Growing up in a Catholic family on a 100-year-old family farm in Oldham County, Ky., Sister Ruth Ann Haunz is well grounded in history and tradition. After high school, she planned to go away to college as her older brothers and sisters had done, find her prince charming, get married and live happily ever after. She even made a non-refundable deposit on a dorm room so that she would not change her mind.

But somewhere along the way, Sister Ruth Ann heard a small voice inside that would not let her go. "God kept calling me in all kinds of ways."

There were subtle remarks from those around her: the sister who wrote her college scholarship recommendation, but added "I imagine you somewhere else next year;" the high school friend who said that if anyone in their group entered the convent it would be Ruth. "Others in the group laughed, but I heard the words. I couldn't not listen. I felt a tremendous peace when I said 'yes.'"

Sister Ruth Ann chose religious life as a response to God's call. Her decision to become an Ursuline Sister of Louisville was influenced by her experience at Sacred Heart Academy. "The environment was positive, and I saw excellent, caring teachers. I thought I could be excellent and caring too." She felt called to a group of women who served others. "Even though we have a long and rich history of being in formal education, our foundress, St. Angela Merici, said 'Do what needs to be done.' That is what Ursuline Sisters have tried to do for over 450 years."

For the past 12 years Sister Ruth Ann has ministered in Louisville as pastoral associate at St. Gabriel Parish, one of the largest Catholic parishes in the southeast U.S. She loves being with people and sharing in their joys, struggles, challenges and dreams. "It is a privilege to be connected to others in the ongoing sacramental moments of the church. My ministry is an opportunity to share and to invite others to use their gifts to build the kingdom of God."

For Sister Ruth Ann, vocation is about choices. "I have chosen to live my life in relationship with a community of women committed to service. I have chosen to live simply in relation to possessions and time. I have chosen to develop a contemplative love of God and to be open and eager to serve others. I have gained far more than I have given up."