Cris Thompson
When Catholics hear the word “vocation”, we may think about priests, and those in religious communities, like nuns and monks. But every Catholic is called to a specific vocation—a way of life that allows them to love God and serve others most fully. This includes the “lay” vocations of marriage and single life. A unique lesser-known vocation is that of consecrated virgin. The RR Catholic Community welcomed consecrated virgin Mary Del Omo to the September meeting to talk about “Consecrated Virginity—Living in the World with an Undivided Heart.”
Mary is a home health physical therapist and parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish in Muenster, Texas.
As a young Catholic woman, Mary could be found “either in church or at the riding stables.” She was very involved in church activities until she went to university, when she seldom attended Mass and fell away from the Church. After receiving her PhD in physical therapy and working for a while, she decided to move home to Muenster. She got back into the rhythm of going to Mass and getting involved in church activities. Still searching for her “place” in the world, she considered becoming a cloistered nun but realized she needed to be out in the world. She investigated several religious orders but couldn’t find one whose charism felt like a fit for her. She eventually discovered the vocation of consecrated virgin and was consecrated by the Bishop of Fort Worth in 2023. Ms. Del Olmo serves Sacred Heart Parish and the Fort Worth Diocese in vocation and music ministries as well as being a spiritual director and leading retreats.
Mary explained that a consecrated virgin is neither in the clerical state nor the lay state and is dedicated to the service of the Church. She is a sacramental to her diocese, and she has a special connection to the people of the diocese: “hidden within the world, nurturing within the world.” Mary reports to the bishop but is not supported financially by the diocese. She did not profess vows but promised to live her life as a virgin. Consecrated virgins typically do not wear religious garments. There are about 300 consecrated virgins in the U.S., and about 5,000 worldwide.
Upcoming events:
Oct. 13, Mike Connole will speak about “Indulgences and Sacramentals”, 7 p.m. Clubhouse Heritage Room
Oct. 27, Third Annual Progressive Octoberfest, 5 to 8 p.m., various homes
Nov. 4, Book discussion, “The Fisherman’s Tomb: The True Story of the Vatican’s Secret Search” by John O’Neill, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 10, Justice Elizabeth Kerr will speak on her journey into the Catholic faith, 7 p.m. CATC Indian Paintbrush room
Dec. 13, Annual Christmas Dinner
The Catholic Club welcomes all RR residents to attend our events. We have weekly Faith and Rosary groups, ladies golf and coffee groups, potluck dinners, and support the charities Our Daily Bread and RR Support Our Troops.
For more information, please contact Joan Bridges at bridges84@msn.com.