October 16, 2020

16 days till National Vocation Awareness Week

#8 in a series of 25 short stories

Two and a half years after entering religious life with the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, I wrote a handwritten letter to the Superior General, Sister Fidelis Kreutzer to ask permission to make first vows.  My request was granted and on August 15, 1982, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, my friends and family joined me for a very special day in my life.

These temporary vows, commonly called first vows, are canonically binding for a particular length of time, often ranging from one to three years. During this time, the sisters engage in ministry and live in community. At the end of this period, the vows can be renewed.

After my first vows, I continued to teach at St. Mary of the Valley High School (Later named Valley Catholic).  I was still taking classes at PSU and classes in Formation.  Life was great.  I was getting into the groove of education and I was very busy.  I enjoyed learning and I enjoyed teaching.  Life of Christ was the religion class I taught, and sophomores took my class.  I started helping Sister Catherine Hertel on her high school retreats.  I was quickly getting involved in activities and I liked it.  The students at the school were great people from wonderful families.  I felt blessed to work there.