Detroit — Sr. Rose Mariam Ayar, OP, had already given some thought to a vocation to the religious life when she met the Ann Arbor-based Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist.

They made a strong impression on her.

“The first thing that drew my attention was the sisters’ joy – they were always smiling and seemed so joyful,” says Sr. Ayar, 23, currently a novice with the order.

And the second thing that impressed her, she continues, was their habit. Although only founded in 1997, the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist wear a full habit reminiscent of the traditional habit once common to all Dominican sisters.

The habit, she says, is “an outward sign of our consecration.”

“It tells the world that we are living entirely for Christ – they know that we belong to God,” she says.

“I knew that deep down I wanted to be a part of them – I really desired to share their joy,” Sr. Ayar recalls.

She dates the beginning of the process that led to her discerning a vocation to a parish-sponsored Kairos retreat that she, then known as Amanda Ayar and a member of St. Thomas (Chaldean) Parish in West Bloomfield Township, attended while in high school.

“It was then that my relationship with Christ and my desire to give myself fully to Him really grew,” she says.

Nevertheless, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oakland University and, to further her knowledge of the faith, began taking classes in theology and Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary.

Her introduction to the Dominican Sisters came when a friend invited her to accompany her to see four sisters make their final profession of vows.

As she learned more about the order, she was also attracted to the sisters’ work of praying for the salvation of souls and bringing others to Christ.

Having developed a certainty that this was life to which Christ was calling her, she entered the order two years ago.

Now, she looks forward to making her first profession of vows in 2012. Those temporary vows can be renewed for two years, after which it comes time to make final vows.

While Sr. Ayar doesn’t know just where she will be assigned after her first profession — the order currently has outposts in Arizona, Florida, South Carolina and Texas, besides its Michigan base — it is likely she will be a teacher, as teaching is the sisters’ principal apostolate.

“The beauty of religious obedience is that I could be sent anywhere to do anything, but I do anticipate I will be teaching,” she says.

Her advice to a young woman contemplating a religious vocation is: “Don’t be afraid of the calling of Christ.”

She suggests setting aside time for silence and prayer, and that the discerner should frequent the sacraments and engage in Eucharistic Adoration.

“Spend time in prayer with Christ, and develop a relationship with the Mother of God, asking her help in discerning what God is calling you to,” she recommends.

---

The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist will hold their next discernment retreat for young women Feb. 12-13. Contact them at www.sistersofmary.org.