“I am 30 years old and was born and raised in Houston, TX by my aunt and uncle along with two older brothers.  I was first called into the Catholic faith through the call to attend University of Dallas, a school that describes itself as a “Catholic University for Independent Thinkers.” The kindness of the people drew me in; I now know that what I saw in them was Christ. After graduating from the University of Dallas with a Bachelors degree in Politics, I entered into full communion with the Catholic Church on March 26, 2005, with the support of my friends found at the University of Dallas and my family.  I spent the following years growing in knowledge and love for the Church, and as my love grew I arrived at a place of asking God what he made me for.  Quickly after entering into the practice of praying about vocation I found in my heart a call to explore total union with Christ in religious life. I was immediately invited to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth Grand Prairie Convent by a friend coincidentally and a wonderful journey began. Nazareth has proved to be a place where the truth and goodness of religious life is easily visible to me. When I am with Nazareth Sisters I will sometimes think of the words of Christ, “I have come so that you might have life and have it more abundantly.”  The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth is a life giving congregation and it has been a privilege to journey with this community. I pray that I will be able to give back to others the life that the Sisters have given to me, and I pray for God’s grace as I further journey into Nazareth and deepen my devotion to the Holy Family and the spreading of the kingdom of God’s love.”
 

Toni became an affiliate on November 12 in Grand Prairie, Texas.