My vocation journey began in Liverpool
Reflecting on my vocation story brought me back to the beginning of my faith journey, which for me, began at home in Liverpool.
Irish Roots
Both my parents came from Ireland and treasured their faith in a gentle, quiet way. They never forced their own faith commitment on me or any of my four sisters and three brothers, but I felt their faith sustained and nurtured them every day of their lives.
I was educated in Catholic schools in Liverpool and was very influenced by the Notre Dame Sisters and the city I grew up in. I was made aware of the social environment around me and was encouraged at home and within my Parish community to think of the needs of others.
Sacred Spaces
When I was eighteen I worked with the deaf community and used to help with sign language at the parish liturgies. This brought me into the heart of Parish life, where I was invited to join other groups. It also gave me an opportunity to visit Taize and Lourdes. Both of these sacred places had a profound effect on my faith journey.
A life-changing experience
I joined the weekly prayer group, which eventually became a bible study group. We were invited to read and reflect on the letters of St. Paul and then encouraged to share how the reading and reflection influenced our daily living. This experience was to become life-changing for me.
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The Sisters of St. Paul
I contacted the Sisters of St. Paul to ask them if they had any information on St. Paul, which I thought, would help me with my bible study. I was kindly invited to visit them. I made the journey to Selly Park in Birmingham and was amazed to discover a lovely, lively group of Sisters who were very welcoming and friendly. They gave me some information on St. Paul and then had the courage to ask me a question.
Why are you so interested in St Paul?
The Novice Director asked me why I was so interested in St. Paul and the prayer group. She asked me to consider the possibility that I may have a vocation. I had never considered the idea directly, but my faith journey was deepening and I wasn’t fully aware of the depth of it until I was asked to reflect on it.
You never walk alone
Over the next year, as much as I tried, I could not get the idea of a Religious vocation out of my head. I eventually joined the Sisters of St. Paul in 1979. I have since ministered in England, Scotland and South Africa providing nursing care and spiritual direction to many people. I am now the Vocation Director of the Congregation. I visit schools, parishes and universities in the UK and Ireland. I feel very fortunate to have been accompanied by so many significant people on my faith and vocation journey. As a Liverpudlian I know “You never walk alone.” This has proved to be so true over the years. I feel very grateful to my parents, family, friends and my Religious Congregation who have walked with me and fostered my vocation over the years.
Like St. Paul “I thank my God each time I remember you”
