Vocation: Religious Discernment

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Kima

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Good evening, fellow Catholics!

I´ve been discerning religious life on and off since February this year. Ever since I was a little child, I´ve always dreamed of getting married, having a family of my own, raising children, and family life in general. This thought of religious life entered my mind as I was visiting a Franciscan convent in February to get some spiritual guidance as I was in a bad place at the time. Ever since that, I´ve tried to figure out my vocation, but it´s so hard…

I can´t seem to get this thought of religious life out of my mind. So, I went on a retreat in August and came to the realization that I´m not called to be a contemplative sister. However, I´m still, at times, attracted to the apostolic orders. So, I have signed up for a discernment retreat at a Dominican convent nearby in November. However, my question is how one realizes their vocation, regardless of the type? How did you, personally, know your vocation? And if there are any religious reading this; are you lonely? If so, how do you cope with it. I suppose this goes in regards to both married life, the priesthood and religious life, but how do you set your desires aside in order to do the will of God? I struggle to know if my desire to have a family grows out of a vocation to married life, or if it´s something I´d have to set aside in my vocation.

Also, I´m troubled about the discernment of religious life nowadays because of the synod. I desire traditional Catholicism and find it difficult.

Any advice is appreciated!

Your sister in Christ,
Kima
 
Remember that entering (and remaining in) a religious community is a consequence of mutual discernment. If you’re not suited to religious life–or to a particular congregation–they will almost certainly let you know! As for desiring a more traditional form, remember that communities do change. Some become more traditional and some less. Are you willing to trust and to risk? That is an important part of religious life. It’s not a ticket to clear-cut certainty. Think of all those who entered before Vatican II. And many who thought they desired one type of religious life were actually quite happy when they experienced change, one way or another.
 
There should be different spiritual events in your life. that demonstrate you hear the Holy spirit.
 
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