Meris’ Vocation Story
Adios!
It’s true, I want to be a nun. I’m leavin’ it all behind and givin’ it all up to follow the Lord! So long iPhone, farewell Starbucks! Glitter and hot pink? It’s all “Mary blue” and black & white from here on out!
But seriously, in August I’ll be entering community life in Ann Arbor, MI with the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. I’ve known for a while that God was calling me to follow him more closely in a way that cannot be attained outside of religious life. I told my mom a long time ago that I wanted to be a nun (Truth is, I wanted to be a priest at a young age… then I was properly catechized).
Sr. Clare, FSE and myself
I pushed the thoughts of religious life to the back of my mind throughout middle school and high school. During undergrad I had the wonderful Sr. Clare, FSE as a shining example in my daily life. Sr. Clare reopened my mind to the idea of joining a religious community. However, I continued to go along with dating and seeking my vocation in places that didn’t involve a convent. When one of my best friends from back home took his first vows in November 2010 I realized that God was asking me to do the same – kneel before Him and give my whole self to Him.
I had met the joyous Dominican Sisters of Mary in Austin, TX in January of 2010 and was encouraged by a roommate to go talk to them. The very pleasant sister with whom I spoke gave me a card with their website and an email address to contact. While I scoured every nook and cranny of their website, I was finishing my Masters and never emailed them to find out more information. When I saw the same sisters in January of 2011, I knew it was a sign. They were happy as ever and this time I gave my email to a sister and asked her to contact me (ball’s in her court this time… see how I did that?) She put me in contact with our delightful vocations director and the rest is history! God is so good!
I ask your prayers as this process completes itself. God’s timing is perfect and He’s steering this ship of awesomeness!
<3
Meris
Beautiful Meris! Love it!
You’re beautiful.
You got it!
I’m pretty sure I’ve seen nuns in Starbucks!
hahahaha! Awesome!!
Awesome!!!! Very touching and uplifting to read this! So Proud of you Meris!! XOXOXOX
xoxox back to you, Keigh!
AH MERISSS!! This is so awesome!!!!!
We love you, Meris! I’m adding the !!!s.
Love you, Keri!
God bless you on your path, Meris! Your mom shared your good news with me. I admire and respect your decision. Glad to know you are blogging about this journey… I look forward to following your story as it unfolds. Praying for you!
Charlene! Thank you so much for your kind words and support! Your prayers are very much appreciated and needed!!!
Meris, this story was awesome, I love how you put things! This cracked me up! I can’t wait to meet you and my other sisters!!! Only like 10 more days! Woot Woot!
A giant ‘ol w00t w00t indeed! SO PUMPED!
Meris, what beautiful news I got today about your decision to become a nun! I will pray for you as you enter the convent and reach this awesome life goal. If you don’t mind, I would like to pass this on to the people at our St. Louis Catholic School who keep up with our alumni.
Many blessings and much love,
Judy Bonham
St. Louis Catholic Church
Thank you Judy!
Please pass on anything you would like
I just signed up to have the blog email me when Meris writes a new post
Way to go Meris! It’s refereshing to see young women being called to the vocations. Peace be with you Meris!
What an awesome story!God bless you and I will be praying for you.Monica
Dearest Maris,
Hello! I am discerning a call to religious life, and I would love to get your discernment advice, especially since the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist have a mission in my diocese and I’ve been wanting to get in touch with them for months now. You can email me at michelle31(dot)30(at)gmail(dot)com.
I am full of questions, so any wisdom you could impart would be much appreciated
Pax et bonum,
Michelle
consider yourself CONTACTED!
Meris what a beautiful story. I wish I had been a Catholic when I was your age–I might have been called to this life myself. However, I am a (happily) married mom of 3 now. Even so, I love to read stories like yours–especially from young woman in my area (Austin). I saw a post about you on Jen Fulweiller’s blog (www.conversiondiary.com) and followed it here to learn more. All blessings to you as you enter this beautiful convent with this lovely group of sisters.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I consider Austin “my area” too! Woo!
Hey there, Meris! Just wanted to send my prayers your way and let you know how awesome I think you are for saying “yes” just like Mary! To think that your journey started long ago but good friendships and examples from UST solidified your vocation. I got your story from Conversion Diary and went right away to donate. Just sending on some love. Your smile was always so welcomed!
Love,
Jessica Counts (Guse)
Forgot to mention one more thing: a dear, dear friend of mine from our days in Missouri, Elise Hamacher, is there. She is now Sister Maria Karol. When you get there, give her love from the Pearland Counts’!
Meris, your joy and love of our Lord shows in your smile and the words you write. I shared your link on FB and donated as well. Our family will be praying for you, especially on August 29th! May God abundantly bless you!
Found your page from a friend who is entering in another order. I hope my donation helps you a little. Good luck and God bless.