So I've been discerning for a while now

[Hopeful23]

And I’m fairly sure that I’m being called to be a sister, the only problem is that I’m in college, and have a large amount of loans so I won’t actually be able to join a community until after I’ve paid them off. I feel impatient and really would love nothing more than to be able to pack a knapsack, and just go find a community. Is there any advice for helping me to be patient and to not waver in my resolve to do this? I know that prayer is key, but is there anything else that could help?

 

[pasancharan]

I read on the CFR (Franciscan renewal) sisters’ website the other day: “God’s timing is always perfect, but it seldom seems soon enough.” Soo true! I know what ya mean when you say you just want to pack a knapsack and go, but think how amazing it would feel to have taken a few years working (I know that seems like forever) to pay off that debt and then be able to enter the community totally debt-free, with no financial burdens at all. Plus, I don’t think (think being the operative word) that it has to be totally paid off. I’ve heard of some communities allowing candidates/postulants to somehow pay off the last of their debt while still going through formation and living in the community. You’re in college so I’m guessing you’re young, which means you wouldn’t have a hard time making it in to your community of choice because of an age issue.

Good luck and God bless you in your continued discernment!

 

[Trishie]

Hi I’m sorry you have to wait.

Have you read St Therese’s autobiography, “The story of a Soul”?
She explains how she handled the delay in entering the convent. When even her determined efforts failed to hasten the day, she used the time to good spiritual advantage.

This is preparation time… “be patient…until the Lord’s coming. Think of a farmer, how patiently he waits for the precious fruit of the ground until it has the autumn rains and the spring rains." [James 5:7]

 

[Hopeful23]

Thank you both for your thoughtful replies! No, I haven’t read that yet but will definitely look for it the next time I go out.

 

[Trishie]

In prayer for you as you wait and work towards your financial freedom and entry into the future God calls you towards.

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless,
and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible,
look kindly upon us, and increase Your mercy in us,
that in difficult moments we might not despair, nor become despondent,
but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will,
which is love and mercy itself.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now, and at the hour of our death. Amen

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle;
be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray.
And do you, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God,
cast into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.