Sr. Grace Mary: My Vocation Love Story

I grew up on the north side of Milwaukee, and I loved my high school years at Divine Savior High School (DS). All of my high school teachers — mostly Sisters of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians) — loved us and really seemed to enjoy teaching us. They talked with us about religious life and led us to believe that we, young women, could do almost anything we put our minds to! As I approached graduation, I knew I wanted to be a teacher, all my life. And, I thought, the best way to do this is to be a Sister!

As I look back 57 years later, I realize that at 18 I didn’t know much about a committed life. God has led me down many ministry paths, from teaching at Divine Savior and Divine Savior Holy Angels (DSHA), to training our new members, to leadership for our Province and on our international team in Rome. Throughout these years, God has put people into my life who have believed in me and challenged me, and shown me who God is for me and in my life.

I believe that my vocation story is a love story. I have experienced Jesus’ provident care and saving love, my family’s love and support, and the love of my Salvatorian Family Members. Mine is a story of growing each day in what it means to lovingly and joyfully return the gift of my life to God, who has blessed me so generously.

Presently, I am working with board members and administrators of our sponsored institutions: DSHA, St. Anne’s Salvatorian Campus, Hadley Terrace (affordable housing for seniors in Milwaukee’s central city), and Divine Savior Healthcare in Portage, Wis. I work to ensure that our Salvatorian Mission and Charism are alive in our institutions.