Shortly after arriving in New Jersey in 1989, Okereke knew she wanted to become a sister. While studying biology at Passaic County Community College in Paterson, she began her search. She chose the Caldwell Dominicans after visiting and contacting three other orders in New Jersey and one in Pennsylvania. A feeling of peace soon replaced her feelings of indecision. With the Dominicans she found a strong prayer life.
Prayer is the carbohydrates and protein of religious life while community is the dessert.
I believe God has a sense of humor. She also found the order challenging. The women, who range in age from 33 to 76, live in Our Lady of Sorrows Parish rectory in Jersey City, where two of the Dominicans serve as pastoral and liturgical ministers. The former pastor, Fr. She finds it important for sisters, wherever they live and work, to stay a part of a local parish.