In this interview, Sr. Chris Rome, MSBT shares about her life while in the Novitiate phase and her vocation discernment journey. Sr. Chris entered the community as a Novice on August 14, 2025, taking the name Sr. Christine Ocab Rome of the Holy Trinity.

What is a day/week in the life like in Novitiate?
Sr. Chris describes the Novitiate phase as “structured, formative, and prayer-centered.” Most days revolve around prayer, formation classes, community life, and ministry. She prays daily with the Sisters in her Cenacle, attends weekly classes with other discerners, and serves in a few local ministries. Her classes include lessons led by our Sisters, as well as classes offered through the “InSearch” program. Her current ministries include providing support to community members in need at the SSJ Neighborhood Center in Camden, NJ as well as teaching Religious Education for 1st grade students at a local parish.

As Sr. Chris puts it, “Everything I do helps me to grow closer to God and understand myself better.” For her, the Novitiate is a season of focused preparation, where reflection, discipline, and listening to God are central.

What is something new you have learned through this process?
In her experience as a Novice so far, Sr. Chris shares that her biggest lesson has been that growth often comes through discomfort. As she puts it, “God often stretches us in the very areas we fear the most.” Sr. Chris shares an example, with her discomfort in public speaking. Through prayer and practice, she has learned that she is more capable than she first thought. Ministering alongside others has shown her that joy often comes when you step outside your comfort zone and trust God.

Additionally, Sr. Chris has come to see her entire life differently after entering this stage of discernment. Experiences she once thought were unrelated – her military service, professional work, and personal struggles – have revealed themselves as preparation for this stage of her vocation journey. She shares that, “God continues to invite me to let go of old assumptions about myself, and discover new ways of serving with joy and freedom.”

Is there anything that has been difficult?
While the journey has not been easy, for Sr. Chris it has helped her to grow in patience, humility, and trust. For example, when Sr. Chris unexpectedly transitioned into a teaching leadership role in her ministry, this required reliance on God while she experienced anxiety and fear in this new experience. The beginning stages of her Candidacy and Formation took place during the Covid-19 pandemic and shortly after. At this time, she experienced loneliness and grief about being unable to visit with loved ones and family. Additionally, adjusting to living in community has sometimes been difficult, but ultimately has become a source of growth along her journey. Sr. Chris shares that, “these challenges were painful, but they deepened my compassion and reliance on God.”

What advice would you give to someone who might be unsure of or overwhelmed by the discernment process?
Sr. Chris hopes those in discernment remember that “you don’t need all the answers right now.” She has felt her discernment journey most sustained by prayer, community support, and service to others. Her advice would be to “trust God’s providence and remain open, even when clarity comes slowly.” Saying “yes” to small invitations – despite fear – can lead to profound confirmation and peace. No part of your life and journey thus far is wasted, especially when put in God’s hands. “God’s timing is never late!”