SEATTLE — Church was the last thing on Sharon Heidland’s mind when she entered college in the fall of 1994. Having received a full volleyball scholarship to the University of Nevada-Reno, she was living 800 miles away from home and pursuing her own path toward what she thought would bring happiness.
“My goal entering college was to succeed at sports and build skills for a successful
career,” she explained. “I wanted to be either a businesswoman or a journalist. Above all, I wanted to do something great with my life, something extraordinary. I thought ultimate happiness would be wealth, prestige, glamour and power.”
With her parents no longer telling her what to do, Sharon stopped attending Mass, never went to confession, and was certainly not going to be found at any prayer meetings. Instead, worldly pursuits consumed her time. In addition to her scholarship, she had a boyfriend on the football team and a schedule full of parties. She was free to do as she pleased, which was supposed to bring her happiness.
Yet instead of being filled with happiness, she was empty. “After getting a taste of having everything the world says you should have to be happy, but finding my heart utterly empty, I began to deeply yearn for something more. The partying, boyfriends, school and sports didn’t fill me. When I was truly honest with myself, I had to admit that I was shattered within.”
It was the spring of her freshman year in college when she had this awakening. “I realized that when I died, God wasn’t going to ask me if my mom and dad went to church on Sunday. He would ask me, ‘What did you do with your life?’” This sobering thought led her on a slow journey back into the Church.
During this journey, Sharon met a priest from the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT). “As my heart began to awaken and my desires for something more began to grow, I met a priest from our religious community,” she related. “I was suffering immensely from the weight of sin and bad decisions and this priest knew that, but he never shamed me. He inspired me to grow by the example of his life — a life of true and authentic love of God.”
During her final three years of college, she started attending Mass sporadically, then every Sunday, and finally came to do so daily. “When I was a senior in college, my mother made a decision to entrust me and my life to the Blessed Virgin,” she said. “My mom literally got down on her knees and gave me away to Our Lady: She told Our Lady that I was her daughter now and to protect me and keep me safe.
“My mother also began to pray at that moment, completely unknown to me, that I would become a nun — and here I am. So yes, the prayers of my mother and father are the reason why I am a nun today. I believe in the power of prayer and am a living fruit of its efficacy.”
Special Names
After graduating with a degree in communications, Sharon was invited to a SOLT retreat in New Mexico, where she discovered her call to the religious life. “I desired a life committed to Christ: daily Mass, daily Rosary, Liturgy of the Hours, daily Holy Hour, faithful to the magisterium of the Church etc. And I found that with SOLT.”
What she also found with SOLT was a unique model of “family teams” (also referred to as “ecclesial teams”) of priests, sisters and laity. “We have all three vocations in our community, and I love the witness of that reality. I also chose SOLT because I recognized that this community is committed to authentic discipleship of Jesus through Mary.”
Sharon became Sister Miriam James. “My father passed away unexpectedly while I was still a novice, and on my profession day, our founder, Father James Flanagan, gave me the religious name of Miriam James — Miriam, after our Blessed Mother, and James, after my father. To hear that proclamation at my profession Mass was one of the most touching experiences of my life.”
Sister Miriam spent formation time in such diverse locations as Rome, New Mexico and North Dakota. She then made her final vows at St. Alphonsus Parish in Seattle on the feast of the Immaculate Conception in 2007. Her main work in Seattle is the direction of apostolic novices (women in their first year of novitiate). During the last six years, she has helped to guide 17 women through the formation program.
She also has the opportunity to utilize her communications skills by co-hosting the radio program “Sisters in Christ” on Sacred Heart Radio in Seattle. Episodes of this informative and engaging show can be heard at SacredHeartRadio.org on Thursdays at 6pm and on Sundays at 8am, Pacific Time.
A New Family
Aside from radio appearances and other speaking events, Sister Miriam has the daily opportunity to share the Gospel without saying a word. This is because the SOLT sisters wear a distinctive gray and white habit, which St. Alphonsus parishioner Lillian Yamamoto appreciates. “It’s great to see the SOLT sisters in their habits; they’re so joyful and are an authentic witness to God,” she stated. “It’s a great example for the children who haven’t ever seen nuns in habits.”
“Wearing a habit is a deep honor for me,” Sister Miriam said. “When I wear a habit, I become a visible representative of the Catholic Church and a sign that God is alive and well. The habit is a sign to the world and a sign to me as well.”
It’s a sign that most people appreciate, but not all.
“Many people stop me on the street and ask questions, express gratitude or even become disgruntled when they see me. It’s a sign that goes far beyond me personally, and I have to remember that. Wearing a habit is a witness of the love and mercy of God and it brings hope and comfort to many.”
The visible presence of the sisters is appreciated by the administrator of St. Alphonsus, SOLT Father Danilo Abalon. “The family of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity is a congregation of priests, sisters, and laity, including married deacons,” explained Father Abalon. “All the members share a common spirituality, mission and vision, as they strive to imitate and live the life of Christ.
“Each vocation finds the source of its identity in the Most Holy Trinity, and in their distinctiveness, they complement one another in the charism of ‘ecclesial teams’ modeled after the life of Mary. So, in any apostolate or parish ministry, if one of the components is not present, like the sisters, the witness of our charism would be incomplete.”
Charisms weren’t on the mind of college student Sharon Heidland, who sought worldly definitions of happiness, yet only found sadness. Today, however, Sister Miriam James is dedicated to poverty, chastity and obedience; and she is among the happiest of women. She says, “My goal now is to bring the message of Jesus’ authentic love and mercy to everyone I meet. Jesus came to set us free from sin and darkness so that we might walk in his marvelous light.”
Register correspondent Trent Beattie writes from Seattle.
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Thank you for posting this and thank you, Sister Miriam, for saying Yes! to God as Mary did. Reading stories such as hers are such a witness to God’s continuing work in the world.
Sharon, God bless you and keep.
All the rest of you “sisters, brothers and priest” get your cloths back on like this young lady of God. They are your uniforms of the church militant so the world knows you belong to the winning side. I was out with my priest for supper the other night and he was not wearing his clerics, I ribbed him that he was disguised as a deacon. I am taking classes through my diocese and 4 are taught by “sisters” that have us praying to the sun and cleansing with smoke and none wear a habit and they are all extremely liberal. They make it clear why the Vatican recently investigated several religious orders in this country. I pray that SOLT is orthodox. It makes a difference. The world has to see Jesus.
Scott, SOLT is powerfully, beautifully, inspiriationally Orthodox! Praise God! I am blessed to live near their mission in South Texas. My family and I consider SOLT an anchor and thank God every day for their presence here.
Sr Miriam James. It is a thing of joy to see young women fullof promise, dedicate & consecrate themselves fully to the service of God. I applaud you and encourage others to do the same.Our church is full of graces and God is definitely alive.You are a visible wittness to God’s love and that is very important now a days.Keep up the good work. I want you to know that you are not alone.I will have you in my prayers always and please pray for all of us too.We all need each other. God bless you abundantly…..Chinedum Harold Uche KSJ
Sr. Miriam,
God bless you. Your example and that of your entire community is a wonderful joy to behold. It is your witness that will help lead this deadened culture from darkness to His wonderful light.
Religious garb is an essential testament by priests and nuns to our Catholic faith. It makes a difference. I travel for business weekly. It means a lot to me seeing a sister or priest who are proud of their commitment to their vocations by letting the public know. I can’t help believing there are other vocations inspired by these public expressions or souls that come back to the Church because of the reminder of where our youth and Catholic formation began with sisters and priests. I’ve visited and referred others to the excellent new website of the United States Council of Catholic Bishops http://www.foryourvocation.org for those young people discerning religous vocations and their families. Thank you Sister Miriam James for your listening and answering God’s call to holiness! You’re in my prayers.
Sr. Miriam is wonderful and the longer version of her story appears in my new book - Set Free to Love: Lives Changed by the Theology of the Body (Servant books).
What a beautiful testament to the power of prayer and the intercession of Our Lady. God Bless
What up girlfriend!? I just want to tell you that you are a rock star and such a beautiful witness. Reading thi brought a smile to my face, just like you do every time I talk to you!
How wonderful to see this beautiful, fresh-faced young woman in a nun’s habit. I hope her example will inspire more vocations, not to mention more modesty in dress for other young ladies.
Love to hear this. As an admirer of a Saint who was a nun, it is refreshing for me to read this. I’d all but given up hope that someone would strive to follow Jesus as a nun these days - the right and honest way. Thank you sister, you are a hero to me. BTW, the saints name is St. Faustina, the secretary of Divine Mercy.
I always feel that thr religious should have their own distinctive habits and the priests their cassock In their habit they are respected more. However modern trend is to permit lay dress. It is liked by some because they feel shy of being known to the public their vocational status May God help them to change this attitude.
I TOO LOVE TO SEE NUNS WEARING THE HABIT——TO ME IT SAYS I AM PROUD OF WHO I AM AND REPRESENT.
GOD BLESS YOU SISTER MIRIAM———————-THE WORLD SURE NEEDS HIS LOVE AND MERCY…...............
Sr. Miriam James, what a wonderful story, one I personally relate to. In addition, I have a daughter who is now away at school 700 miles from us and who, despite growing up in a devout Catholic home now says she doesn’t believe in God (this happened a year or so ago). She too is a college athlete who is reveling in her newfound freedom. I would ask that you remember her in your prayers if you wouldn’t mind. I keep reminding myself that God loves her more than her father and I ever could, and will not allow her to be lost. God bless you!
Wonderful life experience, dear Sr Miriam. God is really great in the way He has revealed His Presence through you. The search for Truth and authenticity resulted in finding Jesus personally in you and you radiate Christ to people around you. Praise the Lord. May many more get inspired to find in Jesus the real meaning of life and follow Jesus as you have done. Jesus is alive and active in and through you and through everyone who is ready to listen to the inner voice. God bless you, dear Sister Miriam and may you radiate the presence of God’s loving presence to many more.
What an uplifting and well needed read. You are an amazing person. Definitely an inspiration!!
Love your, Cousin
Sr Miriam I applaud you!! What a wonderful testimony ....From darkness into God,s marvelous Light. It gives much hope to us as parents whose children have abandoned the faith for the pursuit of worldly riches and what they see will bring happiness.
A wonderful testimony to God,s love and mercy thankyou. God bless you .
Sr Miriam,i am happy to read about your vocation story. Indeed, in God’s will is our peace. Sr Miriam, thanks for your yes to God. enjoy every moment of your calling. God bless
Dear Sr Mirian
God Bless you and Thank you for sharing your beautiful testimony with us and the powerful intercession of Our Lady. One that I also can relate too. My daughter also studied journalism and has left home to pursue her dreams of becoming a rock star. I too have left her in Our Mothers arms. Please keep her in your prayers.
Dear Sister Miriam. Thank you for sharing God’s greatness toward you. Thank you for your “Yes” and your fidelity to Catholic faith. May God bless you,and your congregation and may you radiate the presence of God’s loving presence to many more. Pray for one another. Sr. Eileen
God bless you, Sister Miriam.
We need many more nuns and priests like you.
Dear Jacki and the other lady with a daughter away from home, keep the Faith.
Michael Prabhu, Catholic apologist, Chennai, India
We Thank God for you and your great witness and, your parents for their prayerful support. We hope that other parents or relatives would pray for their loved ones - it makes a huge difference. Surely,Mary, Our Heavenly Mother has a way with her kids!
Dear Sister Miriam;
As I was flipping channels on my TV, I came across the “FOCUS” show and was attracted by your presence and your story. It was truly inspiration and made me quite emotional. The sparkle in your eyes showed that you are truly happy and doing God’s work.
Bless You.
Dear Sister Miriam,
Thank you for sharing your story of conversion. I had a similar one, in that I was a partyer and weighted down by sin and bad decisions. I also was lonely and could not get filled up. Jesus has filled my heart and touched my life. I am pretty much a work in progress and have a long way to go, so thank you for your story, it was inspiring. They ought to make a movie (:
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