Dear Friends in Christ,

 My name is Elizabeth McCully. I am a 33-year-old CNA and pre-nursing student who is a member of the Latin Mass Chaplaincy. I have been accepted and am transferring this Fall (’25) to Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. This decision was inspired by a desire to receive a truly integral and Catholic education in their BSN Nursing Program. I have spent Fall ’24 and Spring ’25 at Kirkwood Community College in their ADN Nursing Program and have seen first-hand the culture of death that pervades secular education, especially in regard to healthcare. 

For those who don't know my story, allow me to tell you a little about myself and why I am asking for financial support from my Catholic Community. I moved to Iowa City in fall of 2020 after having been a nun in a contemplative religious community for 10 years. I entered the religious life directly after high school at the age of 18. It seems God had other plans though, for while I was persistent on following my vocation and not going to college at the time, little did I know that the order I entered would have major problems. Around 2016, an investigation by the Holy See began on the order, which was based on reports of many different forms of abuse that were occurring within the community. This investigation lasted around 5 years and culminated in the suppression of the order in 2021. Due to the abusive conditions, I ended up leaving the order before final vows and came to live with my mom in Iowa in Fall of 2020. My testimony of the abuse among other testimonies of the sisters was crucial in Pope Francis’ decision to shut down the order.

While this abrupt life change came completely unexpected and turned my life upside down, I see now that God in His Great Mercy and wisdom had other plans for me. Navigating a sudden change in vocation ten years in requires an abundance of faith and trust, as well as an openness to recognizing the love of God in the charity of others. It had been very difficult “starting from scratch” at the age of 28, with no higher education or professional work experience to secure a job and financially support myself. Five years later and after much continued healing and aided by the support and encouragement of friends, family and mentors, I have decided the best path forward was to pursue a college education and secure a practical profession that would allow me to fully support myself. 

Since 2023, I have been working part-time at an in-home, non-medical elderly care organization here in Iowa City. It is through the encouragement of mentors who believed in me and saw my potential that inspired me to receive certification as a CNA and pursue a degree in nursing.

The decision to transfer to Franciscan was emboldened by counsel from a trusted family member that made me see that in the end, community and relationships founded on faith are what comprise our life plans and decisions, not just getting the degree and a job. The end goal of a Catholic is not just to meet the financial checklist of supporting oneself, but to form lifelong friendships—a Catholic community striving for sanctity. I knew I would not find this in the secular community college I was attending, and the more sense it made, the deeper my trust grew that God had not abandoned me by plucking me from the quiet of the convent for me to merely drown in the crashing waves of the world; no, there would be a boat to sail the stormy sea. I hope to find in Franciscan that sturdy Catholic vessel that embarks to aid, enrich, and send out formed Christians boldly into the world.

I would be honored if you would consider supporting me at Franciscan. As a non-traditional undergraduate student, I am required to live off-campus and my financial needs are primarily off-campus housing, food expenses and the cost of general tuition. Know though, that any amount of generosity is gladly appreciated, as well as your prayers. Thank you for considering!

In Christ,

Elizabeth McCully