Rosalie Erdmann

In fifth grade I remember thinking I would like to be a teacher like Sister. During high school retreats I thought about being a Sister, but enjoyed my dancing, cheerleading and dating too much. After graduation I was offered a job at a local bank. One day a priest friend came into the bank and asked me when I was going to give religious life a chance. I had to make a decision. I had been dating a young man for sometime. If I married, it would be final. If I went to the convent, I could leave if I was not happy. I checked out various religious communities. After many struggles and tears and with the support of my family, I left LeMars, Iowa to become a Sister of Christian Charity in Wilmette, Illinois. In 1975, I became a Sister of the Living Word.

Now after sixty-three years in religious life and fifty-three years of teaching, I cannot thank God enough for the joys, blessings, and friendships I have experienced in religious life.

Rosalie Erdmann, SLW