Sharon, Sr. Mary Andrea and Novice Directress Sr. Mary Veronica - everything was covered in ice for a couple days this past March - it was breathtaking - and it damaged many a tree!

     Our dear friend Abby (whom we hope and pray will come visit us some day!) sent a comment last week wanting to know a bit about our aspirants*. Today I will share a little about Sharon. She is from North Carolina and is #11 of 12 children! She is 22 years old and was born on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. She really enjoys playing piano and make ours actually sound good. (it has seen better days...we are praying for a new one!) She can play piano just by looking at the chords - amazing.

    Before entering the monastery she spent 2 1/2 years at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. The attraction towards religious life became very strong and took time away from school for serious discernment. She found out about us through a parent of one of her friends from Steubenville who resides in Evansville, IN. He told her, "you need to go visit the Passionists!" Thanks Bob Smith! We're so glad you spoke up...and the Lord used his suggestion to bring Sharon here for a first time visit last November.

     Before she entered the aspirancy this past February she was working in her brother's donut/bistro shop, teaching Sunday school, singing in church choir, and she played on the church volleyball team. She was also involved with a parish program call "Why Catholic". Sharon loves tennis and also played soccer in high school. She was homeschooled during her grade school years.

     Sharon at far left - Bingo on Vicar Sr. Mary Agnes' gaudeamus day in April - How many bingo cards can a Sister play per game???

*The Aspirancy program gives a young woman an opportunity to have an extended live-in experience to further discern her vocation. It usually lasts about 3 months.