Stirrings of the Heart
by Sister Priscilla Wood, OP
Professed in 1972
Just before graduating from college, eager to begin what I thought would be my lifetime career as a high school English teacher, I interviewed for a job at a Catholic girls’ high school in south Minneapolis staffed by the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. Of course I didn’t want that job; I wanted more than a pittance of a salary and more men around! I had never gone to Catholic school myself and knew nothing about Sisters. But on the day of my interview, in the short time I spent in the presence of Sisters on the faculty, I was overwhelmed with their kindness, their enthusiasm, their expertise and professionalism, and I left signing a contract!
During my three years there, I found myself praying more and more often for what to do with my life. I came to realize that my car, my apartment, my things were not providing the fulfillment I expected. I found myself spending more time with the Sisters, helping out in extra ways, enjoying my glimpses into their life. One night, sitting in the moonlight unable to sleep, I said out loud, “Is this you want me to do?” knowing exactly what the this meant! The witness of the women with whom I had worked and played and prayed over the past years helped me to see an alternative lifestyle I have never regretted.
It wasn’t easy or immediate. It took me a few months to finally commit to a visit to the Mound and a meeting with the Vocation Director. She listened to my list of reasons of “why I shouldn’t do this” and with good questions helped me to understand better the whole discernment and decision-making process. In late spring, I formally applied to the Congregation.
So my call was both very gradual and abrupt at the same time! I tried to ignore those stirrings of my heart but knew I had to face the questions, the pull, before dismissing it completely. In doing that, the call became even clearer, not necessarily easier, but clearer. All these years later, I still remember that night I asked the question out loud. I remember those women who mentored me and loved me into living my own Dominican vocation. Of course there have been ups and downs, moments of thinking “the grass must be greener on the other side.” But this life has been nothing short of a rich miracle and mystery of grace. I continue to pray for ever deepening commitment and in gratitude for what I have received in return.