Sister Colleen Brady, O.S.F.

For almost five years Sister Colleen Brady, O.S.F. has been a vocation minister for her community, the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, New York, and she serves as an NRVC member area coordinator for the Deep South member area.

Are you part of a vocation team? If so, how does your community divide up roles within vocation ministry?

No, but I do work closely with our formation director and congregational leadership.

Has being a member of NRVC been helpful to you?

Yes, it's been absolutely helpful! Belonging to NRVC has benefited me from the first convocation (which was informative and supportive) on to the orientation program with its practical sample forms, policies, and comprehensive information on vocation ministry.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I am the mother of three grown children—two sons, one of whom resides in China, and a daughter—and five grandchildren, the oldest of whom will be graduating from high school this June.

What do you find challenging and what do you find rewarding in vocation work?

It is a very challenging time in our church with many young people having no religious affiliation and little home faith formation. They are not even aware of the possibility of religious life.  

I find it very rewarding to walk with women in discernment. It can be challenging at times, but it is a privilege to be able to listen deeply and to help the women listen to God’s loving call in their lives.