In the third grade, I told my teacher that I wanted to be a sister when I grew up.  In the years that followed, however, discerning my vocation was not always my top priority.  Providentially, high school turned out to be a positive experience, as I became involved in a Catholic youth program that was strongly devoted to the Eucharist, Mary and the Church.  This program made me increasingly aware of my vocation and the deepest desire of my heart:  the person of Jesus Christ. A couple of knowledgeable priests mentioned the idea of a religious vocation, which sounded like a good idea, but I had my own plan in mind.  I thought that after graduating from college I would begin to explore the idea, just in case God was still knocking on the door of my heart.  Well, I soon discovered that the Lord had His own wonderful plan for me.

After completing two years at John Carroll University,  I realized how much the youth of today yearn for the “truth.” Consequently, my desire to pass on  this wonderful gift grew stronger.

I dedicated the summer of 1999 to prayer and discernment, hoping to know within a few years what God was asking of me.  In May, I was fortunate enough to travel to Rome and attend the Vigil Mass of Pentecost, celebrated by the Holy Father.  What an honor it was to be in the heart of the Roman Catholic Church to celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.  I did not realize it at the time, but this experience gave me the grace and courage I needed to take the next step.  

In July I visited the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia and I was extremely impressed. The sisters were young, joyful, holy and normal women (imagine that).  They beautifully chanted the Divine Office, prayed the rosary in community every day and they were faithful to the teaching apostolate.  I could feel the strong devotion to the Eucharist and Our Lady.  I noted a sense of fidelity to the Holy Father, along with a genuine charity between the sisters who so beautifully witnessed to the religious life by their wearing of the habit.  What more could I ask for in a community?  That weekend I also learned what a vocation truly is, to live my life fully and become the person God created me to be at Baptism and Confirmation. I felt strongly that this community was to be the home in which I could grow in my faith and love of Christ. 

Upon reflection, I discovered that my heart literally ached to live the life of a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia.  The moment I surrendered my entire heart, mind, body and soul to the Lord, He gave me the grace I needed to know His Divine Will for my life. I finally heard His gentle voice by the strength of my desire and did not want to keep Him waiting!  

Now I am living more fully what I discovered in high school:  a sense of devotion, a longing for prayer, a great love for the Church and a commitment to “truth”.  As a religious sister, I am espoused to Christ, joining countless women have gone before me as well as those who will answer the Lord in the future. It was such an honor to receive the Dominican habit and a new name in the Holy Year and furthermore, to give Christ the gift of myself as the world celebrated 2000 years since His birth.  The joys and graces I have received in coming here far exceed any sacrifices I have made.  I am grateful that the Lord knocked when He did and look forward to the discoveries that await me as I cross the threshold. 

Sr. Cecilia Joseph professed her final vows on August 8, 2006.