SisterMarie Carla Moeggenborg

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery.

Jubilarian 2023 – 60 Years a Sister

As I reflect on 60 years of Dominican life, I am amazed how these six words have guided me…

I arrived in Bay City, MI on June 26, 1943, the third daughter of Carl and Agnes (Dickman) Moeggenborg. A few years later we moved to a farm near Shepherd, Michigan, where I spent my youth. There we lived among aunts, uncles, and cousins. Our family grew to include five boys and seven girls.

My education began in a one-room country school. After grade school, we attended Shepherd High School. During my senior year, a car accident claimed the life of our father. It was a life-changing time for me. Encouraged by my mother, I accepted a scholarship and after graduation attended Central Michigan University in hopes of becoming a teacher.

MY plans were interrupted by HIS plans. It was during that year that I heard that quiet invitation to enter religious life. tried my best to quell that inner voice until I realized checking it out might bring peace. Every day I woke up feeling a bit more confident of that call. After one year I entered the community.

As a child my wish was to become a teacher. As a Dominican Sister my wish was fulfilled. Teaching young children was a delight. As principal I found the challenge working with teachers and parents rewarding. Next came the invitation to vocation ministry. It was a prayerful experience.

Missioned to the serve as director of Vocation Services for the Dioceses of Lansing, I enjoyed working with children, teens, and adults. It called me to be with and listen to searchers and seekers as they pursued their life journeys. As a diocesan minister, I was committed to raising awareness about church programs and encouraging others to get involved. I developed brochures, posters, and more for parishes and schools. I supported men and women called to priesthood and religious life, and diacontate and ecclesial lay ministry — in their vocation discernment. I often pray the spiritual passage “many gifts but the same spirit” as I work with searchers who want to do God’s will. Discernment helps us to realize that we are each uniquely called and loved by our God into the service of the people of God.

And I can’t neglect the volunteer work, a variety of opportunities to continue involvement in ministry. Yes, not only was my childhood dream fulfilled, but it was embellished by so many who supported and challenged me along the way. My life as a Dominican has afforded me with challenges beyond my dreams. Places I’ve seen, people I’ve met, each one unfolding the mysteries of life.

I am extremely grateful to my mother for her support, to the community for the numerous opportunities, and to all those who have touched my life, each in their own way. Much history has been lived these 60 years. I still marvel at the mystery of tomorrow.