By Jocelyn Ramirez
Sister Christin Tomy, the newest addition to Dominican’s ministry team, is redefining perceptions of religious life with her vibrant personality and approach to spiritual guidance. As a young, dynamic sister, she brings a fresh perspective to her role, challenging traditional stereotypes and connecting with students in meaningful ways.
Sister Christin’s path to religious life was not a straightforward one. Growing up Catholic in Iowa, she had limited exposure to sisters and initially held stereotypical views.
“I had the idea of sisters from like Sister Act or The Sound of Music,” she recalls. “It wasn’t until her college years that she began to seriously consider this vocation.”
Her experiences abroad played a crucial role in shaping her calling.
After graduating from the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota, Sister Christin spent two years in Belize with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. This experience was transformative, allowing her to interact with sisters and witness their impactful work firsthand.
Sister Christin’s leadership style is characterized by her focus on building relationships and meeting people where they are.
“Her first focus is meeting people where they’re at,” says Andrew Mercado, director of University Ministry. “As a Sinsinawa Dominican Sister, it’s so reflective of their approach to accompany and journey with others.”
This people-centered approach has quickly connected Sister Christin to both students and colleagues.
University Minister Kayla Jackson Wolf notes, “It’s hard for me to remember a time when she wasn’t on our team…I know the students have a huge part of their heart reserved for Sister Christin.”
Sister Christin’s presence on campus has been instrumental in breaking down preconceived notions about religious life. Her authenticity and approachability have made a significant impact on the university community.
As Ashley Flores, a Waters Intern who works under the supervision of Sister Christin in Resident Ministry, reflects, “My views have definitely changed. I thought that I had to be very serious and composed when talking to her. But no, she’s a very fun person and very girly too, and it’s refreshing to see that someone can follow their vocation while still being themselves.”
Sister Christin herself acknowledges the importance of confronting these stereotypes.
“I think I first had to confront those stereotypes for myself when I was discerning. I thought I wasn’t boring enough, or holy enough,” she says. “That was part of what was so beautiful for me about getting to know the Sinsinawa sisters. I realized they’re not boring and they’re not overly pious or hard to approach. They’re funny and joyful and flawed humans.”
One of Sister Christin’s most striking qualities is her joyful nature.
“Sister [Christin] is such a joyful person, and I think it reflects her calling to be a sister,” Mercado emphasizes. “When someone authentically lives out their vocation, their calling in the world, you see it.”
This joy is not only evident in her demeanor but also in her work.
“She brings humor. She brings a caring vibe to things,” Jackson Wolf shares. “She definitely makes [me] look forward [to] coming to work.”
Since joining the university, Sister Christin has made significant contributions to campus life. She has been instrumental in developing new initiatives such as having an alternative break program and fostering relationships beyond the university’s immediate community.
For Sister Christin, spirituality is not confined to traditional practices. She finds spiritual connection in unexpected places, including her passion for running. In addition, she recently ran a marathon, an accomplishment that defies conventional images of religious sisters.
“Running is a very important prayer practice, and just general wellness practice for me,” she explains. “I think it’s become very important for me to acknowledge that we’re embodied, and so spirituality is connected to our bodies.”
She also participates in a running group called Seven on Sundays, which allows her to engage with a diverse community and have meaningful conversations beyond the confines of religious settings.
Sister Christin Tomy’s presence at Dominican University offers a fresh perspective on religious life in the modern world. As she continues her work, Sister Christin serves as a bridge between traditional religious life and contemporary spirituality, inspiring students, and colleagues alike with her authenticity and passion.
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