Sister Patricia Marie Becker I first remember thinking seriously about religious life when I was in eighth grade. About to complete my elementary education, I began to think seriously about my vocation. I remember going often to spend quiet time in our parish church, praying to Mary to take care of me and lead me where God wanted me to be. Academics didn't come easily to me and I found myself much more at ease working in my parents' corner store, especially being extra kind to the poor and the needy who would come into the store. I always felt very happy when some act of kindness from me made someone else happy. I wondered if serving others was the call that I was feeling in my heart.

My only brother had gone to join the Oblate Fathers of St. Francis de Sales and, unknown to me, my father was secretly hoping I would be drawn to the Oblate Sisters. He arranged for me to meet the sisters when our family would go to see my brother on his visiting day.

I got to know the sisters better during these visits and I remember how happy I felt during the time I made a retreat there. It wasn't long before I was asking to enter this beautiful Congregation.

I found that, indeed, God has a place and need for each of us. I am happy to serve others, and especially our sisters, in the little, humble acts that fill our day. Like Mother Teresa, I want to live by the motto that it isn't what we do that counts, but the love with which we do it.