Ms. Michelle Horton

What roles have you played in vocation ministry?

I have been the vocation director for the Sinsinawa (Wisconsin) Dominicans since 2013. Recently I became the Membership Area Coordinator for the Heartland region, along with Lori Benge.

How is your community's vocation ministry set up?

My responsibilities include promoting religious life and discerning with women. I take them through the application process and present them to the congregation leadership council. I have two committees that work with me, the Vocation Task Force that works on specific programming and events, and the Resource Committee for Dominican Life and Mission. That  committee assists in projects such as updating our Initial Membership Policy and Guidebook and the application for candidacy.

What has your experience been as a member of the NRVC?

The resources and training provided by NRVC have been invaluable. The professional development in understanding behavior, culture, and needs of those we journey with is … well, I couldn’t do this ministry without it! I also really appreciate the opportunities NRVC provides to meet with other vocation directors for support and ideas. 

Tell us about an idea that's worked for you lately.

I recently provided sisters and associates with a vocation packet. This packet provided resources from our office and from NRVC, including three HORIZON articles from the recent convocation. I gave suggestions about how to use the resources and reach out to women and other partners to promote opportunities for women to discern religious life.

As a laywoman, how did you get started working in this ministry?

I have been in relationship with the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa my entire life as a neighbor, teacher, parish co-worker, and as a Dominican Associate. 

I live in Madison, Wisconsin with my husband of 40 years, and we have four adult married children and five grandkids.