First time I saw Sisters in habits
Sr. Mara Lester, RSM, Religious Sisters of Mercy

It is God who calls, and we who respond. My vocation has similar threads as with other persons, but when it is actually YOU, it is completely unique, exciting, and something to behold!

I slowly became involved in the Church, the Sacraments, and prayer after a slight hiatus in my youth. There was something not completely tangible, which beckoned for me to pursue this relationship with God, and it eventually led to the knowledge of a religious vocation.

Before my senior year of High School I went to a vocations camp hosted by the Duluth Diocese. It was the first time I had ever seen sisters in habit and was quite startling. It was even more startling when I found out that one sister was a doctor. Ever since I was young I had consistently been led toward the track of a physician. I watched her like a hawk. I wondered if she really lived an integral life of TRUTH, rooted in God and not herself, or was it all totally fake? I came to realize that there was meaning present, primarily, the love that only God gives.

This led me to discern my individual vocation through much prayer, the Sacraments, and aid of persons. I visited a few communities, but always knew I had a deep attraction to the sister I had met. After visiting The Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, MI, after my freshman year of college, I decided to enter.
Since then I have gone through postulancy, the canonical novitiate, and am presently in my second year novitiate, preparing for first vows. Each year has brought with it tremendous growth, especially in knowing my vocation to be a religious woman. Also, would not you know it? I am currently attending Michigan State University pursuing a degree in Medicine. God has His ways, which are much better than our own.

May each of you listen to His voice…He will let you know! May God bless you!