A group is forming in the Wichita diocese to support parents whose children are discerning a vocation to join a convent or monastery. The group, called the Sodality of Zelie and Louis Martin, aims to create a network of families on a similar journey and provide emotional support.

Kathleen Timmermeyer, a parent who has watched three of her sons discern a vocation to the priesthood, understands the unique challenges and joys that come with seeing a child enter religious life. She approached Fr. Chad Arnold, the diocesan director of Seminarians, about the need for a support group specifically for parents and families. Fr. Arnold had also been praying for an initiative to bring parents together and asked Kathleen to assist in creating a community of parents of men and women considering monastic or religious life.

The Sodality of Zelie and Louis Martin takes its inspiration from Saints Louis and Zelie Martin, the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and four other nuns. The Martins were canonized as a couple in 2015, making them the first spouses to be canonized together. The group hopes to raise awareness about the beauty and joy of monastic and religious life.

Kathleen Timmermeyer explained that the life of a discerning religious is different from that of a seminarian, and having a daughter as a postulant can be more isolating for parents. The Sodality of Zelie and Louis Martin aims to provide a sense of community and support for parents who are navigating the unique challenges of having a child pursue a calling to religious life.

"There are families that struggle when their child comes and says, 'I want to enter a religious order,' because there is a separation from the family unit in a unique way," Kathleen said. "Although there is a separation which can be difficult to navigate, there is beauty and joy in watching your son or daughter pursue a calling only from God."

The Sodality is actively seeking families in the Wichita diocese who have a son or daughter discerning or living the religious community life. The child does not necessarily need to be in a community within the diocese. Kathleen has reached out to Catholic high schools in the diocese to share information about the Sodality with parents of students who have pursued a vocation in religious life.

For those interested in joining or seeking more information about the Sodality of Zelie and Louis, a meeting will be held after the 8 a.m. Mass on Saturday, Feb. 17, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Stewardship Hall. Kathleen can also be contacted via email at [email protected]

The formation of this support group is a valuable resource for parents who are navigating the unique challenges and joys of having a child discern a vocation to religious life. The Sodality of Zelie and Louis Martin aims to provide a sense of community and support to these parents as they walk this journey alongside their children.