I come from a family with deep ties to faith, relatives,
and close friends. My early memories are of my relatives who
attended daily mass and who were very thoughtful in reaching
out to help others.
Being active in the Catholic faith was important to me,
but like most young people, I went through a deep questioning
time. The Catholic faith was all that I had ever known –
was it what I truly wanted to embrace for my own? After much
reflection, I feel that I emerged stronger in my faith and
commitment to the Catholic Church.
After going away to a secular college, I returned home and
became very active in our parish Council of Catholic Women.
At this time I came into contact with the Immaculata IHM’s
who minister at the parish school. I began having thoughts
of being a sister but I felt, “This is definitely not
me! I am too active, have too much energy and am involved
in many organizations. I can’t be cooped up in a convent.”
I was actually thinking back to pre-Vatican II times when
sisters lived a more secluded life style. Little did I know…
I was very happy in my role as Employee Relations Director
for a manufacturing firm and came close to making a commitment
to the married life. But somehow I still felt that there was
something missing in my life. The idea of becoming a sister
kept coming into my mind, but for years I kept pushing it
aside. Finally I decided that I needed to explore this option
if I was going to find peace. I asked to see one of the parish
sisters, Sister Kevin Michael, IHM as she was always smiling
and seemed to have great joy.
We started meeting on a regular basis and I learned that
being a sister was much different than I had thought. In time
and with much prayer, God’s call to me became clearer.
A strong community life was a high priority for me as I knew
that I would need support to be able to live as a vowed religious.
I was also seeking a congregation that embraced a variety
of ministries.
Sister Kevin Michael arranged a visit for me with the Scranton
IHM’s. I will never forget when I went into the chapel
at the IHM Center. I felt a deep peace that I had not felt
at any other place that I had visited. I became an affiliate
and began making major life changes so I could enter the congregation.
Leaving my work and my friends was very hard, but most of
all it was difficult for me to leave my family. God gave me
the grace, and I received much encouragement from Sister Gloria
Frank, then Director of Affiliates. I feel so blessed to be
a part of this congregation. The IHM sisters have welcomed
me, guided me, supported me and encouraged me every step of
the journey.
When I entered the congregation my biggest fear was that
I was going to be bored. Now, after 23 years I only “wish
for one boring day!” I am truly enjoying my ministry
at Mother Cabrini High School, New York City and living in
an intercommunity setting in the Bronx, NY. God has blessed
me greatly and always provided for my family. I invite other
women to join us in bringing God’s healing presence
to the world through our varied ministries.
Sister Mary Ann Lang, IHM
