Interview with Tammy Grady, a consecrated member of Regnum Christi, about her pastoral work in Dallas, Texas.

We present an interview with Tammy Grady about the work she carries out in the Diocese of Dallas (USA). Tammy is Canadian and has 19 years of consecrated life in Regnum Christi.

Could you tell us a little about the apostolate you are doing in Dallas?

I have been blessed to work with youth and professionals in the Regnum Christi section in Dallas for nine years. It has been a wonderful experience to stay in the same location for a longer period, because it allows me to better understand the reality, each person, and to get involved in the diocese.

For the past three years, I have also had the opportunity to collaborate part-time at the vocations office of the Diocese of Dallas. In my experience, the union between vocational work in the diocese and pastoral care for young adults in the Regnum Christi section has been a fruitful “marriage,” because they nourish each other.

Although my work at the diocesan level is related to the vocations office, it has allowed me to meet many young women who may not be discerning a vocation but seek to grow in their spiritual life and have apostolic opportunities. I have been able to guide them toward study groups, apostolate, prayer, etc., which has broadened my horizon for pastoral work in many other fields, not only in vocational discernment.

What has been your specific contribution as a consecrated person in this area? How do you feel serving in the local church?

Working in the vocations office has allowed me to know and work closely with the bishop, many diocesan priests, religious women, consecrated women from other movements, youth pastoral agents, university staff, Catholic schools, men and women participating in parishes, and other Catholic entities. Being part of the team at the Diocesan Pastoral Center makes it easier for me to spiritually support many young women I would otherwise never have met.

In particular, this Year of Consecrated Life has been an opportunity to work from within the diocesan structure and contribute to the local church’s better understanding of our vocation, which is different from religious vocation but equally beautiful and dedicated.

What aspects of the Regnum Christi charism stand out in this mission and in your experience?

I see that the Regnum Christi charism flourishes when working in new evangelization, with many opportunities to help young people in their spiritual growth through retreats, pilgrimages, spiritual direction, study circles, and new apostolic projects. Whether within Regnum Christi or in the formation of laypeople and diocesan participation, people become “friends of Christ and apostles of His Kingdom”.

Regnum Christi has a beautiful charism to offer the universal Church, but in North America, it is important to stay in tune with the local church to introduce ourselves to those unfamiliar with ecclesial movements.

And how does this work relate to other branches of the Movement and other ecclesial realities?

Being so involved in diocesan life allows me to stay alert and work as a team with other branches of the Movement, as well as with other groups. This has led me to live more deeply the spirit of family within the Movement, cultivating mutual appreciation and respect for other groups and entities in the Church.

I am convinced that Regnum Christi needs to work alongside diocesan structures if we truly want the Holy Spirit to “unleash” the charism we have to offer to so many souls who are thirsty and seeking renewal of their faith.