"I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe!

plans to give you a future full of hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).

For 19 year-old Melissa McCann, it was just a matter of asking God what his plans were for her life.  As a child in Poland, NY, she always wanted to be a sister, but in her high school years, she gave up the notion.  She decided that what she really wanted was to go to college, get married, and do what she wanted.  After graduating high school and spending a semester at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY, things just didn't seem right.  She realized then that the best thing she could do to ensure her own happiness was to ask God what He wanted.  In a world that communicates through Facebook and email (both of which she uses), Melissa found that just as God promised through the prophet Jeremiah over two thousand years ago, he really does have our best interest in mind. 

The following is an interview with Melissa just days before she left for Nashville, Tennessee to  begin her formation as a Dominican Sister.

What led you to this point in your life - on the doorstep of the convent?

I always wanted to be a sister.  When I was twelve or thirteen, I had "nun-infatuation."  I contacted Religious Orders and even visited them.  I lost touch with them during high school when I thought I wanted to go to college and get married.  You know when you are running though.  When the sisters that I was in touch with in middle school called me out of the blue, I saw that as a sign that I should get back to looking at being a sister.  I knew that I had to ask God what he wanted.  He knows what will really make you happy. 

How did your friends react?

I was surprised that they were really happy for me, even those who are not Catholic.  They see that I am so happy, and they are happy for me.

What are you most looking forward to?

The community life.  On one hand it will be difficult to get along with so many personalities, learning to appreciate them for who they are.  On the other hand, it will be a grace to live with others who are trying like you to live a holy life.  The girls I am starting with have emailed and facebooked.  We have a countdown to the day we enter. 

What do you think will be most difficult?

Giving up my own plans, and trusting God has it under control.  I had plans for who I wanted to be, but I had to give that up for who God wanted me to be and realize that will make me a lot happier. 

What advice do you have for other girls who are discerning God's will for their lives?

Mass and Adoration [of the Blessed Sacrament] are kinda huge.  Also, silence.  Sometimes, in prayer, I didn't know what to say.  Then I realized that I could just sit and listen to God.  He would say stuff and I realized that would be more interesting than what I would say.  Make room in your life for Him, and give all of your plans to Him.