Change is a constant and the journey is an adventure for Racine Dominican Sister Karen Vollmer who believes God is leading us on the sacred path. All we need to do is embrace it with joy as the journey unfolds.
S. Karen has been a joyful, spirited person with deep faith and sensitive concern for others. She was born in Joliet, Illinois, and educated by Franciscan Sisters at St. Raymond’s Cathedral Grade School and St. Francis Academy. “I learned to pray and respect others and nature early in my life through the example of faithful parents,” she says. “I was always grateful for my supportive and loving family, and at the same time, I had an overwhelming awareness of the injustices in the world and wanting to share what I had with others.”
It was during her time attending the local junior college preparing to become a teacher that she began to pay attention to what she called “the still, small voice within.” Karen felt a yearning to help create a peaceful, harmonious world. Her older sister was a Racine Dominican aspirant, and during Sunday visits, she met many Racine Dominican Sisters. “Joining the convent wasn’t something I was encouraged to do, as many thought my boundless energy, sometimes called rambunctious, would interfere with the tranquil demeanor of a religious woman,” she says. But she knew she needed to pay attention to the inner call, which turned out to be the life of a Sister.
Changes marked her time in religious life. S. Karen claims, “My faith life was nurtured in the womb of the Second Vatican Council, and I have felt its transforming activity stirring within me and our community life ever since.” She entered in time to make profession in the community’s centennial year and have a true scholar, Sister Mary Magdalen (Rita M. Martin), as her formation director and later Racine Dominican President.
Education and service have always been a hallmark of S. Karen’s life. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and Master’s Degrees in Religious Studies and also in Adult Christian Community Development. In addition, she earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Pastoral Counseling, along with a sabbatical year at the School of Applied Theology and a Spiritual Guidance Training Certification. Learning and growing has been a constant on her life’s journey.
With her extensive education, she has served others as a teacher, Director of Religious Education, Religion Department Chairperson, Adult Faith Coordinator, Pastoral Associate and a Parish Leader. She also had leadership roles in the Racine Dominican Community, including Vocation Director and Co-Director of the Associates. All of this ministry is centered on being with and walking with people on their spiritual journey.
S. Karen has such an impact in her decades of ministry. “Serving as Parish Leader affirmed for me that women do have a place of vital contact in church life,” she says. Besides all the parish responsibilities, each year she became a mentor for a deacon preparing for ordination. It was time well spent in sharing hopes and ways to be attentive to the ever-changing needs in parish life. A deacon wrote this message of gratitude to S. Karen: “One year ago, I met you. Little did I know what God had placed in my life. I will continue on the journey that you have helped guide me on. You have been a teacher, a coach, and best of all, a friend. Thank you for giving me the courage to say yes to God and not be afraid.”
I want to be a spark of Light, Hope, Joy grounded in reverence for Divine Love which is so alive, so healing, so present!
sister karen vollmer
Today S. Karen is nurturing the spiritual health and prayer life of others through organized prayer, listening and offering spiritual guidance. Before the pandemic, this included the Women’s Correctional Center and three assisted living homes. She is using her skills as a cooperative organizer, attentive listener, and creative thinker to nurture spiritual growth. “I want to be a spark of Light, Hope, Joy grounded in reverence for Divine Love which is so alive, so healing, so present!” she says.
The Racine Dominican Sisters and Associates find such inspiration and joy in the way that S. Karen preaches. “Karen is attentive, willing and ready! Whenever there is a need for a special liturgy or prayer service, we know that we can count on her amazing ability and willingness to create a truly meaningful spiritual experience,” says Racine Dominican Sister Ruthanne Reed.
As S. Karen says, “The gift of the persistent call and trust in the sacred path has sustained and nourished my life in Community. I have treasured the guidance and companionship of Sisters and Associates, family, friends, coworkers who have called forth the gifts entrusted to me. I am amazed and ever so grateful for the blessings wrapped lovingly in the call to be a Sister in this wider family.”
— by Kyla Mrazek