow you away!
To learn more about the Sisters, their vision for Catholic education or to inquire about a religious vocation, check out these links below:
Preview the Catholic education video: www.sistersofmary.org/teaching
Donate online
Contact the Vocation Director: Sr. Joseph Andrew, OP: vocations@sistersofmary.org or (734) 994-7437
Great post Kathryn! After readings Rocco’s post on the thriving Church in Texas yesterday and hearing about the wonderful sisters here in town. I can see why we would be considered a hot bed for Catholicism in the US.
Here is my question for Sister Elizabeth. “What was the hardest part about making the transition from living a secular life to living the life as a religious sister? What helped your overcome this?”
OK, that was actually two questions. 🙂
What’s the difference between a sister and nun?
A sister typically exercises her vocation in apostolates (e.g., these Dominican sisters), while a nun exercises her vocation in a monastery (e.g., cloistered Discalced Carmelite nuns).
What’s your favorite thing about living in the Austin area now?