Clairemary McDermott - Reflection as Lay Salvatorian

Growing up in a large Irish and Italian Catholic Family, faith was not something we practiced on Sunday but a daily part of life.  Church, the sacraments, medals, statues were very much part of our life and all that we did.  As a late teen, I was floundering as to what to do before law school, then our parish priest suggested I take some time and teach in a Catholic School.  Since I was very comfortable in school this was a good suggestion.

After a few years, a friend suggested I go with her to a meeting with a group who wanted to start a "team ministry".  In 1972 this was a very novel idea and one that appealed to me.  The others at this meeting were all Salvatorians.  I had not met or worked with any member of this community.  We met in Towsend, Maryland, on a Friday morning. By the late afternoon, I knew that I had found a group of people who saw what they did as ministry, not a job, and I wanted to be part of this group.

We continued to meet over the next few months and I was even more convinced that I was at home.  When asked why I became Salvatorian I replied, " I did not become Salvatorian, this community just affirmed the calling that was planted in me by the Holy Spirit long before."

Even though I did not become a sister, my mother was thrilled that I would be part of a religious community and continue to minister in the Church that is so important to my family.

When I made my commitment in 1975, we were called Salvatorian Associates.  In time, we have changed the name but not who we are or how we follow Father Jordan's dream. My journey as a Salvatorian, first as an Associate, and now as a Lay Salvatorian has been a wonderful trip.  This community has challenged me to grow and use all the gifts given to me but the challenge has never required that I give up who I am. 

It took 23 years for the "team ministry" to become a reality for me.  For me the time as a Salvatorian has been a joy and a gift.  They have supported, challenged and loved me all at the same time.  I can not imagine just working, I believe that ministering in the Church is the way to go.  When we work with people of the same ideas, values and spirit we are nourished and helped to grow.

Clairemary McDermott is the Director of Religious Education at Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has watched the Lay Salvatorians  grow with a national membership base over the course of the last 31 years.