WILLIAMSTOWN – Surrounded by her mother and Our Lady of Peace Parish family, Kimberly Pacis was blessed by her pastor during Mass on Sept. 7 as she prepares to begin her journey into consecrated religious life.
On Sept. 9, Pacis will enter the Community of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal (CFR) in Harlem, New York, as a postulant.
“We pray for vocations faithfully every weekend. Today, the Lord has answered that prayer for our parish. I would like to introduce you to our postulant, Kim Pacis, as she begins her religious formation,” said Father Sanjai Devis, VC, parish pastor.
As her mother placed her hands upon Pacis’ shoulders, Father Sanjai prayed, “Loving God, we ask your special blessing to all those who are in formation. Gracious God, you called Kim to this life and gifted her in many ways.”
“Inspire her to make a difference in others’ lives,” he continued. “Lead her in the way of life, your plan for her. Open her heart to continue to listen to your call. Fill her with your Holy Spirit that she may have a listening heart and the courage to respond to you, and kindle in her heart to desire to make the world a better place by serving as a Franciscan Sister of the Renewal.”
Pacis, a member of Our Lady of Peace since 2010, has long been active in the parish’s life, particularly in youth and young adult ministry. She first experienced a reawakening of her faith when her mother enrolled her in the parish’s RCIA program to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. From there, she became deeply engaged in the faith community, crediting the parish’s youth group for sustaining her spiritual growth through high school and college.
Her call to religious life began to take shape during her senior year at Kean University, where she earned a degree in psychology while preparing for graduate studies in occupational therapy.
“Despite all efforts in preparing for graduate studies, a sudden and mysterious attraction toward religious life began to bloom in my heart,” Pacis reflected in the parish’s bulletin.
That stirring grew into a steady desire, ultimately leading her to set aside her plans and follow Christ’s invitation.
Pacis encountered the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal in 2018, shortly after the sisters’ arrival in Atlantic City. Invited by her youth minister, Pacis began volunteering with the sisters, assisting in their outreach to the poor and their prayer-centered community life.
“I came to fall in love with the CFR charism, fraternal life and Eucharistic prayer life,” she said. After nearly seven years of discernment, she was accepted into the order in June 2025.
The Community of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, founded in 1988 in the Archdiocese of New York, is rooted in the ideals of Saint Francis of Assisi. The sisters are dedicated to a life of simplicity, prayer before the Eucharist, service to the poor and evangelization. Their ministries include soup kitchens, food and clothing pantries, home visits, pro-life outreach, retreats and youth ministry. The community today has convents in New York City, England, Ireland and Atlantic City.
Father Devis, a member of a religious community himself, the Vincentian Congregation based in India, praised Pacis’ witness and dedication. “Having known Kim over the past four years, I have found her to be a person of deep prayer, humility and joyful spirit. She has a great love for Jesus in the Eucharist and a heart for serving the poor,” he wrote in a parish reflection.
Mary Gordon, head of the parish’s Filipino Ministry, was joyful for Pacis’ discernment, saying, “We are so happy that you listened to the call in your heart and that you’re going on this journey. If you remember, my mom used to say about 10 years ago, ‘I hope that Kim becomes a sister.’ I’m sure she’s so happy that this is where you are going. We will be praying for you.”
The parish has been blessed with several members choosing a life of spiritual service, including seminarian Kyle Palmieri, and Josemon Abraham and Mathew Abraham, who are currently in the permanent diaconate formation program.
The blessing Pacis received Sept. 7 marked a communal moment of support as she prepares for the first step in formation. Her postulancy year will focus on human and spiritual formation, living fully in the rhythm of the sisters’ prayer and service. From there, she will continue through novitiate, temporary vows, and ultimately, if God wills, final profession.
As Pacis embarks on this new chapter, she expressed gratitude to her parish for sustaining her vocation. “I thank the Good Lord Jesus Christ and Blessed Mother for the prayers, love and support I have received all these years at Our Lady of Peace, which has given me the strength to persevere in my discernment and keep moving forward with confidence and joy.”
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