Duc in Altum

As my last semester of college is beginning, and I'm preparing for my next stage in life, many people have wondered where I'm going next, and what I plan on doing. After all, I've spent the last four years earning a B.A. in English and a minor in Latin. What does one do with degrees such as those?

            Well, go live in the woods with nuns. Naturally.

            Though I've secretly (and not so secretly) enjoyed a wide gamut of reactions from people as I've told them about my after-graduation plans, I still feel like an explanation is owed.

            On May 26th, 2018, I'm officially moving to De Pere, Wisconsin to do just that: live with nuns in the woods.

            But there's a lot more to it than that.

            This summer when I was working as a Totus Tuus missionary teacher, I happened to have dinner with a family whose daughter is in formation to become a religious sister. This Sister happened to be home on home visit that week and joined me, her parents, and my missionary team for dinner.

            It was then that I got my first introduction to the Missionaries of the Word. A brand new religious order, there are only four Sisters that compose this community, with foundress Mother Mary Catherine, a former Missionary of Charity who used to work alongside Mother Teresa.

            After a brief introduction to the order via dinner conversations with the Missionary of the Word's only postulant, I went on my way and continued life rather undisturbed. It was later, then, after my first semester of senior year began that I really began to reflect in earnest about what I wanted for my life after college.

            It was then that the Missionaries were placed on my heart again. After further research, it appeared that they offered a 'Missionary Internship' program, specifically designed for post-grad young adults. This Missionary Internship is designed to give young adults a place to live in community, discern their vocations, pour themselves out in service, and become formed by taking theological and catechetical courses offered by a priest affiliated with the Missionaries of the Word.

            While in Wisconsin, I'll be assisting the Sisters in their apostolate, mainly leading teens and young adults on wilderness expeditions that double as retreats. When not assisting with their retreats and other apostolic works, I'll be praying, attending classes, and growing in virtue and community life. I'll be living with other young adults (both male and female), four nuns, one priest, and one Border Collie named Friar Tuck. Right now I am slated to be living in Wisconsin from May 26th to August 15th. However, there will be a mutual discernment between the Sisters and I as to whether I'll continue my internship and formation for up to a year.

            I, of all people know how surprising this might be. This was not in my plans or my imagined future after graduation, and so I surprised myself when I began investigating this. As I'm fully aware this is a hardly typical path of a post-grad young adult, here are some questions you might have:

            1) Q: Ok, but like really, why are you doing this?

                 A: There's no one answer to this very valid question. A few reasons of many would be, I have a great God-given desire to be formed. To have my interior (prayer) life formed by people holier than I, to have my whole person formed in virtue and discipline, to have my intellect and perspective formed by new experiences. I have a deep desire to gain self-knowledge, and that is something that this opportunity offers me. This will especially be good for me as I make the transition from my college life of being an active member in a vibrant Catholic community, to an adult with no ready-made community living in a largely secular world.

            2) Q: But isn't this a huge risk?

                A: Yes, this is a risk. A big risk. And it scares the crap out of me.  But our God is a God of Providence. And we must take that on faith and trust he will provide for me during my time in Wisconsin and beyond. I prefer to think of this as an adventure.

            3) Q: Does this mean you're going to become a nun?

                 A: Maybe. I won't deny that the idea of becoming a nun or religious sister is deeply attractive to me. Another motivation for me going to Wisconsin is for vocational discernment, or figuring out what God might be calling me to. They say that if you're interested in a career, you should 'try it out', and I can't really try out being a nun unless I live with nuns. While I'm in Wisconsin, I'll be keeping the same schedule and doing the same apostolic works as the Sisters, so hopefully this will broaden my perspective and understanding of religious life and be an invitation for God to speak into my life regarding my vocation. I am hoping while I'm in Wisconsin to gain some clarity in this.

            4) Q: How can I contact you while you're in Wisconsin?

                 A: Any ways you have previously. I will still be using my phone while there (though I maybe won't have the best reception, or respond quickly to texts/calls). I'll also still have all my social media and my laptop. Also, if you want to go on retreat with the Missionaries of the Word (and the interns who will be living with them) here's a link to check it out!

            5) Q: What can I do to help?

                 A: Please, pray for me if you're the praying type. Keep in touch with me while I'm there. Send me good vibes, send me text messages, send me love. Send me all those good things.

Thanks for taking the time to read this blogpost. Pray for me, and my prayers will go with you also.

Amor et Pax,

~Grace    

For more information about Catholic Youth Expeditions and the Missionaries of the Word, click here.