Hello! I am Sister Teresa Maria, and I am a member of The Sisters of Saint Francis of the Martyr Saint George. I have been part of our community since 2010. Leading up to my entrance I lived a blessed life in rural Wisconsin with my parents and two younger sisters. The biggest gift of my childhood was the home in which I grew up. I was surrounded by tangible reminders that I am loved unconditionally and that I was created for and could do great things. I credit my family with why I was able to hear and respond to God’s call to be a Bride of Christ. 
I wanted to be a Sister at an early age because of a teacher I had, but this desire faded, and my middle and high school years were very normal without any thought of one day living in a convent. This desire returned when I was in college at a smaller public school – Winona State University. The thoughts of religious life returned as I started wanting to grow in my faith and began frequenting daily Mass and an adoration chapel close to campus. I was initially upset with God that the thoughts of religious life returned. “What can’t I grow in my Catholic-ness and have a holy marriage?” was a question I often presented to God during that time. During my time of discernment God revealed to me that this call was not a punishment and was something very beautiful and that I had been formed for this. 
Finding my home with our community began when I was nine years old. Along with my mother, I crashed a Nun Run with high school and college girls from the area to our motherhouse and was pen pals with one of the Sisters. Fun fact: my pen pal was Mother when I entered and received my First Profession. Beautiful providence. When I visited again in college, through very clear moments in prayer and deep peace and longings in my heart I knew I was called, and I had to come now. I returned home with news: “I am dropping out of college.” I had never been so sure of anything before. 
My current assignment is in Rock Island, IL where I teach high school Theology and assist in the campus ministry efforts at our school. I enjoy reading and talking with others about common books and I enjoy crashing basketball practices. I enjoy, or am at least willing to do, any activity if it accompanies a deep conversation. Receiving my vocation is the best gift I have received. I am humbled to be asked to love Him and the Church in this way. He has proven to me countless times that He cannot be outdone in generosity. Â
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