Ready to join a Religious Order, but need help!

  • Thread starter Thread starter christcnection1
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
C

christcnection1

Guest
By the grace of God I am ready to join a religious order. However, I have not decided which one is best for me. Maybe some people here could give me some insight. I also ask that you say a prayer for me.

First of all, I should mention what I think would be a good match for the gifts and desires God has given me.

-I prefer a well-established missionary order.
-They must be orthodox, but not necessarily traditional in approach. (Though I am a fan of traditional spirituality)
-I prefer that they are growing both here and abroad, if applicable.
-Evangelization should be very important to them.

The Orders I am mostly closely looking at:

Society of Divine Word
(very mission-focused and well-established, growing rapidly but more so abroad)

Society of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity
(newer, but very mission-focused, reputation for orthodoxy, growing quickly)
**
Missionaries of Charity for Priests**
(I imagine they do great work and are orthodox, but I do not know much about them.)

Companions of the Cross
(Evangelism is their main charism, orthodox but also charismatic in spirituality, growing rapidly, unfortunately not internationally mission-focused)

The Capuchins
(Minimal international mission work, solidly orthodox and steady growth)

Based on my criteria, I am open to other suggestions. I would also like to hear any of your opinions on these Orders if you are familiar with them. Your assistance is appreciated siblings.

In Christ,

JB
 
First off there are many great orders out there. If you are planning on becoming an actual monk/friar of an order and living at the monastery, the best thing you can do is contact the person in charge of vocations at each. The only way you will get a true feel of the monastery and order is to visit and see what they do, how they treat others, etc.

Many of the large orders (i.e. Franciscan, Dominican, Jesuit, etc.) have numerous monestaries that have something for everyone and all degrees of “orthodoxy”. Don’t give in to the myth that ALL Jesuits are liberal, all Franciscans are this, and that, etc. You will find many differernt flavors of religious life within the large orders.

Look at the charisms of the orders you are considering. Look at their Rules and constitutions. Determine if they interest you. Remember you aren’t joining a club, this is a calling. Determine what you are looking for and called to.

I primarily know Franciscan orders and since you didn’t mention that you were interested in them (other then the Capuchins) I can’t be any help on details about the ones you are interested in but I am sure there are people on here that know them. The groups I know the most about are Franciscan, OFM, OFM Conventual, TOR and SFO.
 
Marauder said:
First off there are many great orders out there. If you are planning on becoming an actual monk/friar of an order and living at the monastery, the best thing you can do is contact the person in charge of vocations at each. The only way you will get a true feel of the monastery and order is to visit and see what they do, how they treat others, etc.

Many of the large orders (i.e. Franciscan, Dominican, Jesuit, etc.) have numerous monestaries that have something for everyone and all degrees of “orthodoxy”. Don’t give in to the myth that ALL Jesuits are liberal, all Franciscans are this, and that, etc. You will find many differernt flavors of religious life within the large orders.

Look at the charisms of the orders you are considering. Look at their Rules and constitutions. Determine if they interest you. Remember you aren’t joining a club, this is a calling. Determine what you are looking for and called to.

I primarily know Franciscan orders and since you didn’t mention that you were interested in them (other then the Capuchins) I can’t be any help on details about the ones you are interested in but I am sure there are people on here that know them. The groups I know the most about are Franciscan, OFM, OFM Conventual, TOR and SFO.
Click to expand...
I have spent significant time with the Capuchins and a little time with other Franciscan groups. I have deep respect for the work nearly all of them do.

Yes, I should look in greater depth at all their rules and constitutions to help determine is there is a good charism match.

BTW… I see that you are from Maryland. Do you know the Capuchins in that region? Those are the folks I’m acquainted with.

Thanks!
 
No I don’t really have any dealings with the Capuchins except the ones I may see once and awhile at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Since I am in SFO and we meet at the Shrine of St. Anthony which is located at a Monastery and run by OFM Conventual, that is who I deal with the most. A OFM Conventual priest is also the spiritual director of our SFO fraternity.

This is their web page:
companionsofstanthony.org/

I have also had a lot of dealings with the the friars at the Franciscan Monastery in DC

This is their web page:
myfranciscan.org/

A wonderful and beautiful location. They also provide much of the support for locations in the Holy Land.

I also have dealt with a few TOR groups several years ago when I was first looking into becoming a Franciscan.

I hear a lot of good things about the Franciscans of the Renewal, which is the group you see all the time on EWTN but I have never dealt with them personally other then I meet Father Groschel at the National Shrine once.
 
There’s also Marytown (Libertyville, near Chicago) where you can discern for up to a year while living with the brothers and priests.

I will pray for you. We need more faithful priests!
 
christcnection1 said:
By the grace of God I am ready to join a religious order. However, I have not decided which one is best for me. Maybe some people here could give me some insight. I also ask that you say a prayer for me.

First of all, I should mention what I think would be a good match for the gifts and desires God has given me.

-I prefer a well-established missionary order.
-They must be orthodox, but not necessarily traditional in approach. (Though I am a fan of traditional spirituality)
-I prefer that they are growing both here and abroad, if applicable.
-Evangelization should be very important to them.

The Orders I am mostly closely looking at:

Society of Divine Word
(very mission-focused and well-established, growing rapidly but more so abroad)

Society of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity
(newer, but very mission-focused, reputation for orthodoxy, growing quickly)
**
Missionaries of Charity for Priests**
(I imagine they do great work and are orthodox, but I do not know much about them.)

Companions of the Cross
(Evangelism is their main charism, orthodox but also charismatic in spirituality, growing rapidly, unfortunately not internationally mission-focused)

The Capuchins
(Minimal international mission work, solidly orthodox and steady growth)

Based on my criteria, I am open to other suggestions. I would also like to hear any of your opinions on these Orders if you are familiar with them. Your assistance is appreciated siblings.

In Christ,

JB
Click to expand...
How about the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal? Fr. Groeschel’s order.

They come from the Franciscan/Capuchin spirituality and are completely orthodox and faithful to the Holy Father.

They are rapidly growing, expanding internationally.

I run into them a lot in the New York area (their base) and their piety and enthusiasm is awesome.

Check 'em out.

franciscanfriars.com/

God Bless and Good Luck!
 
bilop said:
How about the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal? Fr. Groeschel’s order.

They come from the Franciscan/Capuchin spirituality and are completely orthodox and faithful to the Holy Father.

They are rapidly growing, expanding internationally.

I run into them a lot in the New York area (their base) and their piety and enthusiasm is awesome.

Check 'em out.

franciscanfriars.com/

God Bless and Good Luck!
Click to expand...
The CFR’s are great, and I appreciate your suggestion. However, they would not be first on my list because I am looking for more of a missionary order. Plus, I would be more inclined to become a Capuchin, unless the CFR’s reconciled with them.

I would not rule them out though. Because they are based so close to me I should probably do a “come and see” retreat with them.
 
You mention various religious congregations, but I am curious to know whether you have discerned priesthood or brotherhood. The Missionaries of Charity have, in addition to the one congregation of Sisters, two congregations of Brothers (one active, one contemplative) as well as the Fathers, who are the youngest branch of the family.
 
odubhghail said:
You mention various religious congregations, but I am curious to know whether you have discerned priesthood or brotherhood. The Missionaries of Charity have, in addition to the one congregation of Sisters, two congregations of Brothers (one active, one contemplative) as well as the Fathers, who are the youngest branch of the family.
Click to expand...
I am not entirely sure.

I would rather be a brother, but I tend to think the Lord is leading me to the priesthood. However, all of this is premature. It’s something I’ll have to investigate further after I’m on the boat.
 
christcnection1 said:
However, all of this is premature. It’s something I’ll have to investigate further after I’m on the boat.
Click to expand...
It is a good idea to take things slow. I haven’t read your entire conversion story but it is better for converts/reverts to take things a little slow when making big life choices in this area. Many times converts/reverts have a big spiritual high for a period of time after joining the Church, then if things follow the “normal” pattern after a time there may be a spiritual low point. Eventually things level off (and hopefully continue up again.)

Both the joining of a religious order and becoming a priest have a pretty long discernment process. Depending on the order and/or the seminary they may have requirements about how long from your conversion they will accept you into the process. They don’t want to accept you during your “high” and find out that it was just that and not something else.

I am not saying to stop the process, just be careful and don’t be suprised if they request you slow things down. Remember if it is a true calling, a little time won’t harm you.
 
Marauder said:
It is a good idea to take things slow. I haven’t read your entire conversion story but it is better for converts/reverts to take things a little slow when making big life choices in this area. Many times converts/reverts have a big spiritual high for a period of time after joining the Church, then if things follow the “normal” pattern after a time there may be a spiritual low point. Eventually things level off (and hopefully continue up again.)

Both the joining of a religious order and becoming a priest have a pretty long discernment process. Depending on the order and/or the seminary they may have requirements about how long from your conversion they will accept you into the process. They don’t want to accept you during your “high” and find out that it was just that and not something else.

I am not saying to stop the process, just be careful and don’t be suprised if they request you slow things down. Remember if it is a true calling, a little time won’t harm you.
Click to expand...
Your are right. There is usually a “honeymoon” period after the conversion.

I have been back in the Church since 2005. No religious order has yet to express concerns over this, and I feel I’m well through that initial “honeymoon.” So hopefully this will not be an issue. Indeed, it is a long process.

Thanks for the help.

JB
 
christcnection1 said:
Your are right. There is usually a “honeymoon” period after the conversion.

I have been back in the Church since 2005. No religious order has yet to express concerns over this, and I feel I’m well through that initial “honeymoon.” So hopefully this will not be an issue. Indeed, it is a long process.

Thanks for the help.

JB
Click to expand...
The Cistercian Trappists at Assumption Abbey, Ava, Missouri, have just removed their 45 age limit to no limit. And, if you call or email the vocation director, Brother Francis, tell him I sent you! 😃

kathie
 
kathielee said:
The Cistercian Trappists at Assumption Abbey, Ava, Missouri, have just removed their 45 age limit to no limit. And, if you call or email the vocation director, Brother Francis, tell him I sent you! 😃

kathie
Click to expand...
Thanks, but I’m still a young man. Haha 😉

Also, I’m looking for a more active life like the Franciscans.
 
I congratulate you on discerning your vocation.

I don’t know much about the other orders you mentioned but I can tell you to watch out for SOLT and look at them very carefully. They are very disorganized and aren’t as orthodox as you may think. Many people come to them due to Fr. Corapi. He is affiliated with them in name alone.

Unfortunately they do not live their charism, take care of their priests, or evangelize in their missions.

Look carefully where you go.

God bless.
 
ToHimthroughher said:
I congratulate you on discerning your vocation.

I don’t know much about the other orders you mentioned but I can tell you to watch out for SOLT and look at them very carefully. They are very disorganized and aren’t as orthodox as you may think. Many people come to them due to Fr. Corapi. He is affiliated with them in name alone.

Unfortunately they do not live their charism, take care of their priests, or evangelize in their missions.

Look carefully where you go.

God bless.
Click to expand...
That’s pretty strong language. Do you have facts? Opinion? Hearsay?

Kathie
 
ToHimthroughher said:
I have spent time in one of their missions, met people who have been in others, and know this to be true.
Click to expand...
Well, from your experience having formed your feelings on it, and those who have talked to you, I would hesitate to lump all of them in the same category. Some may struggle for one reason or not. But generally we are not privy to what is really happening because that is their private business…and they are no doubt trying to work out any problems. They must work through obedience and it may take time.

It’s like any parish, for example, that may be having a rough time spiritually but it would be wrong to say all parishes are having spiritual difficulties.

We must also keep in mind that detraction is not a virtue.

Kathie
 
I did not write to detract from SOLT. They have many wonderful priests and sisters. As an organization they are objectively–and admittedly-- disorganized, not living their charism, not taking care of their members, and not evangelizing their missions. These are things that they say they are working on. So in looking at this order someone would need to decide if they want to be part of a “fixer upper” or not. I don’t know if their vocations director would tell someone that but most, if not all of their priests in mission would. There are many priests who want to fix the problems and live the charism and others who do not.
 
ToHimthroughher said:
I did not write to detract from SOLT. They have many wonderful priests and sisters. As an organization they are objectively–and admittedly-- disorganized, not living their charism, not taking care of their members, and not evangelizing their missions. These are things that they say they are working on. So in looking at this order someone would need to decide if they want to be part of a “fixer upper” or not. I don’t know if their vocations director would tell someone that but most, if not all of their priests in mission would. There are many priests who want to fix the problems and live the charism and others who do not.
Click to expand...
Which places did you serve with them? Specifically, what were some of the best/worst things you noticed through your experiences with them?

I appreciate your insights, because this is the group I’m looking most closely at.
 
I am thinking of one that I see on EWTN all the time but for some reason, their official name escapes me…the Brothers of the Poor?? The ones in Kingston, Jamaica.

Kathie
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top