Meet Dr. Theresa Marshall. Dr. Marshall is the Principal of Saint John Vianney Catholic School in Flint and…a consecrated virgin.

The vocation of consecrated virginity is the oldest recognized formed of consecrated life in the Church. A consecrated virgin is a never-married woman who dedicates her perpetual virginity to God and is set aside as a sacred person who belongs to Christ. Their call to a secular state of life means that consecrated virgins have jobs and live in the middle of the world.

“As consecrated virgin, you don’t wear a uniform or a habit or anything because you’re devoted to the diocese,” explains Dr. Marshall.

“It’s a unique vocation, especially in the world today where it’s very sexualized, to be that kind of witness to say ‘No, God has called me to this, He calls other people to this, we are part of His heart, so He is enough for us’.”

According to the Code of Canon Law, women who are seeking out this particular vocation must be consecrated to God through the diocesan bishop, according to the rite approved by the Church. Upon consecration, they are betrothed mystically to Christ and are dedicated to the service of the Church, while remaining in a public state of life. Consecrated virgins live individually and receive direction from the diocesan bishop. Their consecration and life of perpetual virginity is permanent.

* This week is Vocation Awareness Week 2022. Do you feel that God may be calling you in prayer to a life of consecrated virginity? Do feel free to contact Dawn Hausmann, Director of Consecrated Vocations for the Diocese of Lansing at 517-342-2506 or dhausmann@dioceseoflansing.org.