Maybe feelin called to religious life?

[AmericanRose]

I have always been fascinated by sisters and the life they live, and I’m maybe feeling a call to religious life, but I also really don’t want to. I’ve always wanted to be a mother and I feel called to that as well. I’m so confused. And with the situation I’m in right now visiting a convent or something of that sort isn’t an option. Please, advice, anyone?

 

[Gertabelle]

I have always been fascinated by sisters and the life they live, and I’m maybe feeling a call to religious life, but I also really don’t want to. I’ve always wanted to be a mother and I feel called to that as well. I’m so confused. And with the situation I’m in right now visiting a convent or something of that sort isn’t an option. Please, advice, anyone?

This internet thing is absolutely wonderful for learning more about the religious life and specific communities before you go visit anywhere.

Have a phone or face-to-fact conversation with your parish priest about your thoughts. He can certainly point you in the right direction for your curiosity, your abilities, your limitations.

And be at peace in learning about religious life. Remember the process of discernment works both ways – you discerning interest in one or two communities, and their discernment in whether or not you are suited for their work and community.

I tried my vocation in the contemplative life 30 years ago, and even lived as a postulant and novice for over two years. But then it became clear to me that I was not called to stay there the rest of my life. As much as I loved the lifestyle and prayer life, it just wasn’t my vocation.

But I wouldn’t trade those years in the monastery for anything in the world!

Be at peace.

Along with making an appointment with your pastor, a website that might be able to get you started is this: Vision Vocation Network

I don’t know much about it, but they seem to have a discernment questionnaire that may or may not be of use to you.

God bless you!

 

[Xanthippe_Voorhees]

Depending on the order Motherhood and being a religious sister are not at odds. There are orders that work at orphanages and there are orders that work deeply in the community. I, myself, have a spiritual mother. She is the social worker who facilitated my adoption as a child (I was not a baby).

She took heart at the odd little critter I was, cared for me and helped me find a family that was truly meant to be mine. However, she will always be my first true mom, and I still go to her for my needs and concerns from time to time. She has met and played with my children. She lives across the country now as her order transferred her to help found a satellite convent across the country.

She has so many other “children” who love and pray for her every day.

 

[Melodeonist]

I’m a hypocrite for saying this as I’ve not yet met with one, but I hear one should see a spiritual director to help guide oneself to what our Lord is calling them to. After all, im sure a spiritual director is far more knowledgeable on these matters than I.

 

[sr.christinaosf]

I, myself, found meeting with my pastor to be very helpful when I was looking into religious life. I didn’t have a ‘spiritual director,’ per se, but he was very helpful the couple of times we met to talk about rl.
I ended up contacting communities that seemed like possible fits and visiting some.
The CMSWR website of member communities is an invaluable resource.
Prayers for your journey,
Sr. Christina Marie, OSF

Our Franciscan Fiat | Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen ~ Hankinson, North Dakota Province