Sr. Chelsea

Concord, VT

21 years old

It was at a Steubenville Conference before my freshman year of college when God opened my eyes to see that a vocation to the married life was not the only vocation. It was the first time I had ever come into contact with religious sisters and seen so many young women open to God’s call.
From that moment on, God began beckoning me closer to him and asking me to trust; I could not help but follow him. As a freshman at the University of Vermont, I quickly found the Catholic Center and began to spend a lot of time there. I met Fr. Dan White, who lived his vocation so faithfully and emphasized the importance of prayer both individually and in community. There was something so beautiful about his witness to a religious vocation. I soon began to find myself craving more time with Jesus in the Eucharist, running from class to make it to daily Mass.

A few months later, I decided that it was time to ask God what He wanted from me, simply because I thought it was polite and something that should be done. Every day I pleaded with God to reveal his plan to me, but nothing. Then one day as I repeated the same request, expecting nothing once again, God took me by surprise. He spoke to my heart and said “I want you to be mine.” I was scared and tried to ignore his response, but was unsuccessful. I wasn't able to sleep. I couldn't concentrate. I was miserable. With the help of my chaplain, Fr. White, and my parish priest, Fr. Schnobrich, I began to see my discernment as exciting rather than frightening.

In April of 2008, I, along with twenty other members from the University of Vermont Catholic Center, had the opportunity to attend the Papal Mass at Yankee Stadium. In the presence of our Holy Father, I was able to see how much I loved being Catholic and just how big my vocation was. It seemed so much more valid and meaningful. I realized that my vocation was something I should not be waiting for but seeking out. Knowing that I would not be able to move forward without Mary, I sought her through the Rosary. I grew to love her and, in turn, to better love her Son.

With trust in Mary and in Our Lord, I promised God that I would follow if He would just lead me. Opportunities to look further into communities presented themselves, and I was very quickly led to the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. I was overwhelmed with peace, and felt like I had just come home. I cannot help thinking that this is what God has prepared me for my entire life.