Meet the Vocation Minister
Sister Marcia Ziska, OSB
I was introduced to the Benedictine Sisters in the 2nd grade. I wanted to be like my teacher, Sister Bertrand, a joy-filled woman. I believe she planted the seed in my heart to pursue becoming a sister. That seed was nourished and nurtured in my family as I continued to grow. I enjoyed the sisters who taught me in high school and college. I spoke seriously with several of them and was advised to attend college, which I did. After college graduation, I wanted some work experience; however, the seed planted in the second grade was never far from my mind and heart.
Visiting the Mount for the first time as a junior in high school and throughout my college years, I felt at “home.” After college, I corresponded with several sisters and through those relationships and my own prayer was drawn back to explore monastic life with them. A poignant passage from John’s gospel in which Jesus asks Peter if he loves him ends with three words: “COME FOLLOW ME!” Praying with this passage, I felt the need to listen to my heart and to respond to God’s call, to explore whether community and religious life were for me. It has been quite the adventure ever since.
I have been in numerous ministries: religious education, hospital chaplaincy, vocation and formation ministry, retreats and spiritual direction. A big surprise came my way when I was invited to coordinate a 30-day renewal program for English-speaking Benedictines in Rome, Italy, from 2003-2010. Meeting Benedictine women from Australia, India, Africa, Taiwan and the United States stretched me to think globally. It also provided me a reality check on how the Rule of Benedict was being lived world-wide. I am forever grateful for the profound impact this networking had on my own vocation.
On the fun and relaxing side of life, I enjoy taking pictures and making photo cards to gift others. I make jelly for both the gift shop, the community and for treating friends and family. On special occasions sisters may be surprised to have a lemon meringue pie or lemon curd by their door.
Looking for more information?
If you have any questions about spiritual direction program, or if you would like to contact the Spiritual Director, please do so by filling out our Spiritual Direction Contact Form. If you would like to learn more about how to get involved, we have many resources on our Walk with Us page, Vocations page, and Spiritual Direction page.