child_of_God85:
I would really like to become a nun, but can’t due to health reasons.
My question is this. Is there a third order that requires the wearing of a habit? Thanks and God Bless!
Well, Secular Carmelites have a habit, but it amounts to a very large brown square scapular that goes over the head (maybe 10x10 inches or slightly larger). It is worn over streetclothes to our monthly meetings.
I think that there is also an ideal you are after, moreso than the habit itself and only you can dig deep inside and determine that. I know when I was discerning and ended up following a convent that had habitted nuns, it was tradition and orthodoxy (basic, trueness of the faith). I was looking for devoutness and simplicity - something I saw as lacking in the nuns who did not have habits, many of whom seemed to be spending more time and energy to get into chasubles than doing the basics.
What I’m saying is that it is a state of mind. If you find that you are after tradition and orthodoxy, then you might be able to find a secular order that has these things in spite of not wearing the habit.
I’m in Southeast Michigan and the Secular Carmelite order in which I am in formation for, is very traditional, very orthodox, and very devout. But not all are like this and some are even dabbling into new ageism, possibly without realizing it.
Look for orders (Carmelite or otherwise) who promote the classics written by the Doctors of the Church, as opposed to those which promote the spiritual “guru” of the day. Stay away from any order promoting things like enneagrams, labyrinths, and cautiously approach those who advocate “centering prayer”. This can be a little tricky because the name is used in different ways. Sometimes this expression is applied against a valid form of mental prayer, othertimes it is applied against a type of eastern mysticism, which does not have God at the center, but rather the self.
As you explore your options and find websites write into the spirituality forum and ask about certain things regarding the community you are considering.
Also, do not leave out the possibility of simply joining one of many apostolates. One great one is within the link I provide below - the Marian Cathechist Apostolate. This is not exclusive to people who want to teach catechism, but it is a way of life and evangelization. The curriculum for development could not be any more orthodox as it is written by Fr. John A. Hardon, one of the most noted orthodox theologians of modern times. He is the founder. Hit the link and explore.
If you are young, take your time. Also, you can belong to an apostolate at the same time that you belong to a secular order. Sometimes they compliment each other. However, just remember that these are often lifetime committments. One of the many reasons you should go slow and make sure it is what you want. The requirements for Marian Catechist are not too far removed from what I have as requirements for Carmel. Therefore, it is not that much more for me to join the Marian Catechists or any other apostolate. Just don’t join too many.
I advocate Marian Catechist training even if you do not want to become a Marian Catechist. It will give you the orthodox development you are yearning for, if that is what you are yearning for. I know I was. My catechism was so weak and dumbed down it still bothers ms. Now, at 43 I am sitting in an adult catechism class and reading other catechetical texts to make up for the inadequacy of that taught in my youth.
