A Great Welcome to You!

My name is Sister Carol Jean Zais.   In 1993,  I was asked by our Provincial Leadership Team to attend the Institute of Religious Formation at St. Louis University to prepare myself to accompany women in the initial states of discernment and formation for Religious Life.   Over the years,  I have had the wonderful opportunity to journey with women as they entered our community and celebrated final vows.   I can only stand in awe at the call each receives and the faithfulness of God,  who carries them through the good and the hard times. 

Then came another invitation.   Two years ago,  I was invited to become part of a New Membership Team.   Our Team is responsible for making our Salvatorian Community known,  for journeying with women as they discern their call, and for providing a formation program for our new members.   This model has worked really well for us. I enjoy the sharing of ideas and the support that we are able to give to each other.   I also find energy in the collaborative work we do with our Salvatorian priests and brothers and our Lay Salvatorians in our new membership activities.

In the area of formation, we collaborate with other Religious Orders,  particularly during the first years of new membership.

I especially appreciate the privilege of listening to people's stories. I like the chance for personal contact, including prompt replies by phone or email, whichever is your preference. I've had chances to meet young women through "Come and See" programs, "vocation fairs" at various high schools, Life Direction Retreats, and many, many classes of students when I was a teacher and principal.

I believe my educational background has helped prepare me for this new ministry. I earned a teaching degree through Marquette University, and a masters degree in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have spent my entire life in the educational setting and have always felt enriched by my ministry. God has been good! In my personal life, I consider myself a good listener and friend. I have a good sense of humor and can laugh easily. When I get too serious, I return to nature and gain a healthy perspective and balance.

I love this ministry because I truly believe in our Salvatorian Community. We have a special gift to offer our Church. We are a collaborative community made up of women and men, Religious and Lay, working together to proclaim the Savior in the world... in our times...in our lives.

God bless you,

              and I hope to hear from you personally,

                                                             Carol Jean