Thread for Women Discerning Religious Life

[Spiritu]

CarmeliteGirl25, it’s fantastic to hear that you’re in contact with a welcoming community, after you’ve had such difficulty following your vocation before now. God bless, and may everything keep going smoothly for you!

ClareTherese, it sounds as if you’ve had a similar stuggle. I hope your stay with the Poor Clares is fulfilling and illuminating, and I’ll keep you and your intentions in my prayers - when you get back, please let us know how it went!

 

[Bebekoualy]

Hello fellow Discerners ! I decided to get on this forum topic, because I felt my contemplative calling at age 37. I have visited the beautiful Cistercian order in Prairie du Sac, WI, and did a 2 month live in. But as much I felt called there, He was saying in my heart, it was not to be. I still keep in contact with the nuns, and their community is really growing. I do not feel called to the Benedictines either, nor the Dominicans. Although, after writing to numerous cloistered, Dominican communities, only one accepted me as a possible applicant. You see, I have a very mild case of epilepsy. I have no problems with it. I take only 2 meds (29 years now). Many religious communities frown on those of us who have “impediments”, or health issues. What is that? So, I was visiting a shrine to St.Joseph in Santa Cruz, CA., and felt a strong tugging on my heart, and a voice whisper in my ear. He led me to St. Joseph’s Monastery in Aptos, CA. My friend and I drove the car up the road, as it went to the left, and then around to the right. The large sign said “Poor Clares” on the fence. We both looked at each other. We drove down through the beautiful gate and parked. We got out, entered the chapel, and begin praying. My friend said it wasn’t for her, but for me to be there. Behind the stained glass partition, we saw the Blessed Sacrament being exposed. Off to the right of the Alter, was where the nuns sat for mass, or any other special mass. A sister came in the chapel and asked if we’d like to speak to M.Clare, the Prioress. My friend said yes, as I did also. Went into the large parlor, and soon she came in. We all began talking and she asked many questions, and I seemed to answer them without hesitation. My friend decided to go back into the chapel and pray, but not without some drinks and cookies the sisters had made. Mother asked me if I’d be interested in doing a 3 month live in as an Aspirant/Candidate. How could this be happening I thought. Oh Yes! I smiled at her! She went and got all the paperwork I needed to fill out. One of the extern sisters started taking measurements of me. I found out I would live in the cloister, have my own cell, 4 postulant jumper’s—brown–, 2 veils, and I’d be in the Novitiate hallway. I would have a list of things to bring of my own. This experience was a transformation for myself and my calling. Indeed I am Franciscan 100%, with alitte Carmelite thrown in. ! I am currently 46, but numerous fellow catholics ask if I am a nun already. In the eyes of God I am. However, I am discerning with contemplative orders here, that accept women over 40. And a community called the Daughters of St.Joseph!! They accept to age 50. They will wear the habit of a Carmelite. They are in the Visions magazine. Also Institute for Religious Life have a great site up. Many older vocations are listed. May Our Lord Reward You All Abuntantly.:nun1:

I’m so impressed by the different ways God made you go through. That’s amazing, how holy and caring he is!
I might try 3 months also, because I see how it transformed you and guided you very much!
I think your age isn’t a fence, because I know lots of Late Vocations, there’s a nun who started when 40 in the monastery I mostly love in France. As far as I’m concerned, I’m going to travel and to discover everything before I join an order, 'cause I’m so young (19) and I’ve got to while away the time, but by remaining close to God.

CarmeliteGirl25, I advise you to discover as many places as possible before joining an order. I’m doing the same. lol
I’m so touched by your testimony: you used to have psychological disorders, and I’m so upset that you’ve been kicked out like that by so many communities just because of your weakness. I think God made you go through all this for a reason, and I bet your heart is sweeter thanks to those hardships (even if they were unbearable, I won’t deny it.)

What a blessing, that thread! I discover so many Discernment Paths at once!

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

I’m so impressed by the different ways God made you go through. That’s amazing, how holy and caring he is!
I might try 3 months also, because I see how it transformed you and guided you very much!
I think your age isn’t a fence, because I know lots of Late Vocations, there’s a nun who started when 40 in the monastery I mostly love in France. As far as I’m concerned, I’m going to travel and to discover everything before I join an order, 'cause I’m so young (19) and I’ve got to while away the time, but by remaining close to God.

CarmeliteGirl25, I advise you to discover as many places as possible before joining an order. I’m doing the same. lol
I’m so touched by your testimony: you used to have psychological disorders, and I’m so upset that you’ve been kicked out like that by so many communities just because of your weakness. I think God made you go through all this for a reason, and I bet your heart is sweeter thanks to those hardships (even if they were unbearable, I won’t deny it.)

What a blessing, that thread! I discover so many Discernment Paths at once!

Oh, I am still checking out other orders. I don’t want to buckle myself down to one just yet. Checking out others is a great way to decide if the Savannah Carmel is right for me. I actually came across a Poor Clare order that appeals to my heart. I don’t know if I can actually go there or not because they are strictly cloistered. Their order is just beautiful. I watched a video they made in 2003 on their website and I was in tears several times. I don’t know if it’s because I just absolutely love the cloistered/religious life so much, or if I have a calling to visit them. poorclares-belleville.info/ Their habit is beautiful. I love the penitential extension of the arms when they have Adoration. It reminds me of the way Jesus’ arms were extended on the cross. I’ll keep them in my mind and ponder them in my heart, like I did the Savannah Carmel and the Carmel-by-the-sea cloisters. The love for the Savannah Carmel remained, but I am no longer interested in pursing the Carmel-by-the-sea. I want to live a secluded life in poverty, and their monastery is just a little over the top. It holds no special place for me either.

Thanks for your blessings! I am very happy to have found an order that is accepting of all controlled medical and mental disorders. It seems to be a rare occurrence these days, even though they are supposed to be the most accepting of all people. I guess they might be, but they just don’t let them in.

 

[zaramarie81]

I agree with you and it has happened to me too even when I’m enggaged. But I bring it to God’s hand because He knows me well. Will pray for all of you…

Wina - I am currently in a long-term relationship/discussing engagement so I can relate there too. I’ll pray for all here as well! It’s encouraging to encounter so many people open to God’s call. Btw, I never really introduced myself…I’m 27 and love the Carmelites and Dominicans (St. Therese the Little Flower was my Confirmation Saint ). God bless.

 

[Poor_Clare_tobe]

*First congrats to you Bebekoualy on your continuing journey. I am so glad you posted re the two websites or organizations below.They are great starting points and many of our newer posters may not have discovered them yet.
*

I am currently 46, but numerous fellow catholics ask if I am a nun already. In the eyes of God I am. However, I am discerning with contemplative orders here, that accept women over 40. And a community called the Daughters of St.Joseph!! They accept to age 50. They will wear the habit of a Carmelite. They are in the Visions magazine. Also Institute for Religious Life have a great site up. Many older vocations

Congrats to all who continue to post their discernment progress. I truely believe that blogs like this will help women who might be thinking about vocations… Blessings of Peace and All Good!

 

[franciscanhobbi]

Do not try to get sympathy and understanding from the world

It is funny that your friends don’t notice how they contradict themselves. What is it to be in an closed order, to easy or inhuman??? If it is too easy, it can’t be inhuman, don’t you think? If you want to get them to change their views, perhaps you could have them read through the website of the Carthusians, who state very clearly what a challenge the inclused life is. (But you know how it is, people don’t want to change their mind…).

John Paul II. said that prayer is the greatest achievement you can give to the world. Strange othe Christians shouldn’t believe this.

But of course, it is personally hard to accept such a huge step, that might show in hostility.

fyi John Paul II wrote a whole book of meditations on the full consecration of those in secular institutes

 

[BabyDoll4]

I’m not really sure where to post this, but I will start here. I am very new to the Catholic faith (just joined last Easter with my hubby) and just within the last couple of days, my soul has been longing for something. I’m not quite sure what it is yet. There is so much lacking in my walk that I know needs working on like prayer and scripture reading (I don’t take/make the time for them). As a married woman, what kind of vocations are there? Part of me feels I need to start with covering my head with humility and obedience to God 1 Cor 11:3-15.

I humbly ask, my sisters, for your prayers.

 

[zaramarie81]

I’m not really sure where to post this, but I will start here. I am very new to the Catholic faith (just joined last Easter with my hubby) and just within the last couple of days, my soul has been longing for something. I’m not quite sure what it is yet. There is so much lacking in my walk that I know needs working on like prayer and scripture reading (I don’t take/make the time for them). As a married woman, what kind of vocations are there? Part of me feels I need to start with covering my head with humility and obedience to God 1 Cor 11:3-15.

I humbly ask, my sisters, for your prayers.

Welcome to the faith! You know what, as someone who has been a practicing Catholic for about 7 years now, I think it’s safe to say that we will feel that “ache” or “lack” for the rest of our lives! That’s because we are not perfectly united with God in heaven yet, so this world will always be a little lacking.

That said, you are living out a very important vocation right now - marriage! It’s one of the 7 Sacraments. I don’t have any titles off the top of my head (maybe someone else will) but perhaps find some good books about the vocation of marriage or Theology of the Body. Learning about the depth and importance of this calling helped me a lot.

Also, I find regular prayer/time with the Lord helps “fill” that longing.

 

[Poor_Clare_tobe]

Welcome to the faith! You know what, as someone who has been a practicing Catholic for about 7 years now, I think it’s safe to say that we will feel that “ache” or “lack” for the rest of our lives! That’s because we are not perfectly united with God in heaven yet, so this world will always be a little lacking.

That said, you are living out a very important vocation right now - marriage! It’s one of the 7 Sacraments. I don’t have any titles off the top of my head (maybe someone else will) but perhaps find some good books about the vocation of marriage or Theology of the Body. Learning about the depth and importance of this calling helped me a lot.

Also, I find regular prayer/time with the Lord helps “fill” that longing.

Well said… to continue the thought just a bit…

There are many ways to continue in your faith journey. You have important work to do with raising your family.
Should you want to deepen your own spiritual life… I would speak to your parish priest for ideas.
[Off the top of my head… Become involved in ministry in parish, go on yearly retreats or days of recollection, Perhaps you might feel called to deepen your walk through programs such as Cursillo, or the Charasmatic Renewal?, lastly there are third orders secular created specifically to help catholics follow a way of life whilst remaining in the world true to their unique vocation[In your case marriage]

Blessings…Hopefully others may help… perhaps reads some postings in the forum on family life??

 

[Inity]

You may as well become secular member of some religious order. Such as lay dominican, franciscan tertiary, benedictine oblate and so on. If you’re feeling drawn to charism of this particular Order…

 

[BabyDoll4]

Thank you all for your comments. I will definitely commit all to prayer. I stayed up WAY to late last night reading the forums here, and was drawn to the Rosary at 1am. Again, thank you for your replies.

 

[MeggerDC]

BabyDoll4,

I agree that you’ll have that ache forever! I’ve been Catholic all my life and still long for more! Also, I agree with Zara, Theology of the Body is a great resource! May God bless you and your husband as you continue to persue your vocation!

Peace & Blessings,

Meg

 

[Bebekoualy]

I’m not really sure where to post this, but I will start here. I am very new to the Catholic faith (just joined last Easter with my hubby) and just within the last couple of days, my soul has been longing for something. I’m not quite sure what it is yet. There is so much lacking in my walk that I know needs working on like prayer and scripture reading (I don’t take/make the time for them). As a married woman, what kind of vocations are there? Part of me feels I need to start with covering my head with humility and obedience to God 1 Cor 11:3-15.

I humbly ask, my sisters, for your prayers.

I remember how unconfortable I felt at the beginning. We’re filled with love, and desires but we don’t know where they come from. Be blessed, God’s guide you along the path. He’ll never let you down. I bet our first desires are the one we’ll keep. Cause two years and half, I still want the same thing.
Use sacraments to keep faith, and pray and read the Bible. It’s the best way. You could make retreats with your husband also. It might help you both.

 

[ClareTherese]

CarmeliteGirl25, it’s fantastic to hear that you’re in contact with a welcoming community, after you’ve had such difficulty following your vocation before now. God bless, and may everything keep going smoothly for you!

ClareTherese, it sounds as if you’ve had a similar stuggle. I hope your stay with the Poor Clares is fulfilling and illuminating, and I’ll keep you and your intentions in my prayers - when you get back, please let us know how it went!

Hello. In answer to your prayers that I stay with the Poor Clares, I am sure I woundn’t be on this computer answering forums. I did my live in back in 1998-99. Yes beautiful indeed, and I felt called there, and still do. But what can one do, except follow His call to the right place. I do believe it is in the cloister, Of a Poor Clare/ or Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration. A life of prayer that He has prepared for me. I am interested in the Carmelite life, because I Love St.Therese, and she reminds me of me, struggling with her calling, and wanting to enter her Carmel, because she knew where Our Lord wanted her, even for a short while. My calling to enter his dwellling place for me, is very near. I feel it in my heart everyday. Please though, keep all of us who are about to enter someplace, in your prayers. God be with you!

 

[Inity]

Just to share with you, how I’m doing with my discernment…
I don’t feel really good lately about it.

My desire to join the Dominican Order is still strong, but I barely meet support here. My friends, who live in my house, every time we talk about it, share their hope that I will return to the “world” after trying out monastery life for some months. And what about me, I’m terribly afraid of failing… I know several people here in Russia, who tried to join dominican order and then left. My new colleague (who happened to be a catholic woman with whom we were together in pilgrimage in 1994 - this world is really a small box!) - she frequently brings up these examples of “failed” vocations, of people who tried monastery life and then returned… one of these stories is especially sad - story of a priest and wannabe-nun, who both left the Order and got married. It happened in middle 90’s, and I knew them both; I still feel deeply sorry about them (however people say that they are happy in marriage…) Today we were talking, and my colleague again started bringing up these stories and discouraging me, saying that there’s no real benefit in living in the monastery - you can live alone in your flat, do whatever you want, work at fine job and still serve God - this was her point. Discussion wasn’t very productive, and I mostly kept silence, showing her that I don’t buy her words…
But I really don’t want to fail and return home after monastery. If I will be rejected by one community, I will seek another… however, time is working against me Most congregations have age limits 30-35, and I’m already 33.

I have no relatives with whom I can share my wish. The priests in our parish reacted coldly, when I told them about my possible vocation. The only person here who believes in me, is one my old friend, a dominican sister who supports me with her prayers…

I found new job recently and now I’m working hard to get off debt (about 1000$ to go) - but my salary would be not enough to perform the trip to Italy I’m considering (as I said in one of my previous posts, I was invited by one dominican community to live with them for couple of weeks, and besides, I want to visit other monasteries and holy places in Italy). I figured our some months ago, that the only way to get the money I need would be selling my apartment and buying smaller one instead. I’ve put it for sale, but for now only few people came to view it. And I badly need this deal to be done - there’s no other source of money I can consider. Taking more credits will mean more time to repay them, and I don’t want to be stuck in this secular world for long time. All I can do now is pray and wait.

Sometimes I feel very strange. Like all this discernment is not real life, but a fairy tale or science fiction. I just can’t put myself into feeling “it’s happening with me, now, and for real”. For long time, I’ve been thinking that I’m not worthy of religious life. Now I’m doing my best to become a sister, and frequently feel this strange “unreality” of things. When I read vocation stories, I envy these people, and I try to make myself believe that my plan would work. Remember, that I most probably have to join monastery in another country, and it’s not an easy process… and I can’t avoid depressive thoughts that tell me “It won’t work, you’d have to spend your entire life alone in this secular world, get used to it, make a career, enjoy the pleasures of life and friends and forget your wild dreams about the monastery…”

But I can’t really forget… I have not enough words to describe my deep desire to be in the Order. And still so much time to wait until the dream comes true

Please keep me in your prayers. Thank you.

 

[KaylaP]

I also have little support for my vocation. I’ve found it very useful not to share about vocation with people who are not Christians. Even then some Christians are not supportive.
Its only to be expected though, because we are promised that if we follow Jesus more perfectly we will face persecution.
My advice is to stay close to the Heart of Jesus: pray, often, stay close to the sacraments, and try to avoid things like television,etc, which have so many wordly tempations.
God bless you and Mary preserve your vocation!

 

[zaramarie81]

Just to share with you, how I’m doing with my discernment…
I don’t feel really good lately about it.

My desire to join the Dominican Order is still strong, but I barely meet support here. My friends, who live in my house, every time we talk about it, share their hope that I will return to the “world” after trying out monastery life for some months. And what about me, I’m terribly afraid of failing… I know several people here in Russia, who tried to join dominican order and then left. My new colleague (who happened to be a catholic woman with whom we were together in pilgrimage in 1994 - this world is really a small box!) - she frequently brings up these examples of “failed” vocations, of people who tried monastery life and then returned… one of these stories is especially sad - story of a priest and wannabe-nun, who both left the Order and got married. It happened in middle 90’s, and I knew them both; I still feel deeply sorry about them (however people say that they are happy in marriage…) Today we were talking, and my colleague again started bringing up these stories and discouraging me, saying that there’s no real benefit in living in the monastery - you can live alone in your flat, do whatever you want, work at fine job and still serve God - this was her point. Discussion wasn’t very productive, and I mostly kept silence, showing her that I don’t buy her words…
But I really don’t want to fail and return home after monastery. If I will be rejected by one community, I will seek another… however, time is working against me Most congregations have age limits 30-35, and I’m already 33.

I have no relatives with whom I can share my wish. The priests in our parish reacted coldly, when I told them about my possible vocation. The only person here who believes in me, is one my old friend, a dominican sister who supports me with her prayers…

I found new job recently and now I’m working hard to get off debt (about 1000$ to go) - but my salary would be not enough to perform the trip to Italy I’m considering (as I said in one of my previous posts, I was invited by one dominican community to live with them for couple of weeks, and besides, I want to visit other monasteries and holy places in Italy). I figured our some months ago, that the only way to get the money I need would be selling my apartment and buying smaller one instead. I’ve put it for sale, but for now only few people came to view it. And I badly need this deal to be done - there’s no other source of money I can consider. Taking more credits will mean more time to repay them, and I don’t want to be stuck in this secular world for long time. All I can do now is pray and wait.

Sometimes I feel very strange. Like all this discernment is not real life, but a fairy tale or science fiction. I just can’t put myself into feeling “it’s happening with me, now, and for real”. For long time, I’ve been thinking that I’m not worthy of religious life. Now I’m doing my best to become a sister, and frequently feel this strange “unreality” of things. When I read vocation stories, I envy these people, and I try to make myself believe that my plan would work. Remember, that I most probably have to join monastery in another country, and it’s not an easy process… and I can’t avoid depressive thoughts that tell me “It won’t work, you’d have to spend your entire life alone in this secular world, get used to it, make a career, enjoy the pleasures of life and friends and forget your wild dreams about the monastery…”

But I can’t really forget… I have not enough words to describe my deep desire to be in the Order. And still so much time to wait until the dream comes true

Please keep me in your prayers. Thank you.

I just want to jump in here and offer some positive support. I have encountered similar obstacles in regards to my strong desire for the married vocation. People have basically told me to stop desiring it, that somehow the desire makes me weak, that I could serve God as a strong, independent single woman, in my career etc. I’ve even received some pressure towards religious life!!! (Which I feel is very beautiful, and I have considered, but the pull towards married life remains strong). All that to say - it seems many of us encounter trials in discerning our vocations. And while it is true that we can serve God anywhere, any time, in any state, that doesn’t discount that God usually calls us to specific vocations, and our desires often are aligned with those vocations, and when we meet obstacles and delays, we inevitably feel all sorts of difficult emotions. It’s understandable to feel sad or lonely during times like this. I’ll pray all things work out. Try not to dwell on this idea of failed vocations (I get sad and fearful thinking of failed marriages… but just because a few fail, that doesn’t mean our lives are going to go in the same direction!). Will pray for you!

 

[ClareTherese]

Just to share with you, how I’m doing with my discernment…
I don’t feel really good lately about it.

My desire to join the Dominican Order is still strong, but I barely meet support here. My friends, who live in my house, every time we talk about it, share their hope that I will return to the “world” after trying out monastery life for some months. And what about me, I’m terribly afraid of failing… I know several people here in Russia, who tried to join dominican order and then left. My new colleague (who happened to be a catholic woman with whom we were together in pilgrimage in 1994 - this world is really a small box!) - she frequently brings up these examples of “failed” vocations, of people who tried monastery life and then returned… one of these stories is especially sad - story of a priest and wannabe-nun, who both left the Order and got married. It happened in middle 90’s, and I knew them both; I still feel deeply sorry about them (however people say that they are happy in marriage…) Today we were talking, and my colleague again started bringing up these stories and discouraging me, saying that there’s no real benefit in living in the monastery - you can live alone in your flat, do whatever you want, work at fine job and still serve God - this was her point. Discussion wasn’t very productive, and I mostly kept silence, showing her that I don’t buy her words…
But I really don’t want to fail and return home after monastery. If I will be rejected by one community, I will seek another… however, time is working against me Most congregations have age limits 30-35, and I’m already 33.

I have no relatives with whom I can share my wish. The priests in our parish reacted coldly, when I told them about my possible vocation. The only person here who believes in me, is one my old friend, a dominican sister who supports me with her prayers…

I found new job recently and now I’m working hard to get off debt (about 1000$ to go) - but my salary would be not enough to perform the trip to Italy I’m considering (as I said in one of my previous posts, I was invited by one dominican community to live with them for couple of weeks, and besides, I want to visit other monasteries and holy places in Italy). I figured our some months ago, that the only way to get the money I need would be selling my apartment and buying smaller one instead. I’ve put it for sale, but for now only few people came to view it. And I badly need this deal to be done - there’s no other source of money I can consider. Taking more credits will mean more time to repay them, and I don’t want to be stuck in this secular world for long time. All I can do now is pray and wait.

Sometimes I feel very strange. Like all this discernment is not real life, but a fairy tale or science fiction. I just can’t put myself into feeling “it’s happening with me, now, and for real”. For long time, I’ve been thinking that I’m not worthy of religious life. Now I’m doing my best to become a sister, and frequently feel this strange “unreality” of things. When I read vocation stories, I envy these people, and I try to make myself believe that my plan would work. Remember, that I most probably have to join monastery in another country, and it’s not an easy process… and I can’t avoid depressive thoughts that tell me “It won’t work, you’d have to spend your entire life alone in this secular world, get used to it, make a career, enjoy the pleasures of life and friends and forget your wild dreams about the monastery…”

But I can’t really forget… I have not enough words to describe my deep desire to be in the Order. And still so much time to wait until the dream comes true

Please keep me in your prayers. Thank you.

Hi, dear Sister in Russia: ! Do not get down nor discouraged, because your fellow friends do not understand the path you feel God is calling you. It is a great JOY to know that you have a fellow Religious Nun-Dominican, that supports you 100%!!! Because you feel called to that way of life, and just because you are 33, means nothing:. Their are many noumerous, religious communities, in Europe that take over your age. I feel called to the Franciscan/Poor Clares Life. I am 46, look between 19 to 30, and laugh everytime I must tell people they are incorrect. I am not married, nor have ever been,no children either. But my mom and dad before they both died (different yrs.), told me I woukd be a beautiful, religious, nun My mother, and My Holy Mother, Mary, both confirmed it to me. The devil always wants to discourage us from following God’s work, most especially when we have a call to religious life. Always pray, say the rosary, most especially for our Mother, she’ll protect you, under her mantle:thumbsup: . Never ever give up! For those other people. maybe what they thought was a calling wasn’t. You;ll never know until you try. If you have the Blessed Sacrament Exposed. go to Him, and talk to Him. He will never put you down. :bowdown: : JMJ Good Day

 

[Monica4316]

I’m so glad to have found this thread!

I’m converting to the Catholic Church… and for a while now, for several months, I’ve been thinking about religious vocations and I can’t get it out of my head!! Everything seems to be happening so quickly, only last winter I was a Protestant lol! I’m 22 right now… I can’t really do any serious discerning yet cause I’m still in university, I have financial obligations (debt), I’m not even Catholic yet, lol. But hopefully some day in the future I will begin to discern, hopefully by the time I am 25…

there are so many problems, I still have to get a baptism certificate from the Orthodox church where I was baptized as a child, …I’m really trying to follow God’s leading in my conversion and have faith that eventually everything will work out.

I used to really want a relationship and eventually marriage…and now I’m really not sure…if it is God’s will for me to marry, I will marry. But at the present moment, if I had a relationship it would almost be like a distraction for me… I think about God all the time, I want to live for Him and - it seems that I can best do this by giving myself to Him entirely? I’ve been reading about the Saints and I’m so amazed at their lives and really feel a calling to …not live for myself, but be dedicated to prayer and service… and when I think about being a nun, I feel so much joy, and yet it’s really scary - on a natural level - and I know the life can be very difficult - but I feel so ‘out of place’ having a secular career…
I LOVE the idea of being a ‘bride of Christ’, that is such a beautiful and holy life.

I’ve told very few people about my thoughts, my family has no idea. I think they would be very sad if they knew (and I’m an only child and they’re not Catholics)… this breaks my heart… I love my family very much and if I were to look into an order, it would be one where I’m able to still see them…
these thoughts really scare me, I dont want to disappoint my family, I trust that God will take care of this situation, and maybe prepare them. I just don’t want to hurt my family in any way, they care for me very much.
But…God’s will be done! I know I just have to surrender to Him and put Him first in my life…

anyway it would still be several years until I’m able to really discern properly.

As to the type of orders I’d be drawn to… I am not sure… I love the traditional ones… I used to not be like this but I think God changed my heart.

For now, I’m going to Mass and I love Catholic prayers and Adoration, and I have devotions to Mary, Divine Mercy, and the Sacred Heart. So those are the things that I’m drawn to…

sorry for rambling lol

it’s been very inspiring reading your stories
may God bless each of you in your search.

monica

 

[zaramarie81]

I’m so glad to have found this thread!

I’m converting to the Catholic Church… and for a while now, for several months, I’ve been thinking about religious vocations and I can’t get it out of my head!! Everything seems to be happening so quickly, only last winter I was a Protestant lol! I’m 22 right now… I can’t really do any serious discerning yet cause I’m still in university, I have financial obligations (debt), I’m not even Catholic yet, lol. But hopefully some day in the future I will begin to discern, hopefully by the time I am 25…

there are so many problems, I still have to get a baptism certificate from the Orthodox church where I was baptized as a child, …I’m really trying to follow God’s leading in my conversion and have faith that eventually everything will work out.

I used to really want a relationship and eventually marriage…and now I’m really not sure…if it is God’s will for me to marry, I will marry. But at the present moment, if I had a relationship it would almost be like a distraction for me… I think about God all the time, I want to live for Him and - it seems that I can best do this by giving myself to Him entirely? I’ve been reading about the Saints and I’m so amazed at their lives and really feel a calling to …not live for myself, but be dedicated to prayer and service… and when I think about being a nun, I feel so much joy, and yet it’s really scary - on a natural level - and I know the life can be very difficult - but I feel so ‘out of place’ having a secular career…
I LOVE the idea of being a ‘bride of Christ’, that is such a beautiful and holy life.

I’ve told very few people about my thoughts, my family has no idea. I think they would be very sad if they knew (and I’m an only child and they’re not Catholics)… this breaks my heart… I love my family very much and if I were to look into an order, it would be one where I’m able to still see them…
these thoughts really scare me, I dont want to disappoint my family, I trust that God will take care of this situation, and maybe prepare them. I just don’t want to hurt my family in any way, they care for me very much.
But…God’s will be done! I know I just have to surrender to Him and put Him first in my life…

anyway it would still be several years until I’m able to really discern properly.

As to the type of orders I’d be drawn to… I am not sure… I love the traditional ones… I used to not be like this but I think God changed my heart.

For now, I’m going to Mass and I love Catholic prayers and Adoration, and I have devotions to Mary, Divine Mercy, and the Sacred Heart. So those are the things that I’m drawn to…

sorry for rambling lol

it’s been very inspiring reading your stories
may God bless each of you in your search.

monica

Monica - welcome to the faith. And what an exciting time! I think you already know this, but just take your time enjoying it all, learning, and soaking it up. God will lead you down the right path. I became Catholic around your age (I am now 27). I pray your great love for Him only grows.

If it helps at all, don’t worry too much about which vocation will be “yours” right now. Married people also give themselves entirely to God, just in a different way. The sacrifice of that vocation is profound. However, if you become a religious sister - wow, what a joy and a privilege! Both are wonderful, and no doubt the world needs more faithful vocations, and our parish prays every Sunday for more religious. Perhaps you’ll be an answer to that prayer. Who knows! It’s a great adventure.