Catholic Discernment: Franciscan Sister Spiritual Director

by Sister Julie Ann on December 16, 2008

Sister Anne Marie Lom, OSF, reflects on her call to be a Catholic woman religious, as well as a trained spiritual director on staff at St. Raphael Parish, Oshkosh, WI.

As a child, Sister Anne Marie remembers her own community of Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity to be “happy, solid, practical women you could talk to…one like us.” Meeting with college students and others who desire to grow in daily spiritual practice,  she encourages her clients to contemplate “the daily Incarnation of Christ in the world”.

Read Sister Anne Marie’s article: So Many Choices, One Precious Life to Live.

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  • Sr. Pam

    This video puts into words and pictures what it means to live “in community” and it is a real joy to share that with you every day, Sr. Anne Marie.
    I think it also helps us to understand the great ministry you do as a Spiritual Director. What a blessing to have someone in a parish that you can call on for spiritual guidance!

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org Sister Julie Ann

    Catholic (Franciscan) spiritual direction is more than spiritual life coaching aimed at trying to make us feel better. As Sister Anne Marie says quite clearly here, the goal is to see more clearly God’s action in my life while realizing at the same time that God is already revealing what we need to know. Having another person journeying with us can lead to greater freedom and commitment in all relationships-God, self and others. Would that every parish would have such a resource!

  • kathy schneider

    Sister Anne Marie has brought so many faith opportunities to the members our our church community and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in these various retreats or classes.
    She is a woman filled with faith but is so real and easy to communicate with- I am blessed to know her.

  • Steve Weigand

    Having met Sr. Ann Marie on a few occasions I find her to be a source of spiritual depth and joyful exuberance. These two aspects of her personhood speak to the charism of the Franciscan community and her call to religious life-that is consistent with who God has created her to be.

  • Vinal Van Benthem

    What a delightful commentary on religious life, as well as explaining spiritual direction in ways that make it approachable. I especially like the grocery store shots – laughter, everyday interactions. It makes the spiritual life – and religious life in particular – less ‘mysterious’ and more real. Thank you so much for giving the gift of your wisdom and experience in this way.
    Peace and good,
    Vinal

  • Bertie Albright

    This is a beautiful podcast! It is warm and caring–just like Sr. Anne Marie is. This is Anne Marie!! She has meant so much to me in the year I have known her. She is a woman who truly lives her calling and this podcast certainly reflects just that.

  • Sister Rosangela

    Sister Anne Marie,
    I don’t know you real well, but I do know you put a lot of energy and enthusiasm in every thing you do. Spiritual direction seems more important today than ever. Thank God we have people like you to work in parishes and especially with young people. They need someone they can relate with. I’m grateful you are my Sister in community. Keep up the good work.

  • Laura

    Sr. Anne Marie has helped me a great deal to be conscious of God in my everyday life…not just for an hour each Sunday. This podcast is a great invitation to Franciscan spirituality and spiritual direction in general. I’m grateful for Sr. Anne Marie and her community!

  • Laura

    P.S. Check out the article – “So many choices, one life to live” by Sr. Anne Marie in the links under Resources to the right of the video!

  • Catherine Van Gompel

    I enjoyed watching the podcast. It was well done and kept one’s interest. I am very proud of my niece. God bless you.

  • Pat Lopresti

    Like the Franciscan sisters who came before her, Sister Anne Marie is solid and happy. She must be a very attractive magnet to those considering a religious vocation, particularly since she sees in her clients the “suffering jesus”.

  • Sister Adrianna

    Congratulations, Sister Anne Marie,
    Your words and actions have made very real what I share about community and our apostolic work, whether new or old. God bless you and all those to whom you are Christ today.

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org Sister Mary Ann

    It is a joy to share our Franciscan life in this community with you Sister Anne Marie, your ever present prayerful support and friendship(since I was a postulant) continues to call me to grow and become the person God is calling me to be. I am grateful for you and all your ministry our Sisters and to God’s people!

  • Mary Bergant

    Sister Anne Marie’s short video was a great glimpse into religious life. I loved learning a little something about her background prior to Sisterhood. I really liked that the video included many aspects of her life- the Motherhouse, Parish life, & even the grocery store. It all made her seem very real and down-to-earth, exactly like the narration in the video. I hope that other young women view this & begin the discernment process. Sister Anne Marie has touched my life as well as so many others. Thank you for sharing your many gifts with us, Sister Anne Marie!

  • Sr. Delores Wisnicky

    Sr. Anne Marie has opened areas for me in the spiritual life. The podcast is great and really tells part of the story. God is working in Sr. Anne Marie and that is amazing stuff that you can’t always put a finger on. She is His instrument and I am grateful that she said yes to work in spiritual direction. It is not always easy work, but the Lord is certainly blessing her.
    Thanks, Sr. Anne Marie…

  • Jim Ruck

    Sr. Anne Marie’s vibrant spirit comes shining through. A really fine effort!

  • gretchen

    What a wonderful treat this little video was to watch. (I got to see TWO of my very favorite people: Sr. Anne Marie and Sr. Pam)

    Like someone mentioned earlier, this is a great little glimpse at what religious life involves. Our world is blessed that Sr. Anne Marie accepted her calling to be a Sister. What a gift to us all. She’s so full of life – with energy that is balanced with great peace and love. I’m happy to know her and call her my friend.

  • David Connolly

    Anne-Marie,
    Excellent! Wonderful podcast.

    David

  • Sister Ellen Pachmayer

    Thanks for sharing your life with us. I enjoyed the message and the baby pictures. I surely can see you in them. If I wasn’t already in the community, I surely would want to check it out!!! Thanks for taking time to do this sharing. May the Lord continue to bless your ministry. Sr. Ellen

  • Rachelle

    Wonderful podcast Anne Marie! You are a great spiritual director. I have learned so much from you. You have helped me to understand so many things and helped me to stay focused on who God is calling me to be.

  • Annette Longworth

    Sister Anne Marie is a wonderful resource to have in our community. We are all very blessed to have someone to direct us when in need. To help bring faith back into our lives or to help us understand our religion. She is easy to talk to and is so down to earth. I hope to have the opportunity to visit with her again.

  • Sister Mary Jo Selinsky

    Solid spirituality, practical and attractive; just like Anne Marie herself. Thanks for keeping that wholesome spiritual focus in your life, Anne Marie, so you can pass it on to others as you do.

  • https://webmail.fscc-calledtobe.org/owa Sister sue Ann Hall

    I love the video, Sister Anne Marie. You do a wonderful presentation and represent our community well. Having spent time with you, you are very encourging and insightful and I can see why you can and do reach out to people and bring them to Christ in daily living. Thank you.

  • Tracey

    Sr. Anne Marie,

    You still remain one of the most important people I have ever had in my life. Words could never express how grateful I am to have experienced your love, compassion, wisdom and friendship.

  • http://www.raphael.org Sister Anne Marie Lom

    It has been a joy to “tune in” today to read your comments and… thank you for all the affirmations. I am blessed to be in a life and ministry that I love. To help others be aware of their own relationship with God is a blessing.

  • Shary

    I really didn’t know what to expect when I was referred to you for guidance. Wow, you are not like the Sisters who taught me growing up. I was so comfortable speaking to you from the first minute of the first appointment. You have taught me so much about my life,my faith. You have especially taught me it is ok to fail. I am so blessed to be part of a parish that has such a awesome Spiritual Director. Thank you for always being by my side as I continue to gro closer to becoming a disciple of Christ. Thanks for showing me that God is there for us everyday not just Sunday. Every day is truly a gift from God

    I truly enjoyed your Pod-cast. I never knew all the other areas you ministered to besides St Raphael’s and your Community.

  • Barbara Spellman

    This was very well presented. It showed women in religous orders as very human people who have dedicated their lives to God and serving others.

  • Sr. Winifred

    Very well done & a good insite into your work in ministry.Now I just have to figure out how to get Sr. Pam’s. Not computer savy here.

  • Ron Klestinski

    Sister Anne Marie,
    Thank you for sharing your life with me through youtube. I was privileged to be your colleague for a number of years. I don’t think you realized the impact you had on my faith development. Thank you for all you did for the students of Roncalli and me. The video is great. Being a member of the Serra club I am going to recommend to them to see it.

    Best Wishes,

    Ron Klestinski

  • Sister Ruth Ann

    I liked your emphasis on Christ in the world, people who are suffering just as Christ suffered. St. Francis’s understanding of Christ in all of creation is, I feel, the one we need today.

  • TomWintheiser

    I enjoyed St Anne Marie’s presentation. She always opens a door or insight that I haven’t thought of.

  • al eisma

    Spiritual direction is a relatively new phenomena for most of us. For me it is a great source of insight in taking that next step in my spiritual journey.
    Many thanks to both Sister Ann Marie Lom and Sister Pam for their outstanding work in their ministry.

  • Sister Paulita

    That was an excellent presentation, Sister Anne Marie. It cover many highlight of your ministry and the accompanying pictures that illustrated them. I am glad that you also included Sister Pam is also involved in a special ministry. Thanks and God bless you for be willing to do the Lord’s work in a truly Franciscan way.

  • Sister Carol Juckem

    Sister Pam and Sister Anne Marie,
    I just listened to your podcast on this sight. I am so proud of both of you. I am inspired by the fire and energy of your living out your commitment. I am so blest to have you as my sisters in the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. Thank you! Sister Carol Juckem

  • Sister Mary Lee Schommer

    Wow! You hit the nail on the head! Thank you for such a sincere and positive message. Your message makes one stop and think – where is God needing me right now? Good inspirations.

  • http://www.raphael.org Sister Anne Marie Lom

    While being “snowed in” for part of the day, I was able to continue to relish all of the comments and to be grateful for the work of the Holy Spirit. I am thankful for your reflections and pray these closing days of Advent have a felt sense of “the Lord drawing near”.

  • Sister Florence Youngwirth

    Sister Anne Marie:

    Thank you for sharing your podcast with me. It is so well done and mirrors your life and ministry. It makes me happy to see this ministry of Spiritual Direction to be so well explained as well as giving its “living” aspect.

  • Mary Ann Nozar

    I was so happy to see that Sister Anne Marie Lom has made her own video as the Spiritual Director of St Raphaels Church. I have gotten to know Sister Anne Marie and she has been such an inspiration to me. Her knowledge and advise is so heart warming. She listens, she thinks with her many years of counseling behind her, and she advises. She does not critize, nor make judgements but advises you to her best ability with your well being in mind.
    She is such a people person. He positive attitude is just “contagious”. Kudo’s to Sister Anne Marie for being there for the parishioners of St Raphael’s! And what a cute little girl she was! :)

  • Sue Rogers

    This podcast was heartfelt, beautifully done and well thought through. Kudos to Sister Anne Marie and all those involved:)It is her love and devotion to the faith that inspires us all to grow and capture the true meaning of Christ. Through her ministry, Sister Anne Marie is gifted in her delivery and simplifies complex issues with her down-to-earth personality. She truely is an angel sent from God!

  • Thomas M. Donovan

    I’ve known St. Ann Marie for many years. She is a very strong and much needed asset in our community. Her presence is both a source of pride and strength for St. Raphaels. Her quiet work behind the scenes, with both parish and community members, is the face and ears of Jesus working amoung us.Thank you to the Manitowoc Franciscans for developing and forming young woman for such diverse ministries.

  • Sister Rochelle

    I love the pictures from your childhood and early life! This reminds me of how ordinary people can be used by the good Lord to move his kingdom forward here on earth! Thank you Sister Anne Marie, for keeping your dream alive even when it did not seem to be a reality of possibility. Thanks be to God for all of His goodness and faithfulness!

  • Kathy Carpenter, ANG

    Sr. Anne Marie,
    Your presentation was inspirational! The ministry you have touches the heart and soul of what it means to be Christ-like in the world today. The people whose lives you touch are blessed by your witness of fidelity and joy. I pray for your contined ministry to the people of God.

  • Sister St. Louis Chouinard

    Sister has been an inspiration to me especially since she has given of her time to
    prepare Sisters for different events in the year. Her well planned delivery and the knowledge she shares certainly proves that she is well prepared to give talks and inspire direction for many. I wish her much luck in the future and God’s special on all her work.

  • Kathy Weinhold

    As a parishoner at St. Raphael’s in Oshkosh, I feel that Sr. Anne Marie was a gift sent to us from God. Her devotion to helping others is very earnest and sincere. I have benefited greatly from discussions we’ve had, and she is always so understanding. The most memorable thing I remember her telling me is that “God wants us to be happy.” She is so insightful, yet she tells it like it is. I love how she shares her calling, spirituality & wisdom with all of us.

  • Sister Mary Shawn Fagan

    Very well done. It was very personable, informative, and one would want to seek more information.

  • Pam & Steve Van

    Sr. Anne Marie is gifted with the ability to inspire and uplift – while being a trusted confidant. Her insight, wisdom and patience blended with an understanding of everyday human issues make a beautiful package in a spiritual director. The video was a nice reflection of the special work Sr. Anne Marie does and her love of people. What a wonderful testament to the spiritual life she lives!

  • Sister Pat Sevcik

    It was good on this Christmas Eve day to spend time listening to and seeing the wonderful message shared by Sr. Anne Marie. Good job Sister Anne Marie! Thank you for re-reminding me/us of the primacy of God in our lives and commitment to daily prayer. You approach life and people exactly where they are and minister to people with genuine care and love. We are so blessed to have you and to be gifted by you. Thank you!

  • Sandy Putman

    Sister Anne Marie and Sister Pam represent for me women of dedication, wisdom, and vision. Thank you for what you bring to the world which needs it so.

  • Sharon Baker

    Having known Sister Anne Marie for only a year, I find that she is a person that is very easy to talk with. Her faith shines through everything she does. Spiritual direction is definitely her calling. Just being with her, you can feel the power of the Holy Spirit in her life. It is my hope this podcast will bring young women to the realization that being a Franciscan Sister is a wonderful way to serve God without having to “give up” who you are. I encourage women who are “wondering” about the vocation, to take Sr. Anne Marie’s advice and “go and see”. Thanks Anne Marie for all you do to show us God in our daily lives.

  • Bev Glaeser

    What a wonderful presentation! I feel truly blessed to know Sr. Anne Marie personally and can say that she is a remarkable woman. Her presence in our community at St. Raphael’s in Oshkosh makes such a difference. She is always available to talk or laugh with, share stories, or just share a smile with. I have been to many of her retreats and always feel so much more inspired and changed afterwards. It is sisters like her and Sr. Pam who will inspire other young women into considering this lifestyle as their vocation. Best wishes for continued success in all your future endeavors.

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