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Kathy2004
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WHEW!!! I thought maybe you meant Old Person…/QUOTE]
LOL:bigyikes:I thought she was speaking to me:whacky:LOL
Has anyone (preferably women) experienced "the calling" after 40?
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irisfromohio
Guest
Speaking of Oy Vey! AND everyone has the right to think that I am nuts… all that side, I recently posted a blurb about the congregation I am forming, The Oblate Sisters of Mary Magdalene, which is especially aimed at women over 40 and who have obligations at home that would exclude them from most communities. We had one woman who decided she didn’t have a vocation with us and our problem is that she ran the website. I am clueless, but I gave the address and stated that people interested in vocations could email me from there. Well a test has revealed that isn’t so. SO, it is still a good place to get an overview of our charism and lifestyle. The address is oblatesistersofmarymagdalene.org/ and that won’t change for a few weeks. But anyone interested in getting the truth and nothing but the truth about us can email me at irisfromohio@gmail.com. I am very excited about the group. I have pictures of our habit, but I cannot upload them to the site 
So, again, anyone interested can get a picture of them by contacting me
So, again, anyone interested can get a picture of them by contacting me
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katiebelle08
Guest
First of all let me say that there is a big gap in our ages. I’m only 20 years old.
But my best friend who is 65 has been discerning for about a year now. She is a widow! We are actually kind of each others spiritual directors at this point because neither one of us have branched out to find real ones yet.
Although,
I know that it is not uncommon for us to not get our call until our later years in life. My best advice to all who are discerning is: Pray the Rosary everyday, make special prayers and devotion to Mary ask that she intercedes through her Son Jesus Christ and fills your heart with the answers we need on our long spiritual journeys!
I know this is such a hard road to travel. Yes, I’m only 20 but I have felt the call since I was a young girl and I have been discerning my vocation for at least 3 years now.
Also I have made a group for anyone interested in joining its specially for those of us who feel the call to the Religious Life. It’s called “Discerning Religious Life” I’m hoping that this group will allow people to come with questions and others be supportive and share their experiences through discerning! All are welcome to join!!
Hope this helps!
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irisfromohio
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Okay, two quick points for us sophisticated women in discernment. First, I finished another blog… it’s about time. It isn’t as verbose as previous posts, but rather reflective.
Secondly, I started a yahoo discussion group for the Oblate Sisters of Mary Magdalene for sisters, aspirants, Intercessors (our lay association I am also forming) and benefactors. It is oblatesistersofmarymagdalene@yahoogroups.com. Anyone interested in us or supporting us, please feel free to join. We are in the middle of a novena to St. Mary Magdalene, because I have sent the charism to the Chancery office for the Diocese of Columbus OH & I want the Holy Spirit that is moving in me to touch the heart of Bishop Campbell. Please, pray for me yourselves as well. I need all of the intercession I can get.
I do have faith in my defacto private association of the faithful. I am pleased at the number of inquirers whom I must put on the back burner, but I hope to be moving well soon. Anyone who feels they would benefit from a Eucharistic and contemplative charism and has tried other groups of consecrated lay women, do feel free to contact me. As my 17 year old would say, I could “hook you up”!
Secondly, I started a yahoo discussion group for the Oblate Sisters of Mary Magdalene for sisters, aspirants, Intercessors (our lay association I am also forming) and benefactors. It is oblatesistersofmarymagdalene@yahoogroups.com. Anyone interested in us or supporting us, please feel free to join. We are in the middle of a novena to St. Mary Magdalene, because I have sent the charism to the Chancery office for the Diocese of Columbus OH & I want the Holy Spirit that is moving in me to touch the heart of Bishop Campbell. Please, pray for me yourselves as well. I need all of the intercession I can get.
I do have faith in my defacto private association of the faithful. I am pleased at the number of inquirers whom I must put on the back burner, but I hope to be moving well soon. Anyone who feels they would benefit from a Eucharistic and contemplative charism and has tried other groups of consecrated lay women, do feel free to contact me. As my 17 year old would say, I could “hook you up”!
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Lothair
Guest
I had a converation with the Vocations Director for the Jesuits. His office in is New York, or maybe D.C., but in any event, they were polite but there was no doubt that I should move on. Thinking about Vocations with the Orthodox Anglicans, or maybe some other communion. It has to be catholic, though Catholic is preferable.
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dans0622
Guest
Thanks for the response. All I can say is that you might be “disqualified” from this province of the Jesuits. But, the past issues you mentioned earlier do not disqualify you from the clergy. If you can take a look at canon law (like at the Vatican website), check out canons 1040-1050. That will tell you what impediments there are to being ordained.
Dan
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JUL8
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Well, I am curious how it worked out for you? I am 37 married with a 5yr old and a 2 yr old. I have been Catholic forever however my faith has blossomed as of Nov 08. I can relate to how you feel. It actually brought tears to my eyes to know you all feel the same. It is great to know we can be accepted to religious life at older ages. It brings some comfort. As I cannot leave my family and every day I just want to go serve him. I can totally relate to that burning feeling inside. I adore him. I have no one close to me that can relate. They try to understand but for the most part think Im losing it. I have gone to speak with a priest twice however I dont think I was blunt enough and didnt get much out of the conversations. I think he misunderstood what I was trying to tell him but did not have the nerve to open up. When I am at work I feel as if I am wasting away. I dont want to live a “normal” life anymore. I want to spend every waking minute spreading his love and his word. I hope things worked out for you. It will give me hope that maybe many years down the road I will be able to live the life I desire.
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irisfromohio
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I have been in discernment since I was about 39 and I am 55 now. It is difficult to find a niche when you are unmarried and have children, for a myriad of reasons. I am trying to form a private association of the faithful, The Oblate Sisters of Mary Magdalene, to aspire to be a secular institute. While my sisters will be unmarried, I have not turned a blind eye to the many married people who desire a deeper relationship. The only reason I will not have them as sisters is because they already are living a consecrated vocation in marriage (part of our charism is to pray for that vocation as it suffers so today), but I plan to have a lay association, Intercessors of St. Mary Magdalene, who will live the same prayer life as the sisters, participate in some community meetings and wear the St. Mary Magdalene medal as her habit. She will need the cooperation of her husband, because she will make a promise to pray without ceasing. We do that our entire day, with a method I developed that has us praying all day, even as we work. We consecrate our home life as well, if we are externs not living in community. I am in the process of getting approval from my bishop.
That aside, there are some beautiful third orders who offer the same augmented consecration to married women. Third Order Franciscans, Dominicans, Carmelites… and most religious congregations do have lay associations. You might also consider Opus Dei, as many of them consecrate a way of life connected to that organization.
There is always an opportunity to seek a deeper relationship with The Most High. If it wasn’t real, He wouldn’t have so touched your heart. I say Kyrie and the Holy Spirit will lead you where you should be.
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Kathy2004
Guest
You might consider missionary work. There are several Catholic organizations that allow families on the mission field.
I understand exactly how you feel. I have a difficult time living a normal life also. The Holy Scriptures tell us that we are aliens/strangers in this world. This world is not our home. I have gone to different communities expecting nirvana, you know that perfect place where I can love and serve Jesus, but I am coming to the conclusion that I will not feel complete until I am home with Him. That longing we have is there to make us hunger for God and to reach for Him.
My children are adults and on their own. But, I wish I could go back and do things differently. My priorities were not in order and they suffered because of my choices.Your children are blessed to have a mom that loves God. They are your mission field and your husband as well. Marriage is a holy calling too.
God bless you
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Appleby
Guest
I have had this problem among others – I am 61 and the general feeling, like everything in this world, is that only women between 18 and 25 are wanted. That is, they are after the ones that are least likely to appear. I also get the impression that they do not want to get stuck with more old ladies who will have to be looked after and supported when our health deteriorates, which, being young themselves, they seem to think is imminent and inevitable. (I have actually been asked if I have thought of leaving my estate to the church – maybe I am worth more to them dead than alive?)
I am considering what to do, but if the Catholic Sisters do not want me, the Salvation Army does. I would like a mission order but not an activist crusading liberal Kumbaya Obama mission. These are very hard to find these days and they sure do not seem open to older women.
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nunsense
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If you are in a situation where you can relocate to England, then most of the communities there will accept older women. Some women do not want to do this because their families cannot visit them easily overseas, but it might be worth considering. I am entering Sheffield Carmelite Monastery in England on Sunday after having spent the last week with them. I won’t be online again after tomorrrow, but they do have a website with contact details (including an email address). I am 56 and they have no problem with my age.
God bless and good luck in your discernment.
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HOLYHEARTS
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Nunsense - I e-mailed Mother Mary twice & I have not received any answer yet. Does that mean “no”? It is hard to tell…Give my love to the Sisters at the WVCarmel, please.
My prayers & best wishes are w/you. Pray for me. Ursula
My prayers & best wishes are w/you. Pray for me. Ursula
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Appleby
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I have an elderly mother; we have recently lost Daddy and things are rather chaotic at the present – they were married 62 years (since Mama was 18) and she has a lot to learn about caring for herself although I have sisters who are helping out as much as each is able. Moving far away will be an option in the next few years, but I am concerned about the quick Islamification of Britain. (I have been there some 20 times over the past 40 years and the change is sobering). There is no doubt they need a lot of help as the social situation is pretty much in ruins. Canada, or anyway this end of Canada, has pretty much abandoned Christianity for Socialism; indifference is the presiding emotion here, as it is in any socialist community where everyone is dependent on the Nomenklatura for every breath they take. There is probably a lot to do here too, if I could only find some way to start doing any of it. Keep me in your prayers that a way will be opened.
Cloisters
Well-known member
St. Edith Stein Carmel (emerging) for older vocations:
groups.yahoo.com/group/stedithsteincarmel/
Apostolic work–I have some options.
Reparatrices of Charity of the Immaculate Conception:
cloisters.tripod.com/charity/
Sisters of the Holy Innocents & St. Gianna Molla:
cloisters.tripod.com/holyinnocents/
Good Shepherd Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus:
cloisters.tripod.com/goodshep/
Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor Renewal:
cloisters.tripod.com/sickpoor/
HTH.
Blessings,
Cloisters
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Appleby
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Thank you very much! I will certainly investigate these.
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irisfromohio
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Well everything in God’s time. I need the patience of Job to allow the Holy Spirit to work on the congregation with no age limits that I am trying to form.
I have submitted requested information to my diocesan Chancery Office and keep being told to have patience, they will contact me once they have gone through it. I understand all of this. I also understand that even if my bishop likes what he sees, he must consult with the Holy See. I am trying to do everything so right, but it is so easy for me to become discouraged. Yes, I know I must continue to pray and wait, but my achilles heel is self doubt. I am trying so hard to pray, stay focused and have faith, but since I haven’t necessarily been successful at endeavors in the past, why should I believe I am doing God’s will this time?
I pray that I move forward and try not to give in to Evil forces in the world and know that God goes before me always.
I have submitted requested information to my diocesan Chancery Office and keep being told to have patience, they will contact me once they have gone through it. I understand all of this. I also understand that even if my bishop likes what he sees, he must consult with the Holy See. I am trying to do everything so right, but it is so easy for me to become discouraged. Yes, I know I must continue to pray and wait, but my achilles heel is self doubt. I am trying so hard to pray, stay focused and have faith, but since I haven’t necessarily been successful at endeavors in the past, why should I believe I am doing God’s will this time?
I pray that I move forward and try not to give in to Evil forces in the world and know that God goes before me always.
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SenorSalsa
Guest
I am neither female, nor over 40, but as some spiritual support, you may find St. Frances of Rome as a useful intercessor. She wanted to join a religious community, but married at her father’s wishes, and founded an Oblate group when she was 41.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Frances_of_Rome
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Frances_of_Rome
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irisfromohio
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Thank you, Senor Salsa, for thinking like a woman over 40, while being a mere, mortal man
Take that as the highest of compliments! I have bookmarked the Catholic Encyclopedia’s page on St. Frances of Rome and will link her along with links to other women those of us who find ourselves in that similar state in life, i.e. St. Ruth and the highly venerated St. Mary Magdalene. Spend more time with us older broads! You will become even wiser!
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Appleby
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Our bulletin today had an exciting invitation for Girls aged 18-35 to come and be wined and dined and discuss the discernment of a vocation. They have raised the age limit because they got no takers (and I do mean NO takers) to their media blitz which among other places I saw posted in the washrooms of bars downtown, presumably where they think young women seeking vocations can be found…
Do you think it is Christ who thinks single women over 35 are of no value? Or is the Church trapped in 1959 when the average age in North America was 20, not 40?
Do you think it is Christ who thinks single women over 35 are of no value? Or is the Church trapped in 1959 when the average age in North America was 20, not 40?
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irisfromohio
Guest
The answer, in part, is the latter. I just discovered that there are still some religious who require a dowry for women to enter! A DOWRY! One of the things that dumbfounded me was that there were no women religious congregations modeling St. Mary Magdalene. I chose her, because she is “every woman”. These days it is easier to find penitents who begin discerning than it is young virgins who go from home with family straight into college that leads to a convent. Or just straight from home to convent. We are living in such different times, that on the one hand, there is massive confusion about the ramifications of Vatican II, yet people are afraid of different ideas that would update consecrated life into the 21st Centiury, i.e. women choosing a second vocation or not beginning the discernment process UNTIL they hit 35!
I’ve said it before & I will say it again, people are not fully cooked until they hit 45 years of age. There is a wisdom that comes with age that cannot be tapped until they have life experience. And that is something Mother Church needs in her vocations.
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