Sister Nancy Uhl, S.N.D.deN.

Sister Nancy Uhl, S.N.D.deN. has been the co-coordinator of the West Coast member area of NRVC since summer 2019, two years into her official vocation ministry journey.

How do the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur divide roles in vocation ministry?

I am the only full-time person in the ministry and am responsible for coordinating  outreach throughout the United States. Currently, we have five  hubs: California, Arizona, Ohio and neighboring states, Mid-Atlantic region, and Northeast region. Sisters interested in vocation work meet regularly as a hub to plan and promote vocation work. 

Hub sisters take part in vocation events in their region enlisting help from other sisters and allies (students, associates, teachers, etc.) Nationally sisters volunteer to help staff a booth at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, held annually in Anaheim, California. 

Has being a member of NRVC been helpful?

NRVC has been invaluable, beginning with new vocation minister training and other trainings at Summer and Fall Institutes. The professional development days organized by my region in the West have also proven valuable. The monthly meetings of the Western region provide support, ongoing formation, and a place to share information and plan events together. Currently, we are trying to keep each other informed of vocation events in our region and possibly share booths, resources, and costs at some of them.  

What programs, ideas, or approaches have you used that evoke enthusiasm?

I am encouraging members to reconnect with our schools. We have very few sisters left who work in our schools due to retirement. But we are trying to be more connected again through volunteering and working with campus ministers. One region has an “adopt a sister” program between a high school and a retirement facility for sisters, giving students and sisters a chance to develop relationships. At another school, sisters are involved in a club that incorporates prayer and service. It is through personal relationships that women will enter our congregation.

Do you have a fun fact to share?

An unusual fact about me is that I am a widow and a mom (and a grandma). My daughter calls me Sister Mom. She has been my number one champion in my pursuit of religious life.

What do you find inspiring in religious life today?

When I talk about life as a consecrated religious, I discuss the three “H’s”: holy, healthy, and happy. I talk about the joy of sharing this life with a community of like-minded (and funny!) women. I talk about the satisfaction of living a life of purpose and meaning. We can live our lives focused on God, ministry, and mission because we are celibate, we live simply, and we live as a community. I tell people I love my life because that is the truth. I would never compare one vocation (single, married, religious) against another because all vocations are calls from God and are good. But I can honestly say I love my life today as a sister, just as I loved my life as a wife. God is so very good.