ANNA-MARIE
BYRNE
Single Lay Dominican
A vocation is a response to God’s call and invitation. In what ways have you chosen and committed to the single life?
I’m a 3rd generation student of the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters: My paternal grandmother, my Dad & his brothers, my Mom (1 yr.), and my 3 siblings and me. In addition, my paternal great-grandmother was a “Third Order” private member, and my Mom and I entered Dominican Laity formation together.
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We responded to the call to Dominican life at different times in our lives. The connection to the Order was strong for me, especially being a 3rd generation member of Holy Rosary Parish in Minneapolis. By the time my Mom and I entered, she was a widow, and I’d begun teaching at Holy Rosary School. I’d decided that I’d committed myself to being a teacher and a Lay Dominican, and if God wanted me to stay single, I’d be okay with that.
Some might fear that this vocation would lead to a lonely life, what advice to those who might have this concern?
Taking my teaching vocation/career seriously, and combining it with my life as a Lay Dominican single woman, I can’t say that I’ve ever really been lonely. As Dominicans, we have a prayer life, a study life, a community life (monthly Fraternity meetings), and our individual ministries as well as those as a ‘group’. The nature of being a Dominican is to be a ‘doer’, and building relationships is a part of that. My advice: Before committing to this life, find a Fraternity and ‘test drive’ their meetings and if possible, one of their ministries.
How does your Dominican identity inform your vocation?
My Dominican identity informs my vocation by allowing me the freedom to do as much as I’ve been able over the past 40+ years. It’s been invaluable over the years in the classroom, especially teaching Religion classes, and a few opportunities to be a part of the parish’s Religious Ed. program.
Had I not been single, this may not have been the case, especially when my late Mother began to face aging challenges in her 90’s. During her last 18 months, when she was in a nursing home, I was there for her in a way my siblings were unable to be due to their family dynamics.
When did you join the Dominican Lay Fraternity?
I was received into the Holy Rosary Fraternity of Dominican Laity in Nov. 1977, made Temporary Promises in May, 1979, and Life Promises on 5/23/1982.
Why did you join the Dominican Lay Fraternity?
I joined the Lay Dominicans because like my Dad and Mom, I felt a strong connection to the Order: 12 yrs. of Dominican education, a lifetime of being ministered to by the Friars, developing ‘family’ type friendships/relationships with the Friars and Sisters. I realized after some time, that this was where the Lord was leading me - to use the gifts and abilities He’d given me to help build up the Kingdom right here in Beautiful South Minneapolis!
How has your vocation as a committed single person brought you joy?
I believe that the joy I’ve experienced in being a committed single person and Lay Dominican is immeasurable. I’ve been able to rejoice in all the accomplishments of former students, co-workers, parishioners, and extended Dominican Family. Being able to be ‘out there’ when called upon has been a privilege, which I consider one of life’s bonuses!