The idea of having a religious vocation had never really entered Shari Heisdorffer ’s mind until she was in college. Even on her first visit to a convent Shari recalls that she went and “did not imagine myself as a sister.” However, God is the God of surprises and clearly He had a different plan for her.

It all started when Shari began visiting different convents in college. Greatly impacted by the Western Illinois University Newman Center, she started signing up to go on various retreats. Shari went with little expectations and mostly just for something to do. Her first visit to the Nashville Dominicans left her feeling something she hadn’t anticipated. Shari remembers, “My views changed from the time I walked in the doors to the time I walked out of the convent. At that time, I realized they (the sisters) are people like me and the Holy Spirit touched my heart. The only thing I can think is that the Holy Spirit was guiding me to go on this retreat and to visit other communities. I felt the Lord calling me to visit the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. I went on a silent retreat at the motherhouse where I met some of the sisters and had another opportunity to visit the motherhouse in Manitowoc, WI. I felt at home with the sisters and joy radiated in me. It is not always a good idea to apply for acceptance at a visit to a convent, so I waited, and the Lord made it fairly clear to me that he wanted me to apply. Since notification of acceptance, the Lord’s message has been quieter, but I continue

to feel the joy, and sometimes more joy than before. I believe the Lord was trying to get the point across to me that he wanted me to be his bride, and now that I have said yes, he is able to calm the voice. There is nothing more important than our Heavenly Father. He needs me and I need Him.”

While the future is unknown, this path has brought Shari peace. “I feel blessed to say yes to the Lord’s call, just as Mary did. I am looking forward to community and being able to serve our Lord. When I was first accepted, I felt a combination of anxiety and joy. Although I still have some anxiety about the unknown, I trust that the Lord will take care of any needs I may have, and feel that giving up my job and benefits for Him is a blessing. The Lord is so wonderful that He will provide me with many eternal opportunities beyond my comprehension.”

On November 8th, Shari will be entering as a postulant with the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowoc, WI. The petulancy is the first step towards becoming a sister. After a year she will transition into the novitiate, which is a time that allows for a deepening relationship with Jesus.

“Jesus has shown me that if I trust in him, he will take care of all worries,” Shari says. “Jesus has been my shepherd and my guide. [He] has taught me to lean on him in good and bad times, and that He would never fail me. Each of us is unique and beautiful in God’s eyes, and He has a different plan for each one of his children. God, as our Father, loves us very much and wants the best for us.”

Clearly God has called you into a wonderfully exciting vocation, Shari. Thank you for sharing your gifts, talents and heart with St. Paul the Apostle over the last three years. We are blessed to have had you as a member of our parish. We will keep you in our prayers as you embark on this vocational journey and we thank you for your offer to pray for us. If you’d like to be in touch with Shari, you can reach her via email at heisdorffer@gmail.com. Many blessings to you!