We see tremendous joy in her every time we see her.  That brings such happiness to us. 

As a parent, what do you appreciate about having a daughter in the convent?

The convent offers solace and protection for our daughter from the outside world which is becoming more and more alarming every day now.  The convent provides a peaceful and prayerful environment of caring, loving, supportive and joyous women.

How do you think your role as a parent influenced your daughter being able to follow her vocation?

She learned obedience, the importance of a strong prayer life to get you through everything, the importance of processing your decisions, and perseverance.  When relationships were tough to deal with in school, we told her to pray, and she got good results.  When sports injuries occurred, she was told to pray. She endured many trials and came back. When she talked about quitting a sport in school, we processed all the possibilities of staying with it, as it might get better, and all the possibilities of changing sports, the good and the bad, as the grass is not always greener.  Sunday Mass was never to be missed in our family.  She was raised that parents and elders are to be respected.  I recall that when she called me at work every day after she came home from school I would answer the phone with,    “Hi Angel”.  I also recall that I often told people we lived with Mother Teresa, as our daughter did such nice things for her friends and our family.  Perhaps that was projecting her vocation!

As a parent who has given your daughter back to the Lord, how do you see her vocation benefitting you?

We see tremendous joy in her every time we see her.  That brings such happiness to us.  She prays for all of us continually and we feel the results. Growing up with an uncle who was a priest in the Wichita diocese and a Chaplain for 20 years in the Air Force and two aunts who were religious sisters, we realize how having religious in your family can help nurture and grow the faith not only in the parents but also the entire extended family. 

 What do you like about the Sisters of the IHM community? 

The sisters are all very nice, friendly, and so knowledgeable about the Catholic Faith and the Bible.  Their full habits make them stand out in a crowd, and people show them extra respect because of that alone.  They practice humility with a focus on others and people love speaking with them.  People come up to us astounded at the high level of their presentations, saying they know so much and can answer questions as well as the priests. I consider them to be part of our family and could not be happier to provide them with computer support which has enriched my life and added purpose and meaning in my later years.

What are some encouraging words you have for families?

We are taught that it is in giving that we receive.  You have given your daughter to the Lord.  When you feel the need to have your daughter close at heart, give the Convent your time, talent or treasure and you will be emotionally and spiritually paid back tenfold.  Your emotional bond will be increased not only with your daughter, but with the entire community.  They are a very thankful and grateful community.  Your heart will be filled with their love and God’s love. Embrace the Sisters and their vocation as they continue to grow the Catholic faith. Without them the Catholic Church will not continue to grow and flourish.