Think about it, Kate. We only get one life, you know. And not to get pious on you, but my theory is that we can serve God better by being active in the world not running away from it. Please write and say it isn’t so!
Love, Dan
St. Brendan’s School
Pontiac, Michigan
June 5, 1957
Dear Kate,
I was delighted to receive the announcement of your graduation and really thrilled when I read the news about your entrance into the Dominicans. Of course I am not hurt that you are going there and not coming to us, the CSJ’s. What difference does it make? We are all doing the Lord’s work, at least I hope we are. The Dominicans are an ancient teaching order, as you know, and I can just see you someday in your white habit teaching away.
Kate, just a few words about the next couple of years. If the Dominican Novitiate is anything like ours was, these next weeks are going to be very difficult. Somehow all novice mistresses think of themselves as God’s drill instructors, whose purpose is to try by fire the raw recruits they find before them. My three years in the novitiate were the hardest, but I was determined that they were not going to scare me out of my desire to be a nun. The rule of silence will be especially hard for you, and I know your bouncy ways will be a target for the decorum patrol. On a deeper level, you will get desperately homesick. The once a month letter we got would send me weeping to the chapel many a lonely Sunday afternoon.
But there will be beautiful times, too. You’ll learn to love the quiet of early morning, the beauty of the chant as it soars up into the eaves of the chapel, and if you are lucky, you’ll grow to love some of your fellow postulants.
Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that things loosen up considerably once you get sent out on mission, so don’t despair these first few months. Write and tell me how you’re getting on. They will open all incoming letters, and you won’t be allowed to seal those you send, but I think this was usually just a formality.
To be a bride of Christ is a demanding role, but you’ve got what it takes, Kate.
With great affection from your old teacher,
Sister Helene
The Admiral
11 North Fourth Street
St. Louis, Missouri
July 25, 1957
Dear Miss O’Neill:
It is with real regret that I accept your resignation from the position of dining room hostess that you filled so well. You were dependable, cheerful, and were able to deal with difficult customers, even those who all too often were intoxicated, tactfully and graciously. In fact, I had been thinking of promoting you to a higher-paying position in the company, manager of the entire restaurant floor of the boat. So, if your plans should happen to change, please don’t hesitate to apply again.
Best regards to your father, and tell him that we haven’t seen his Irish face down here in a long time, so perhaps he’s grown too grand for the lads from the old neighborhood.
Yours truly,
Thomas J. O’Callahan,, General Manager
On a warm September night
My dear Katie,
Your mother has gone to bed, Maggie is out with her friends at St. Louis U. High’s first soccer game of the season, so your old dad is all alone and realizing how much he misses you. Ever since the day you met me at the door when I came home from the Pacific, we’ve been good pals. Oh, I know there were many times in these last few years that you didn’t think I was your friend at all, but even when we had our (shouting) differences, I think you knew deep down that I loved you and wanted only the best for you. You must know how proud I am that you’re going to be a nun and serve God with all your heart and soul. Your mother was really opposed to your entrance this year, but I think I had a small hand in persuading her to let you follow your call.
Did I ever tell you that at one time I wanted to be a priest? You’ll laugh, but I was actually pretty serious about it in the eighth grade. My Aunt Mamie, though, got in some fuss with Father O’Flaherty and decided that she wouldn’t allow me to enter the seminary. Later, of course, I met your mother and that made celibacy seem like a pretty impossible life. But now you are fulfilling my never forgotten dream in a way.
God bless you, my girl. Someday I’m going to drive out to the Motherhouse and see if I can catch a glimpse of you when you’re sweeping the front walks. It’s much too long to wait until visiting day to see you.
Love always, Dad
our house
Hi Sis,
Mother is making me write this letter before I can go anywhere, so that’s why I’m writing. Don’t get any mushy ideas that your little sister misses you, or anything like that. Oh, before I forget, thanks a million for your enamel jewelry box, the pearls, and the gold charm bracelet. I’m still a little bummed out that you gave Carol all the rest of your goodies, even if as you say, it was mostly junk.
Well, have fun in the convent (Ha Ha!) and I guess I’ll be there on visiting day. Do we have to stay four whole hours???!!!
Love and all that stuff,
Maggie
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Sept. 15, 1957
Dear Kate,
I know you’ll be surprised to hear from me, but I just got a gossipy letter from my mother giving me all the news from home, and I was shocked to hear that you have entered the convent. I don’t know if
