My Journey into Ministry

My Journey into Ministry

by Sharon Sproat, Journey Community, Austin, Texas

Way back in 1986, I felt the first calling to Ministry as a Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion and for the past 38 years have been blessed to serve in that capacity in three different cities. That Ministry was not my first calling; I have sung in various choirs and choral groups including liturgical, contemporary, classical, and barbershop over my lifetime starting in elementary school. While some may not be classified as “ministry,” each provided a way to bring joy to others, be it spiritual, emotional, or physical. Music is what speaks to my soul. It is sometimes difficult to read the bible without a song popping up in my head.

When I became a Theresian 15 years ago after moving to Austin, Texas, I was looking for spiritual growth. Little did I know how being a part of Journey Community would begin a new shaping of my spiritual life. I had never met a group of women who were so faith filled. There was always some program or book that was asking “what more can you do?” One year I decided for Lent that instead of giving up something I would go outside my comfort zone to do service work. I chose a homeless community called Community First! Village, a village (at that time) of over 200 tiny homes, trailers, and RV’s. I worked in the convenience market on the property that allowed the residents to have access to food and cigarettes. The village has grown to nearly 500 homes in support of the homeless. I volunteered for two years until the pandemic struck and we were unable to serve during that time.

As always, when God closes one door, He opens another. I began my journey as a lector both on Sundays and weekdays. I also began singing with the Austin Diocesan Choir which sang for the Chrism Mass, Transitional Diaconate, Permanent Diaconate and Priestly Ordination Masses.

And then seven years ago, our Deacon asked me to join the RCIA Team (now known as OCIA) and be a sponsor. That ministry has continued, and I am humbled to have acquired three Godsons and one Goddaughter and have also sponsored three other women.

My latest ministry came unexpectedly three years ago when the pastor recommended me to be one of his seven sisters. This ministry, Seven Sisters Apostolate, is a group of seven women each taking one day of the week to pray a holy hour solely for our pastor. I struggled to pray a holy ten minutes (!) but when I asked the pastor why he recommended me, he simply said, “You’re an intercessor.” And so began another ministry.
I never know what God is going to call me to next…but with the love and support of my Theresian sisters, I pray I can continue to say “Yes!”

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