Sister Michelle Gorman, RSM
Sister Michelle left her home in Co. Mayo, Ireland in 1971 to enter the religious congregation of the Sisters of Mercy in Auburn, CA. After completing her novitiate training in Auburn, she graduated with a BA in Humanities and French, and earned a lifetime teaching credential from California State University, Sacramento. After teaching for approximately 15 years at Holy Spirit Elementary School (1 ½ years), Bishop Manogue High School (11 years), and Christian Brothers High School (3 years), she received an MA in English from Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA.
As a member of the Mercy New Membership Team: West Midwest for nine years, Sister Michelle traveled throughout Northern California and the Pacific Northwest in the capacity of Vocation Minister. During that time, she completed work for a diploma in spiritual direction at the Shalem Spiritual Guidance Program, Bethesda, MD. In 2004 and 2008 respectively, she was elected to the leadership teams of the Auburn Regional Community, and the newly merged West Midwest Community headquartered in Omaha, NE. After her 5 year assignment in Omaha, Sister Michelle enjoyed a sabbatical year, spending six months in silent prayer at Lebh Shomea House of Prayer in Sarita, Texas and one month learning Spanish at the Cultural Institute of Oaxaca, Mexico. She also spent some extended time with her family in Ireland. Currently, Sister Michelle is engaged in spiritual direction and retreat work through Mercy Center Auburn.
Sister Michelle is grateful for the opportunity to minister at the Capitol as chaplain to the Senate. Rather than function as the official "pray-er," she hopes to facilitate the senators' connection with their God so that their work on behalf of the people of California and the larger world can proceed from a spirit of humility and gratitude in the face of so many unresolved issues. She expects to approach her work from the point of view of Anne Lamott's description of the "three essential prayers": HELP, THANKS, WOW!
