Article by Phoenix writer Isabel Connolly ’23:
On November 16th, Kellenberg was visited by alumna Sister Ann Thomas of the class of 2009. She is a member of the Dominican sisters stationed in Nashville. Sister Ann came back to meet with students and visit with many of her old teachers.
She shared her vocation story with many of the Kellenberg students. When she arrived she attended Midday Prayer and then lunch with members of the Adele Club, Kellenberg’s vocation club for young women. She also spoke with several of the Junior Morality classes.
She shared with them her own discernment journey and talked about her life as a religious sister. She noted that many do not get to see religious sisters living out their vocation as much as they may see the vocations of married life and the priesthood. She answered questions from students about what they do in their daily life and what their prayer life is like. She mentioned how she loves playing games, particularly softball with her fellow sisters.
These Dominican sisters teach in Nashville and spend their days in prayer, teaching and service. Sister Ann believed the sisters live the fullness of a Christian life in joy. She said that everything they do is in service to God and so even the menial tasks can be done with joy. It was apparent during the presentation that the Dominican sisters are full of joy and love. Sister Ann urged the students to open themselves to God’s call and told them that service to God is the way to happiness and fullness.
After school, she met with the students of Aquinas League to answer their questions and share her witness before leaving.
A student who attended her presentation, junior Sloane Sackett commented that, “The presentation was wonderful. Sister Ann really showed us how wonderful life as a religious sister can be. I had never realized how great religious life could be. It really opened me up to religious life.”
When asked about her visit, Sister Ann said that, “It was so great being back at Kellenberg. The students have been so welcoming and had incredible questions. I am so grateful for the faith formation I received at Kellenberg.”
Sister Ann Thomas’ visit was a wonderful witness of how God is calling each Kellenberg student to holiness.