Values for a Lifetime

Just before Christmas, I heard a fascinating story on NPR about the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia of Nashville. The story profiled an explosion in new young novices in the order. In listening to the story, I was moved by the enthusiasm and evident faith of the profiled women. In an era in which we struggle to recruit priests, deacons, sisters, and brothers, it is reassuring to see one order that is thriving. I encourage all Catholic school supporters to hear the story; it can be accessed by visiting: http://www.npr.org/2010/12/22/131753494/for-these-young-nuns-habits-are-....

The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia have a presence within our Archdiocese. For many years, the sisters have sponsored St. Gertrude School. I have a personal connection to the sisters as well; during my earliest years as a teacher and administrator, I worked with the sisters at Bishop Byrne M/H School in Memphis, Tennessee. The intense passion of the sisters was evident in their every task and communication. I remain good friends with several of the sisters to this day.

Why are the Dominican Sisters flourishing when so many of our orders are shrinking? This is a difficult and complex question to answer. I have certainly been impressed by my contacts with the Sisters of Charity, the Sisters of Mercy, the Marianists, and members of other orders. In all cases, men and women of these orders seem passionately committed to their vocation and their ministry to Catholic education. We must all have faith that people will continue to accept God's call to religious life; in spite of the national trends, we must remain hopeful in the future of our church and in the well-being of our invaluable religious orders. I urge all Catholic school suppporters to say regular prayers for an increase in vocations to religious life. If you know of anyone who may be hearing God's call to a religious vocation, please encourage them to contact a religious order or our Arhciocesan vocations office. May God watch over our religious orders, and provide them with a bright and vibrant future!