In their own words: Sister Lois Paha OP and Sister Charlotte Anne Swift OP

By The New Outlook

Sister Lois Paha OP

What led you to becoming an Adrian Dominican Sister?

From the time I first met Sisters as my teachers in first grade, I wanted to be a sister. When we moved to a new location in the city, I was enrolled in the fifth grade at the new Catholic School which was staffed by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. In those days, we talked about wanting to be sisters, so they knew I was interested. After completing four years of Catholic high school with a different order of Sisters, I decided to request entrance into the Dominican Sisters of Adrian community. The joy, kindness and welcoming spirit of the Adrian Sisters attracted me to their community. They were cheerful, happy and kind to the students and I liked what I experienced.
 
Please describe the joy you've received from your vocation.

My vocation to religious life over these six decades has been filled with assignments as an elementary teacher, administrator, formation team member and promoter of adult faith formation. My greatest joy was the opportunity for graduate theology studies at the University of Notre Dame in Sacraments and Liturgy. This led to more than three decades of diocesan positions to assist my bishops in the implementation of the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council. It has been a great joy to do this because from my earliest remembrances, I have loved going to Mass and praying with the community. Studying, teaching, and facilitating the Liturgy of the Church is one of my greatest joys.
 
What would you say is the charism of your order?

The Charism of the Dominican Order is Veritas-Truth. St. Dominic established the Order of Preachers to face the heresies of his day and bring the teaching of truth to all the people. He saw a main avenue of bringing that truth through teaching and preaching. Our Adrian Dominican Sisters follow that charism with the gifts of teaching primarily in Catholic institutions.
 
What has serving in the Diocese of Tucson meant to you?

It has been clear to me that my service to the Diocese of Tucson in the Offices of Pastoral Services, Formation and Liturgy has been God’s way of putting to good use the gifts he has given me as a teacher, administrator, and companion to my coworkers in ministry. Being effective in sharing those gifts and seeing how others accept them and put them to use in the Church is a daily blessing.

Thoughts when you were named as an honoree.

Needless to say, I was very surprised when I was named an honoree for the Cornerstone Gala. This is an honor other people receive. I wasn’t quite sure how to react other than with a huge WOW and THANK YOU! Since the announcement was made, people have been very kind and generous in their congratulations and support, which gives a clue that I have done some good in their lives. Again, for me, this is God’s way of saying, “well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)
 
Guidance you would offer a young lady discerning a vocation to religious life.

For a young woman today, the opportunities for service in the Church are available, even outside of religious life. Through prayer and conversation with religious women, young women today can learn if their call to religious life is from God. They will be looking at a different lifestyle than most of their companions. The decision for religious life in community with other religious women takes them out of family life as a wife and mother. Most religious communities now have internet pages that offer stories of the sisters, their ministries, and areas of service. I strongly advise young women to investigate as many as possible and connect with the community vocation directors. Talk to the sisters to see what may be attractive and visit the communities in person whenever possible. This along with prayer, personal conversation with the community vocation directors and inspiration from other religious women is the strongest guidance I can offer.   
 
Do you have a word of thanks for the Catholic Foundation or the diocese for shining a light on the Adrian Dominican Sisters?

Our Adrian Dominican Sisters have been active as teachers and administrators in the Catholic Schools in Arizona for more than one hundred years. I am so grateful that the Catholic Foundation and the Diocese of Tucson have taken this opportunity to raise that holy history for all of us to recall. My gratitude also extends to the recipients of the ministry of our sisters through these years. I pray that their lives have been blessed and strengthened to bring their faith and the message of Jesus to their families, friends, and the world in which they live.
 
Final thoughts. 

When I entered the convent more than six decades ago, I had a pretty good idea of what my life would be like, I presumed I would be an elementary school teacher and bring learning and joy to young people. The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) made the serious endeavor to bring the Church up to date in the modern world. For religious life, we had many practices from the Middle Ages that no longer seemed necessary to accomplish the goals of this new Council for the Church.  We were issued the mandate to make changes. For me, this meant looking at who my new audience for my teaching would be, and I happily embraced adult faith formation in the parishes and then in the diocesan work to which I was called. I was eager for the parents of the elementary school children I taught to know the great blessings of God they held in their Baptism in Christ and then excitedly live their faith! I believe that has been one of the gifts God called from me.  I was happy as an elementary teacher, but even happier to see the results of the faith formation the adults continue to act upon in our Church today.

Sister Charlotte Anne Swift OP

What led you to becoming an Adrian Dominican Sister?

The Adrian Dominicans taught me from 4th grade through high school. I volunteered and helped through those years and got to know the Sisters. When I accepted the invitation to think about a religious vocation, it was from these Sisters.

There were two other Dominican Communities driving distance from my home, but the Adrian Dominicans were already part of my life. God lets you know when it is right.
 
Please describe the joy you've received from your vocation. 

God’s call is real in my life so wherever I was or whatever was happening there was deep joy. I loved teaching and other ministries that were given to me, and even though not every day may be “peaches and cream,” JOY is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
 
What would you say is the charism of your order?
 
The charism of Dominicans is to seek Truth through the prayer, study, community, and preaching. The motto is to give to others the fruit of our contemplation. It is a life-long goal with the whole Dominican Family – all Dominican Sisters, Nuns, Friars, and Laity.
 
What has serving in the Diocese of Tucson meant to you?

It has been very life-giving for me to live and work in the Diocese of Tucson. It is a specially blessed Church, with wonderful people seeking the way of the Lord. I receive way more than I give. I have worked in three different ministries- each with its own challenges and great blessings. Working FOR the Diocese was never imagined before 2002. Living in Tucson is good for body, mind, and spirit.

Thoughts when you were named as an honoree.

Shock – surely not! – overwhelmed – undeserving. I am profoundly grateful that our religious Congregation is being recognized for serving the Diocese of Tucson for 115 years and I am humbled to share in this honor.
 
Guidance you would offer a young lady discerning a vocation to religious life. 

If she is feeling a deep call to religious life or even hearing just a whisper, don’t ignore it and don’t panic. Keep praying and ask the Holy Spirit to inspire and guide you.  When she’s ready - if she knows a Sister, talk to her about what she’s feeling; talk to a Sister at the Diocese; talk to a priest.  Recognize her own gifts and talents and how they might serve God and people. Pray the rosary and add a time for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament to her (already busy) schedule. Be patient with herself and keep listening.

Do you have a word of thanks for the Catholic Foundation or the diocese for shining a light on the Adrian Dominican Sisters?

Words seem very insufficient to let the Catholic Foundation know how profoundly grateful I am for the recognition of the Adrian Dominican heritage in the Diocese of Tucson. [Our Sisters came to Nogales in 1910- before Arizona was a State]. The Foundation does an extraordinary amount of good in this local Church all throughout each year, and it is a blessing to be part of this growing history. The Director, Staff, and Board will remain in my prayer.