This past weekend, I went on a roadtrip with a priest to visit a convent. And yes, to a Church geek like me, those words sound like music to my ears!
Near the end of last semester, I had mentioned to Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP, that I was thinking of taking a trip up to Springfield, IL to visit the Dominican sisters there. Scott and I had previously talked about my vocational journey and agreed that Springfield might be a good fit for me, but I was pleasantly surprised when Scott replied to my mention of a trip by offering to accompany me on such a visit. And so, Scott set up the trip for this past weekend, and we were off!
I’m not sure which part of the trip I enjoyed more – the conversation with Scott during the drive to and from Springfield or the time that I spent with the sisters – but it was a really great experience overall. The Springfield sisters seem to be a really balanced community that encompasses all that I have been looking for in a religious congregation. And there is nothing that I felt the least bit uncomfortable about! I didn’t have that “this is so awesome and I want to spend the rest of my life here” kind of feeling (yet), but this community definitely has potential when it comes to my discernment. I’m looking forward to getting to know them better as time goes on to see if this is indeed the community that God is calling me to join. Keep me in your prayers.
I’d like to thank Scott and the Springfield sisters for making this trip possible and wonderful. And of course, I’d like to thank God, too, for continuing to bless me with so many beautiful experiences in my life.
