Bernie Floetker Supports his Daughter Nicole’s Call to Religious Life

In March, 2009 Bernie had the honor of announcing Nicole’s plans to enter the Sisters of St. Cecelia in Nashville, Tenn., in August, 2009. “It was my first Jesus Jam and I wasn’t really sure what the format was, but I wondered if I could introduce her. The idea evolved and I was able to go up on stage and announce her plans,” said Bernie.

While Bernie isn’t as active in the Church as he used to be, he is supportive of Nicole’s plans to enter a religious community.  He admits it will be tough to only see her four times a year the first year-- and he will have to travel to Nashville to do it. He admires Nicole’s independence and determination that emerged “at about the age of 7.”

“People say that religious life is a sacrifice; well there is sacrifice whether you are married, single, have children, a job – sacrifice is part of life. This is a decision only she can make.”

Bernie was not that surprised by Nicole’s decision as she has been very active in the Church since her junior year in high school.

Bernie explained that Nicole has been involved  at St. Agatha Church, the Crank’s Creek ministry, the Jesus Jam band Firey Fish as a vocalist, Catholic Youth Summer Camp, and also attends retreats, visits religious communities, and is most recently the youth minister at Our Lady of Victory as a junior Theology/History major at Ohio Dominican University.

Nicole is also currently helping the Office of Vocations create a video about women visiting various religious communities – as there is a nationwide resurgence of interest in religious life by high school and college-aged women.

Nicole attended St. Agatha School and Bishop Watterson High School. “I have always been supportive of Catholic Schools,” said Bernie. “I see that it helps establish the virtues of honesty and kindness toward others.”

“I am going to miss Nicole a lot – not being able to walk over to her and give her a big hug and a kiss on the head,” said Bernie. “But she will have a best retirement plan ever … heaven!”

Read Nicole’s story …