Joining an ageing community... risky?

[Bebekoualy]

Well, I saw many convents close because the nuns were too old. That’s what’s happening in Europe, and also in the US…

I don’t know why, but I thought I might be called to join an ageing community.

To my eye, it’s the best sacrifice I can do: to give my youth, my strength, to revatilize them…

But I feel reluctant at the same time. It’s risky, isn’t it?

I’m afraid of being… excluded all the time because I’d be the youngest; of not having someone following me afterwards… of being always apart… because my topics of conversation would be different… Young people being less conservative, less attached to details than old people.

I was told: “Avoid this kind of charity”
What do you think??

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

I was in the same position with another order that I was looking at before I applied to the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus. There was no one in the order that was even close to my age. That would not have kept me from applying. If God was truly calling me there, I would have still entered, no matter what. It’s important to go where He calls you! If you and your spiritual director both discern that this is your true calling, then there should be nothing stopping you. Of course it’s going to be scary and there will be different views on your vocation, but we don’t always understand God’s call. It’s mysterious. Maybe He is calling you to revitalize that community. You’re in my prayers.

 

[bilop]

Well, I saw many convents close because the nuns were too old. That’s what’s happening in Europe, and also in the US…

I don’t know why, but I thought I might be called to join an ageing community.

To my eye, it’s the best sacrifice I can do: to give my youth, my strength, to revatilize them…

But I feel reluctant at the same time. It’s risky, isn’t it?

I’m afraid of being… excluded all the time because I’d be the youngest; of not having someone following me afterwards… of being always apart… because my topics of conversation would be different… Young people being less conservative, less attached to details than old people.

I was told: “Avoid this kind of charity”
What do you think??

I think it depends on why the community has no younger members. It could be that they have strayed from their charism, from orthodoxy, or from obedience to Rome.

If that is what has caused their lack of vocations (as is often the case, sadly) then I would stay far away. Despite what you say, young people considering the religious life tend to be much **more conservative **than those who entered in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

If the order is faithful and orthodox, then it shouldn’t be an issue.

May God Bless your vocation abundantly!

 

[StarMaiden]

Well, I saw many convents close because the nuns were too old. That’s what’s happening in Europe, and also in the US…

I don’t know why, but I thought I might be called to join an ageing community.

To my eye, it’s the best sacrifice I can do: to give my youth, my strength, to revatilize them…

But I feel reluctant at the same time. It’s risky, isn’t it?

I’m afraid of being… excluded all the time because I’d be the youngest; of not having someone following me afterwards… of being always apart… because my topics of conversation would be different… Young people being less conservative, less attached to details than old people.

I was told: “Avoid this kind of charity”
What do you think??

You say that ‘To my eye, it’s the best sacrifice I can do: to give my youth, my strength, to revatilize them…’ But please forgive me for asking, are you following Gods will or your own when you say this?

 

[nunsense]

I know someone who joined a community with only three other nuns. They are older than she is, although they are not all the same age. She sees it as an opportunity to make a difference in the community and for the community, and she is full of energy and enthusiam about praying for vocations and helping to encourage them. She seems to be very happy there and I am praying that her community does grow and thrive.

She had this to say…
*
You can look at this situation in two ways. Either you can say “three nuns I’m not going there!”. Or you see it as an opportunity that offers a unique experience, here you can be part of a re-foundation in an ancient tradition.*

I agree that you have to try to discern where God is calling you - and then it won’t matter whether the others are old or few or anything else.

 

[Mark77]

May God Bless you on your journey!

I agree with the other posters, if God is truly calling you to this community, then you will do His will.

I would spend as much time discerning this as is needed, don’t rush into it.

Be sure that you are well informed on their spirituality, whether they are true to their charism, to orthodoxy and to Rome.

Spend as much time as you can with the sisters, living their daily routine, their vows and in prayer with them and alone in adoration with the Blessed Sacrament listening to Jesus.

(Your English is very good!)

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, Ora Pro Nobis Peccatoribus!

Mark

 

[Poor_Clare_tobe]

I know someone who joined a community with only three other nuns. They are older than she is, although they are not all the same age. She sees it as an opportunity to make a difference in the community and for the community, and she is full of energy and enthusiam about praying for vocations and helping to encourage them. She seems to be very happy there and I am praying that her community does grow and thrive.

She had this to say…
*
You can look at this situation in two ways. Either you can say “three nuns I’m not going there!”. Or you see it as an opportunity that offers a unique experience, here you can be part of a re-foundation in an ancient tradition.*

I agree that you have to try to discern where God is calling you - and then it won’t matter whether the others are old or few or anything else.

*Just to add a thought here…(I agree with all that nunsense and her sister friend said)

One thing to consider also is whether or not the community is meant to be small?? An active Order that has 3 members total is far different than say a convent of sisters (with multiple foundations) or a contemplative monastery. (For instance Poor Clare foundations usually have [though not always] between 4-12 members before a new foundation is made. Enjoy your journey! Again as so many have said pray, and by all means visit. Blessings *

 

[Bebekoualy]

Bilop: I think it depends on why the community has no younger members. It could be that they have strayed from their charism, from orthodoxy, or from obedience to Rome.

If that is what has caused their lack of vocations (as is often the case, sadly) then I would stay far away. Despite what you say, young people considering the religious life tend to be much more conservative than those who entered in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

If the order is faithful and orthodox, then it shouldn’t be an issue.

May God Bless your vocation abundantly!
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I don’t think they went astray. They seem to be very close to God, and faithful to Rome.
Do you really think it’s their fault if they don’t attract young vocations?? I don’t feel capable of traying far away…** I love them and I want them to have vocations**, even though I’m not called there.

**StarMaiden: **You say that ‘To my eye, it’s the best sacrifice I can do: to give my youth, my strength, to revatilize them…’
But please forgive me for asking, are you following Gods will or your own when you say this?

O, you’re all right, I must do God’s will, not mine. That’s the danger… to do my will and not his. I know it would be too hard for me to do such sacrifice, but it seems so complete to me… But God might have planned something else for me…

Mark77, thanks for encouraging me! I’m studying English very hard, & I hope it’ll really improve. I wouldn’t accept this community is far from Rome, etc. It doesn’t seem to be so.

I tried to make other young people come to the monastery with me, but they wouldn’t remain. They get bored, they don’t like this austerity, this… what they would see as gloom, or sadness. But I see light… Am I different?