Sister Cheryl Ann Hillig joined the Daughters of Charity when she was 24 years old. Since that day 13 years ago, she has never looked back.

Besides being part of a vibrant local community of religious women, Sister Cheryl serves as Assistant Principal of a Catholic grade school in Philadelphia.   “My educational ministry with children allows me to follow the call of St. Vincent to serve the poor, materially or spiritually,” she said. “We help students who haven’t had a break and who are in need of a sense of love, care, concern. Prior to serving in school administration, Sister Cheryl was an elementary school teacher for several years.

Sister Cheryl suggests that if you are considering religious life that you look at many different communities and learn from the members what makes them happy. “By spending time with community members, you can get a good sense whether it will be a good fit for you,” says Sister Cheryl. “The gift of a vocation is given but is not always clear where it should be lived-out. That’s part of the adventure!”