Vocational Discernment

[Holly3278]

Hello everyone. I have in the past considered being a contemplative nun. However, I have a number of mental disorders including Major Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Panic Disorder. All of these are maneagable for me as long as I take medication. I have also considered marriage but frankly, I am somewhat afraid to have children and am not sure I could handle it. And last, I have considered lifelong celibacy. I really do not wish to do the last one and prefer marriage or religious life. Any advice for someone like me?

 

[goofyjim]

Sounds like my predicament from the opposite gender side. Why is the single life not considered a vocation? I’m sure St. Paul said there were some who would be called to that if not Jesus Himself. Even John Paul the Great hinted that the single life could be considered a calling. He also visited a mental institution in Belgium and said that the patients were very close to God. Not to get too proud but does that not put us on equal footing with the rest of society in discerning our vocation. Don’t be afraid of the single life, if that is what you are called to. I show no fear of it. Because of the medication I am not able to get Mass every day but I go when I am able and love every minute of it. You can still preach the Word of God in your life. Whether or not people listen is not your concern. Just enjoy possessing God in your own soul.

 

[lvngembrs]

I’ve started to personally view the single life as a vocation for a few reasons: chasity/celibacy before marriage, a different perspective on the Word of God, and perhaps a greater chance to serve in different communities and ministries that marrieds and religious men and women aren’t able to reach out.

 

[plato3]

Hello everyone. I have in the past considered being a contemplative nun. However, I have a number of mental disorders including Major Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Panic Disorder. All of these are maneagable for me as long as I take medication. I have also considered marriage but frankly, I am somewhat afraid to have children and am not sure I could handle it. And last, I have considered lifelong celibacy. I really do not wish to do the last one and prefer marriage or religious life. Any advice for someone like me?

If you feel that you might have a vocation, check out Third Orders. We have had those with similiar mental conditions in our Franciscan fraternity that were ok as long as they kept up their medicine. Also there are situations where you can make private vows to the bishop of a diocese and live at home according to these vows. May God bless you. Each week, I take two people with mental disorders to Mass. They love the Mass. God is with those who carrying this cross in their life.

 

[Dale_M]

Why is the single life not considered a vocation? .

Strangely enough, it is for women. She could become a Consecrated Virgin. Guys, on the otherhand, are left hanging. I guess that’s payback for letting only men become priests.

Holly3278:

And last, I have considered lifelong celibacy. I really do not wish to do the last one and prefer marriage or religious life

Holly, perhaps I am misunderstanding but wouldn’t the religious life involve lifelong celibacy? Or are you saying you would prefer marriage, without the celibacy but also without kids?

 

[Holly3278]

Strangely enough, it is for women. She could become a Consecrated Virgin. Guys, on the otherhand, are left hanging. I guess that’s payback for letting only men become priests.

Holly, perhaps I am misunderstanding but wouldn’t the religious life involve lifelong celibacy? Or are you saying you would prefer marriage, without the celibacy but also without kids?

Yes, the religious life would require celibacy and I am fine with that. I was jut discussing the alternatives.

 

[Cloisters]

Hi, Holly,

Your profile says you were born on the feast of St. Dominic. Why not look into the Third Order of St. Dominic? Are there any Dominicans in your area?

Blessings,
Cloisters