Vocation leads Kensie Geier from sunflower state to big apple

The simple but precious lyrics of this hymn, often heard at children’s Masses, describe 23-year-old Kensie Geier well. Geier, a lifelong member of St. Dominic Parish, answered God’s call to her by entering the Franciscan Sisters of Renewal convent in New York on Sept. 22.

Geier spoke to parish members recently at a fundraising luncheon hosted by her family at St. Dominic Parish Center. Money raised will go toward Geier’s health insurance expenses.

The Franciscan Sisters of Renewal (FSR) pursue the original vision of the 16th Century Capuchin reformers who stayed true to St. Francis of Assisi’s example. The FSR, established in New York in 1988, exist by Divine Providence alone. The New York Archdiocese provided the building for their convent. The sisters’ meals are prepared from donations to the food bank they run for the poor. Geier describes the order’s chapel as "austere." The Sisters kneel on the hardwood floors or sit on wooden chairs. Geier explains that only a crucifix and picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe grace the chapel walls. The dining room and individual cells also reflect the non-worldly spirit of St. Francis.

"There’s not much religious art at all. The order I’m going into is very simple. The things I’m allowed to bring are very minimal. It’s a totally radical way of life. That’s what I looked for when I was looking at different orders. That’s how my spirituality is, and that’s how I want to live my life," Geier said.

Geier was about 16 when she vocalized her discomfort with excess material things. She recalls feeling guilty when her parents provided her with a car. In her teens she had become involved in the choir and St. Dominic youth group, which led to mission trips, TEC weekends, Bible study, and a summer camp in Wichita sponsored by Totus Tuus. There she first considered her vocation.

"I was in confession, and the priest suggested I consider religious life. He told me that two or three times. I’d never even seen a habited sister. Immaculate Heart of Mary sisters came and spoke. That’s when my discernment started," she said.

Geier remembers the late Monsignor Norbert Temaat as a positive influence on her youthful spirituality.

"He gave me my first confession and my first communion. He was always so caring. He really inspired me when I was young. In high school I got involved in youth group and Bible study. That made me own my faith. I saw that it’s not just something to do on Sunday. Lea Ann Scott was there for me and supportive of me," Geier said.

Lea Ann Scott, longtime volunteer youth director at St. Dominic, was glad to nurture Geier.

"There was something special in her gentle spirit," Scott said. "We all need to take responsibility for nurturing vocations of all kinds in our youth."

At Benedictine College in Atchison, Geier studied music education and theology. She is a 2005 magna cum laude graduate.

"Benedictine was a spirit-filled community. I started growing in devotion to God. They really fostered vocations and encouraged them. It’s just a beautiful place. There are three opportunities a day to go to Mass, there’s perpetual adoration. Last year they had 300 college students a day at daily Mass. At the same time it’s a normal college. It’s a really strong Catholic community with lots of fun stuff going on," Geier said.

Geier spent two summer vacations in Minneapolis, doing mission work with the homeless. She fell in love with the job.

"I knew I wanted to do social service," Geier said.

Geier met with spiritual directors at Benedictine as she continued to consider religious life. On college breaks, she visited orders in St. Louis, Texas, Nebraska, Connecticut and New York.

"All orders I looked at wore habits. The habit, to me, is a sign of witness. When you see a Sister in a habit, you know that Christ is the center of her life. I knew I wanted to make that statement from the beginning. I really feel like that’s important in our society," she said.

Last December Geier visited the FSR convent. FSR Sisters work with the homeless and poor in conjunction with the Community of Franciscans of the Renewal friars. At last, Geier landed in a place where her spiritual desire for simplicity intersected with service to the poor.

"It was like an instant home for me," Geier said.

Still, she turned to God for confirmation.

"I gave myself this past Lent to pray about it. I made my decision at Easter Vigil. It’s been totally amazing what God’s done with me since this last Easter. God is calling me. He’s inviting me to make my heart become one with his," Geier said.

Her parents, Don and Linda, and brothers Scott, 26, and Matt, 18, applaud her decision.

"I’m very proud of Kensie and her devotion to Christ," said Don Geier. "As a parent, I’m happy that she’s found something she’s so passionate about."

"Everyone’s been supportive. My mom and brother have met the Sisters and really like them, " Geier said.

Diocesan Coordinator of Vocations Becky Hessman attended Geier’s lunch presentation.

"Another thing that struck me about Kensie was her openness to the call and her courage to respond," Hessman said. "She met with her spiritual director for two years. That shows a commitment to seeking what God is calling."

On Sept. 22, Geier entered the convent as a candidate, bringing only three modest outfits. Her habit, the new name she will take, initial vows and final vows happen in stages over a seven-year period of prayer, study and work. She will live in simplicity and do works of charity. Like the sunflower that always turns towards the sun, she will follow God’s call to her.