Lorain native becoming a nun

Lorain native LaKesha Church pronounced her first vows Aug. 25 when she became a nun with Sister of the Precious Blood in Dayton.

Church, 36, began her journey after converting to Catholicism in 2010. She had been a Baptist.

She said was seeking more of a religious life with an interest in becoming a nun.

Church said she discovered Sisters of the Precious Blood, which is a community of women whose lives revolve around Eucharistic prayer and service to others, according to their website.

Church had served with the Peace Corps in Botswana as a community liaison in the office of the district AIDS coordinator. She moved to Dayton in 2015.

“It’s a long process,” Church said of her journey in becoming a nun. “A person becomes a member to the community to see if it’s for them.

“Then you become a candidate when you are sure you want to be with the community. Then you join a nun program and become a sister. You have to learn the life and take classes to grow in (your) faith.”

Church said pronouncing her first vows was special in her journey and celebrating the day with family, friends and sisters of the community was very beautiful.

Her mother, Susan Church, said she, her family and her daughter’s friends are proud of her for pronouncing her first vows.

Susan Church attended the mass with Lakesha’s

“Not many people who set a goal always accomplish it. But she set her mind to it, and we’re all very proud of her.”

— Susan Church

father Gregory, and their son, Isaac.

She said she was surprised her daughter wanted to switch religions to become a nun, but supported her.

“Lakesha was very determined and took the necessary steps to becoming a sister,” Susan Church said. “Not many people who set a goal always accomplish it. But she set her mind to it, and we’re all very proud of her.”

Church