God Calls Postulant from WI

Sister JulieAnn Sheahan

December 08, 2016

Postulant Colleen shares her call to be a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity.

Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do not I fill both heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord” (Jer. 23:24)

Greetings to all!! I would like to formally introduce myself.

My name is Colleen and as some of you already know, I am the grandniece of Sister Bernadone Fagan. I grew up in Green Bay, my parents are James and Marlene and I have 4 siblings; Steven, Mark, Michael and Mary.postulant-to-be-colleen-and-sister-bernadone-august

I was first introduced to the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity at St. Joseph grade school. In fact, two of my teachers still walk the halls of Holy Family Convent, Sister Bernadette Selinsky and Sister Humbeline Demers.

I was an active member of St. Mary parish in De Pere where I was a religious education substitute teacher. I also sang in the divinity choir and volunteered in the church office.

I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Marian University, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and I am blessed to have over 30 years in nursing caring for God’s children. Nursing is truly a gift from God.

Several people have told me that more than likely I had a call to religious life long ago. I truly respect the religious who answered God’s call and who witness to all of us every day. About two years ago the call started to come to light as I was very unsettled in my life. It was at a Cursillo in the fall of 2014 that I began to search and discern. I really wanted peace in my life. It was at this Cursillo that I made the commitment to take what I had learned and become an associate with a religious order. This still was not enough, I was not fulfilled and I continued to ask many questions about deepening my relationship with God in a community environment. In 2015 I went on a mission trip to Okolona, MS and really was humbled by the experience. The people we served were so grateful for our care. God works in mysterious ways as I continued my search. I visited St. Louis and St. Paul but because of my age I was not eligible for those communities. I continued to Stevens Point and looked into a community that would take older women. However, I did not feel this was a fit.franciscan-postulant-colleen

After speaking with Sister Julie Ann Sheahan I traveled to Manitowoc for a retreat at Holy Family Convent. The visit was very fruitful as I felt very much at home. I decided to apply to the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. I have been at the convent for just a short time and I want to continue to grow in my faith and prayer life. The Sisters have made the transition from single life to community life very easy.

I would like to conclude with one of my favorite scripture passages: “Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction and persevere in prayer.” (Romans 12:12) God bless you.

 

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