MY VOCATION STORY

by
SISTER MARY ANNE PAGANO, IWBS

My vocation story starts the day I was born -- January 24, 1948. My aunt, Sister Mary Anne Roddy and another Sister, Sister Caroline Fritter, both from the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, paced the floor waiting for my arrival. My mother, Henrietta Newbury, was Sister Mary Anne's only sister so my aunt was really excited. I was her first niece.

Growing up, I used to visit the convent every so often and sometimes have lunch with the sisters. I would visit with many of the Sisters when I came. I attended Cathedral School, St. Patrick's and Incarnate Word Academy, all in Corpus Christi and all taught by the Incarnate Word Sisters.

In 1969, 1 decided to make a weekend live-in with the Sisters, which would really be the beginning of my decision to join. I felt the need to live on my own for a while, and I thought that if the vocation call was still there after a time, I would answer it. It took sixteen years before I finally made the step. I was working at Southwestern Bell Telephone at the time I made the final step. I guess you could say I received my long distance call from God.

I entered the House of Discernment in August 1985 and have been a Sister since that time. I have served in many capacities – music teacher, teacher's aide, receptionist in the convent front office, organist in the convent chapel, in Corpus Christi Cathedral and in some parish churches, sacristan in the convent chapel and chauffeur for elderly Sisters. In addition to music, I have developed hobbies such as art work and needlework. And of course, I have developed my prayer life. There is certainly never a dull moment when one is in the convent.