Sister Spotlight: Sister Colette Marie Jaros, OSF

Consecrated women have played a unique role in the Church since its earliest days. But how is their “feminine genius” seen in day-to-day life and ministry? The Sister Spotlight series introduces women religious you might encounter here in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

‘I felt moved to make a return to God'

Sister Colette Marie Jaros, OSF

Sisters of Saint Francis of the Holy Eucharist, Independence, Missouri

A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, Sister Collette Marie Jaros joined the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist located in Independence, Missouri, in 2016, and she made final vows in September2021. She has a master’s degree in theology and has worked invocation ministry and the Retreat Center bookshop for the community. She currently teaches seventh- and eighth-grade religion at St. Thomas More School in Kansas City.

When did you first hear a call to religious life?

A: I was only 3 when I first heard God's call! I was enthralled by my mother's friend who was a sister, and realized I wanted to be just like her. In spite of first hearing the call at a very young age, I spent a lot of time explaining to God why his plan was nota good one. I didn't want to be so different from other kids and was scared of making such a big commitment to God. But later, in high school and college, I felt moved to make a return to God for all of his love and realized that he wanted me to do this as areligious sister.

What attracted you to your community?

A: My community has Eucharistic Exposition throughout the day, every day. When I would visit, it felt like there was a giant magnet in the chapel pulling me there. I also came to appreciate the community as a family. I think this is true of every religious community, but the Sisters of St. Francis were my family. Also, the simplicity and poverty that initially pushed me away eventually became a big draw. The sisters relied on God very directly, and lived with what he gave them. They didn't hide or try to present a polished facade.

How does your work within our diocese fit within your vocation and your community’s charism?

A: We are very much a diocesan community, and most of the schools where we have taught have been diocesan. We have been involved in education and child care since 1892, and we continue in that work today. Education is not flashy work. It has little visible effect day to day, even when we know that it is impactful in the long run.

Our charism is Franciscan. We are called to humble service in imitation of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist and fidelity to the Magisterium. Practically speaking, this means that we go where we are needed and respond pretty directly to the requests of our bishop. So sisters have also worked in parish ministry, as housekeepers, in health care and in retreat ministry.

What do women religious bring to the life of the Church?

A: Women religious are spiritual mothers and brides of Christ. That is the most important thing we bring to the Church. I love teaching, but even if I never spent another day in the classroom, my vocation would still be valuable for the whole Church. Day to day, one of the big ways we express feminine genius is by practicing hospitality. We welcome those who come to us and help to meet their needs, just as any mother would.

What’s some advice you have for young women who think they may have a call?

A: Don't be afraid. God's will for your life is for you to go to heaven. He has a plan for how best to get you there, and it is a plan based on who you are and what you need. You can trust him!