My name is Catherine. I have known the Holy Family Sisters for many years - since I was eleven years old. They taught me in school and, initially, I was somewhat in awe of them. By the time I was fifteen, my awe had turned to wonder at these women, living a simple lifestyle. Their gentleness and total acceptance of each one impressed me. They seemed to have plenty of time for other people. I felt at home in their Convent from the time of my first visit.

In September 1991 I entered the novitiate of the Holy Family. This changed my life. I had ups and downs on my journey, but I no longer wondered, 'What if?' In 1993 I made my First Vows and in 1998 my Final Profession.

Our call, as Holy Family Sisters, is to affirm the dignity of every person and stand against all forms of discrimination. I made this commitment in 1993, and it has provided me with the lens through which I view and direct my life.

I teach Science and Health and Social Care in a Secondary School. In this setting I have many opportunities to respect the dignity of every person I meet. I teach a unit within the Social Care on Equal Opportunity and Valuing Diversity. In my parish I am responsible for the Outreach Programme which, at present, is directed towards the Travelling Community. This involves visiting the various sites and preparing the children for the Sacraments.

I try to follow a simple lifestyle, living in community with one other Sister. We share our lives with our neighbours, in times of joy and sorrow. We hope that our presence on the estate indicates that communion is possible. It may even lead to that sense of awe mentioned earlier.

Most of the day I am involved in the lives of others. Therefore, it is vital for me to accept each one as unique. For this, I need to listen carefully to what others are saying, as this may oblige me to change my own attitudes so as to be inclusive of others. To live authentically as a Holy Family Sister I need to set aside time each day for private and community prayer and the Eucharist.