In this episode, we welcome back Sister Mary Michael, a seasoned Dominican Sister from the Saint Cecilia community in Nashville, to Oklahoma for a heartfelt conversation. With over 35 years as a religious sister, she shares her passion for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, her work with Franciscan University, and her unique ministry with men in recovery. At a recent men’s conference, she introduced the power of the 12 Steps—rooted in Alcoholics Anonymous but universally applicable—as a practical path to freedom from destructive habits, paired with insights from Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Sister Mary Michael’s warmth, humor, and wisdom shine as she encourages men to embrace their God-given mission and reorder their lives with grace.
- Who She Is: A Dominican Sister with a doctorate in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Sister Mary Michael works with four-year-olds on Fridays, teaches at Franciscan University’s Catechetical Institute, and speaks at men’s conferences.
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: A Montessori-inspired, Hebraic approach to children’s faith formation, rooted in the pedagogy of God and the Church’s heart. She’s written a book on it and sees it as a growing movement (highlighted in the 2020 Directory for Catechesis).
- Men in Recovery: Inspired by landscaping help from men in recovery, she’s taken their stories on the road, blending the 12 Steps with Ignatian spirituality to address universal patterns of behavior—addictions big and small.
- The 12 Steps: Sister explores their accessibility and power, starting with Step 1: admitting powerlessness over habits (e.g., anger, control, manipulation) and unmanageability in life. She connects this to grace and personal transformation.
- Universal Application: From vanity to strong opinions, we’re all “recovering sinners.” The 12 Steps offer a fearless moral inventory (Step 4) and accountability (Step 5), helping anyone break free from vices.
- Grace and Nature: The steps align with the Church’s heritage—practical like the 12 Steps or spiritual like Ignatius—showing how grace perfects our disordered nature.
- Men’s Mission: She challenges men to reject Satan’s distortions, embrace their masculine genius, and take action to live out God’s purpose.
- “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori Hebraic approach—it’s how God brings people to Himself.”
- “I’m powerless over this, and my life’s unmanageable—that’s a grace right there.”
- “I’m not taking that drink of criticism or gossip—it’s a shot of vodka to my soul.”
- “God’s got a beautiful mission for you, and Satan’s not gonna leave you alone—so it’s time to do something about it.”
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Learn more about this movement online or through Sister’s book.
- The 12 Steps: Google them—read through and reflect on what challenges you.
- Ignatian Spirituality: Explore how it aligns with the 12 Steps for deeper growth.
Sister Mary Michael’s eclectic life—from teaching kids to guiding men—offers a fresh take on recovery and holiness. Her practical, grace-filled approach makes this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking freedom and purpose. Thanks for joining us, Sister—God bless!