Sr. Marena Hoogland
"I was raised on a dairy farm in Catawba, Wisconsin. My parents are Jeff and Lori Hoogland, and I am the middle child of seven siblings - three brothers and three sisters.
'I learned about the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery while searching faith-based service organizations through the Catholic Volunteer Network. The Benedictine Volunteers program at the monastery has a heavy focus on discernment. This exposed me to the idea of vocation as a call to love and not have to decide between a "right or wrong" choice, but rather to explore how I can best love and serve God.
'I came to Annunciation Monastery as a volunteer in March 2017 and went through the stages of initial formation, and made my first monastic profession in October 2019. For me, there is a quiet nudge that tells me to continue on this path, even when I am confused and uncertain."
Sister Marena currently teaches math at St. Mary's Academy. She enjoys playing piano and flute, painting, reading, embroidery, and walking.
Sister Marena made her perpetual monastic profession on July 11, 2025.
To view Sister Marena's vocation story video:
