Sister M. Katherine Gruber
Sister of Charity of Our Lady Mother of the Church
Age Entered Novitiate: 29
Age of Final Profession: 35
How did you first experience or hear "the call" to the Religious Life?
In my attempt to find my niche in life, I worked at various occupations. While working I would feel, "there is still something missing." I was not unhappy with my life or myself but I had not found the fulfillment I was seeking. We had two Catholic magazines available from our Church and at random, or so I thought at the time, I chose five ads to write to for information only . After I wrote those letters it seemed daily the whispering of the Holy Spirit grew stronger until entering Religious Life was not a question of "should I or shouldn't I?" but "where and when?" And He provided the answer to that one too!. It was difficult to say farewell to my parents and 10 siblings and make the Greyhound bus ride from Minnesota to Connecticut, but the moment I stepped into the Chapel a profound peace was mine and still remains.
What was your work before entering the Religious Life?
I had spent 4 1/2 years in the U.S. Navy and when discharged was working in a secretarial position when the prompting of the Holy Spirit began. Previous to my navy career I spent some time as a nurse's aide, waitress, factory worker, and 1 1/2 years at college, all of which were enjoyable to some degree but did not provide the fulfillment I was seeking.
What were your thoughts and feelings when you first thought about becoming a Religious sister?
There are always some anxious moments when stepping out in a new direction in life but I was fortunate in some ways because I had no pre-conceived ideas of what Religious Life should/would be like. I remember going to CCD classes in the early 1960's with Sisters in full-length black habits. From this my thoughts were that if I were going to enter Religious Life I would like to be as true a Religious as possible - - habit and all! So I arrived at the Motherhouse with openness to all God would ask of me to do and be -- and have never regretted it.
What are your thoughts now after your years of ministry?
My last statement of having never regretted my decision contains all my thoughts and feelings! Sure there have been trials and temptations, but the Grace of God, the candor and gentleness of my Superiors and the fellowship of my Sisters have always been there to sustain me through the stormy times.
Do you have any further thoughts about your vocation?
My specific apostolate for many years consisted of caring for all the Sisters of the Congregation as part of the Nursing Staff at the Motherhouse. I was encouraged to study for my R.N. License while on mission at St. Charles Home for Children in Rochester, NH, and after graduating, was asked to serve on the staff at the Motherhouse for which I am grateful. This mission has given me an incite into the depth and breadth of our Congregation. I saw the Senior Sisters with their generosity of prayer and patient endurance of the Cross of illness and aging. I saw the teaching Sisters and their care and concern not only for their students' education and spiritual growth but the student's family's growth as well. I saw the Novitiate Sisters full of fresh zeal and fervor, which give all of us a spiritual uplift in our quest to live out our fourth vow of devoting ourselves to the works of charity to a selfless degree.
In February 2003, I was asked to fill the shoes of a beautiful Sister (58 years old) who was gifted with the cross of Pancreatic cancer. She was terminal when the diagnosis was established and was called to her Divine Bridegroom's side five months later surrounded by her spiritual and physical family members. I succeed her as Novice Mistress in our Congregation with a wonderful group of five future Brides of Christ.
The Spiritual richness I see in our congregation leads me to be so thankful that He called me to be a Spouse of Christ as a Sister of Charity of Our Lady Mother of the Church.
Such a richness I see in our Community which leads me to be so thankful to God that He has called me to be a Spouse of Christ as a Sister of Charity of Our Lady Mother of the Church.