Teen Vocation Thread

[Augustine]

I thought that you guys would like this: youtube.com/watch?v=GxGbTZ5dFgs

 

[Adrienne5678]

I enjoyed that video so much! What a blessed order! Are you planning on entering?

 

[Kathgirl]

The Holy Ghost works on attraction, and grace builds on nature.

God will never force Himself on you. Keep that in mind.

Cloister Outreach is learning that an attraction to Carmel does not necessarily mean a CALL to Carmel. What God is saying in that particular case is that He wants you to investigate Carmelite spirituality. More than likely it’s a call to embrace St. Therese’s Little Way of dependency upon God.

I know of a couple of women who were attracted to Carmel, but ended up Benedictine.

HTH.

Blessings,
Cloisters

“…and grace builds on nature.” Cloisters, could you explain this part of quote?

 

[Augustine]

I enjoyed that video so much! What a blessed order! Are you planning on entering?

Yes, I’m in my 2nd year as an OCDS novice (tertiary)!

 

[Adrienne5678]

That’s so cool! I’m 13 and I’ve been thinking about becoming a nun for a year now. I just don’t know which order God wants me to join I guess the answer will come through time and prayer.

Many Blessings!

 

[Augustine]

That’s so cool! I’m 13 and I’ve been thinking about becoming a nun for a year now. I just don’t know which order God wants me to join I guess the answer will come through time and prayer.

Most definetly!

FWIW, I’d suggest you to read works by saints. Ever since I read my first - you guessed it, Augustine’s “Confessions” - I couldn’t get enough of them.

As my spiritual life was enriched by them and I eventually started to try to live a holy life, I grew closer to the Lord. Then, with the Lord’s light, I started to understand better what I was reading. Not so much in an intellectual sense, but in a spiritual sense. It was when I realized that what they were talking about all along was their relationship with the Lord and only when I started to have one did their words realize a fuller meaning.

Eventually, as I started reading St. Teresa’s works, it was almost as if I were her intended audience, someone whose relationship with the Lord was similar to hers - not in degree, obviously. Soon enough, the thought of checking out her Order came to my mind.

It took me a few years, but when I finally sought an OCDS community, I realized that I had found a family of spiritual kins under the spiritual affiliation of the same St. Teresa.

 

[fiat21]

Wow! I just wanted to say that it’s great to see so many young people discerning a vocation:thumbsup: I’m 19, so I barely make it onto this thread

I actually went to a school for a little while specifically for girls discerning a vocation (loved it!). In my discernment (pray for me; I’m still not sure where Christ wants me) I’ve found that it’s really important to be simple. Just focus on loving Christ and doing His will at each moment, trusting that He’ll take care of the rest. Otherwise you end up getting all worked up about WHAT IN THE WORLD DOES CHRIST WANT ME TO BE??!!! And you kind of loose focus on the point of any vocation; growing in love for Christ. You know?

Well, there’s my 2 cents I’ll pray for you all!

 

[Cloisters]

“…and grace builds on nature.” Cloisters, could you explain this part of quote?

Look at your personality. If you’re reclusive like I am, an eremitical way of life is more conducive to prayer. If you’re more outgoing, and find Christ in others (not to say that I don’t), then the active apostolate may be more for you.

HTH.

Blessings,
Cloisters

 

[Cloisters]

Wow! I just wanted to say that it’s great to see so many young people discerning a vocation:thumbsup: I’m 19, so I barely make it onto this thread

I actually went to a school for a little while specifically for girls discerning a vocation (loved it!). In my discernment (pray for me; I’m still not sure where Christ wants me) I’ve found that it’s really important to be simple. Just focus on loving Christ and doing His will at each moment, trusting that He’ll take care of the rest. Otherwise you end up getting all worked up about WHAT IN THE WORLD DOES CHRIST WANT ME TO BE??!!! And you kind of loose focus on the point of any vocation; growing in love for Christ. You know?

Well, there’s my 2 cents I’ll pray for you all!

Where is that school?!!! I want/need to know more about it.

Blessings,
Cloisters

 

[Adrienne5678]

Most definetly!

FWIW, I’d suggest you to read works by saints. Ever since I read my first - you guessed it, Augustine’s “Confessions” - I couldn’t get enough of them.

As my spiritual life was enriched by them and I eventually started to try to live a holy life, I grew closer to the Lord. Then, with the Lord’s light, I started to understand better what I was reading. Not so much in an intellectual sense, but in a spiritual sense. It was when I realized that what they were talking about all along was their relationship with the Lord and only when I started to have one did their words realize a fuller meaning.

Eventually, as I started reading St. Teresa’s works, it was almost as if I were her intended audience, someone whose relationship with the Lord was similar to hers - not in degree, obviously. Soon enough, the thought of checking out her Order came to my mind.

It took me a few years, but when I finally sought an OCDS community, I realized that I had found a family of spiritual kins under the spiritual affiliation of the same St. Teresa.

I have been reading books on/by the saints and you are absolutely right! I read “The Story of a Soul” By St. Therese of Lisieux, and that’s what got me started. I’m very devoted to St. Faustina Kowalska. The story of their lives have enriched mine. I’ve been leaning toward a contemplative order. But you never know!

 

[Sister_Helena]

What about a Carmelite Sister who takes care of the elderly, you know, grandma and grandpa?

 

[Adrienne5678]

What about a Carmelite Sister who takes care of the elderly, you know, grandma and grandpa?

I’m part of my school choir, and every year we go, around Christmas time, to St. Anne’s Nursing Home. Something touches me every time I hug and elderly person, I can’t explain it but it’s there. It’s the same feeling I get when I’m with the poor and the sick. Or people who need emotional help. I’m confused about what God wants me to be, but at the same time, I’m almost sure He wants me to be a Benedictine Sister of Perpetual Adoration. I need to learn patience, that’s for sure!

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

I’m part of my school choir, and every year we go, around Christmas time, to St. Anne’s Nursing Home. Something touches me every time I hug and elderly person, I can’t explain it but it’s there. It’s the same feeling I get when I’m with the poor and the sick. Or people who need emotional help. I’m confused about what God wants me to be, but at the same time, I’m almost sure He wants me to be a Benedictine Sister of Perpetual Adoration. I need to learn patience, that’s for sure!

When you say St. Anne’s, do you mean the one in Grand Rapids, MI, by any chance?? Also, the Benedictines of Perpetual Adoration look amazing! If God was calling me to a non-habited order, I would look them up in a heartbeat. In fact, earlier in my discernment, I considered discerning with them, and that says a lot, because I was VERY picky, LOL!

 

[fiat21]

Where is that school?!!! I want/need to know more about it.

Blessings,
Cloisters

The highschool I went to (just my senior year) is a boarding school in Rhode Island. It’s specifically for girls who think they might be called to (or at least want to dicern) the consecrated life with the Apostolic Movement Regnum Christi. It’s a such beautiful atmosphere, where the sacraments are easily accessable (Mass, Benediction, and Confession available every day right in the little chapel at the school) and you’re surounded by other girls (60 or 70 when I was there last year) who are on the “same page” and really want to do God’s will! I can go on and on about how much I loved it but I think the two things I really loved where having Christ so close in the chapel (literally about 30 seconds from my dorm:thumbsup; and all the girls and consecrated women there who just want to love Christ, be holy, and save souls (sanctity is contagious )! I think it was a blessing to be able to go there (even though it was obvious for me personally that it wasn’t God’s will for me to become a consecrated woman…at least at this moment we’ll see what Christ wants in the future).

Well, I went on a little more then I planned!I wish I had the website to put up for you, but they’re still working on getting it up I don’t mind if you email me if you want to know anything else (sorry I haven’t used CAF much:blush:… there is a way to email/send personal messages, right?)

God bless!

 

[Adrienne5678]

When you say St. Anne’s, do you mean the one in Grand Rapids, MI, by any chance?? Also, the Benedictines of Perpetual Adoration look amazing! If God was calling me to a non-habited order, I would look them up in a heartbeat. In fact, earlier in my discernment, I considered discerning with them, and that says a lot, because I was VERY picky, LOL!

No, I go to the one in Miami Florida. Non- habited order? They wear a habit…I think
I’m picky too! This is the only one I’m pretty much considering. What about you???

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

No, I go to the one in Miami Florida. Non- habited order? They wear a habit…I think
I’m picky too! This is the only one I’m pretty much considering. What about you???

Actually, you are correct. In the Benedictine sense of the term, the Benedictines of Perpetual Adoration do wear a habit when they are professed sisters. They wear black and white, where as the postulants and novices continue to wear their own clothing. I was watching the video again and I noticed there are some older sisters that still wear the veil, but it’s not mandatory. This is copied from their vocation page:

As a postulant you will fully participate in our communal prayer and develop your personal prayer life. You will be given a work assignment and take classes that aid your transition into monastic life. During the postulancy and novitiate you will wear your own clothing (colored skirts and blouses or dresses). The black and/or white habit is reserved for professed sisters.

Do you wear a habit?

Yes. Sisters receive our habit at First Monastic Profession. The habit consists of a black and/or white skirt and blouse or dress of the sister’s choosing, along with our Congregational emblem (a Benedictine cross with the symbols of the Eucharist). Sisters receive a ring at Final Monastic Profession.

Their list of what to bring with you when you enter is a little different from the community I’m joining:

If I enter, what could I bring with me?

You could bring colored skirts, dresses, shirts, blouses, sweaters appropriate for monastic living, as well as some casual clothing, swimwear, sleepwear, underclothing, hosiery, socks, shoes, and a wristwatch. You could also bring a Bible and Missal, and, if you wish, writing supplies, a limited number of photos, alarm clock, small CD player with headphones, bicycle, musical instrument (with approval), hair accessories and blow dryer, and no more than 15 each of tapes, CDs or books.

You would not bring pets, cars, furniture, computers, palm pilots, cell phones, appliances, jewelry or cosmetics.

Some important questions to ask yourself are, “What things do I no longer use or need? What can I do without? What am I ready to let go of?”

I’m applying to enter the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus in Milwaukee, WI.

carmelitedcjnorth.org/

I just started writing my autobiography today and I’m almost done with the first page. I hope to have more written by Thursday (after studying for my CNA test that is) to show to my spiritual director. I want him to read it so I can make any necessary changes. I can’t wait to send it in to set an entrance date!

(P.S.–I’m a little old for this thread. LOL! I am going to be 26 in 4 months. )

 

[Adrienne5678]

Actually, you are correct. In the Benedictine sense of the term, the Benedictines of Perpetual Adoration do wear a habit when they are professed sisters. They wear black and white, where as the postulants and novices continue to wear their own clothing. I was watching the video again and I noticed there are some older sisters that still wear the veil, but it’s not mandatory.

What video are you referring to? The Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus sounds wonderful and I hope you are happy there!

I’m 13. I just made it into this thread!!!

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

CarmeliteGirl25;4919423:

Actually, you are correct. In the Benedictine sense of the term, the Benedictines of Perpetual Adoration do wear a habit when they are professed sisters. They wear black and white, where as the postulants and novices continue to wear their own clothing. I was watching the video again

and I noticed there are some older sisters that still wear the veil, but it’s not mandatory.

What video are you referring to? The Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus sounds wonderful and I hope you are happy there!

I’m 13. I just made it into this thread!!!

The video I found can be accessed on their own website. I have DSL so I was able to watch it, but for those who have slower connections from dial-up will probably have to order the DVD from the Sisters:

benedictinesisters.org/vocation/voc_video.php

Actually, there is a four part series of the video on YouTube:

youtube.com/watch?v=DiRiz-mjiiA
youtube.com/watch?v=gex8-hi9lh4
youtube.com/watch?v=Hu6wef62N10
youtube.com/watch?v=Hu6wef62N10

You really must watch it! They are BEAUTIFUL!

 

[ladybuggirl84]

Something else to chew on. These are signs that you might be called to a religious vocation.

The following is taken from both Fr. William Doyle, S.J.'s pamphlet, “Vocations,” and our experience.

1. To long for God’s glory; to realize something of the value of immortal souls, and to desire to cooperate in their salvation.
2. A willingness to be received in any capacity is a proof of a real vocation.
3. A longing to sacrifice oneself and abandon all for the love of Jesus Christ and to suffer for His sake.
4. The happiness which the thought of religious life brings, its helps, its peace, its merit and reward.
5. To desire to atone for one’s sins or those of others; and to fly from the temptations which one feels too weak to resist.
6. To desire to devote one’s whole life to obtain the conversion of one dear to us.
7. A fear of sin, into which it is easy to fall, and a longing to flee from the dangers and temptations of the world (Note: the devil will tempt religious in ways different from that of the laity).
8. A growing attraction for prayer and holy things in general, together with a longing for a hidden life and a desire to be more closely united to God.
9. To have a hatred for things of the world–a conviction of their hollowness and insufficiency to satisfy the soul. This feeling is generally strongest in the midst of worldly amusement.
10. A desire to have a religious vocation, together with the conviction that God is calling one to His service. This desire is generally most strongly felt when the soul is calm, after Holy Communion, and in time of retreat.
11. It is sometimes the sign of a vocation when a person fears that God may call him; when he prays not to have it and cannot banish the thought from his mind. If the vocation is sound, it will soon give place to an attraction, though Fr. Lehmkuhl says: “One need not have a natural inclination for the religious life; on the contrary, a Divine vocation is suitable with a natural dislike for that state.”

 

[abort73catholic]

Adrienne5678;4919870:

The video I found can be accessed on their own website. I have DSL so I was able to watch it, but for those who have slower connections from dial-up will probably have to order the DVD from the Sisters:

benedictinesisters.org/vocation/voc_video.php

Actually, there is a four part series of the video on YouTube:

youtube.com/watch?v=DiRiz-mjiiA
youtube.com/watch?v=gex8-hi9lh4
youtube.com/watch?v=Hu6wef62N10
youtube.com/watch?v=Hu6wef62N10

You really must watch it! They are BEAUTIFUL!



I miss them!

They really are beautiful…and my aunt is in that video…see my signature? She’s the vocation director.

At one point I thought I was being called to that order…but I don’t know right now. If I’m being called to a type of religious life, I would think it would be something involving missionary work because that is the kind of lifestyle I like…traveling and helping people.

I just don’t know right now.