Writing to an order - replies?

[DL82]

I’ve written to the Carthusians recently, and am not sure how long I should wait for a reply. I tried e-mailing them, and waited 5 weeks with no reply, then I decided to write.

I know St Benedict said that when someone comes to the monastery door you should turn them away the first and second time, and if they really have a call they’ll come back a 3rd. Does the same hold true for writing?

Maybe my non-committal writing (I’m not sure if I’m called, but I’d like to spend some time living with them so that I at least have a realistic idea of what it is that I’m discerning) is the problem. Again, I realise in St Bruno’s day, men probably just sold all they had and showed up at the Charterhouse door with their bundle on their backs, are they expecting that level of commitment from me before I even know what it is I’m committing to?

Is there a right format for how to write to a monastery? Any ideas?

 

[Allen537]

I would continue to write to them. Or if they have a phone number, try giving them a call. This may very well be a test for you.

As far as writing to an order, I don’t know of any formalities that would be specific to a religious order, just be honest and write from the heart.

God’s Blessings on your Journey!

In Carmel,

Br. Allen

 

[daughterofmary]

I would suggest waiting a bit longer if you recently wrote to them. It may take some months to receive a reply; especially considering their life. Advent is coming upon us too. They might not be able to write during the time. Then, if in three months you haven’t received a reply I would probably write again if I were still feeling as if I possibly might be called to them.

When I usually write to the monasteries I am in correspondence with it takes anywhere from two weeks to three months to receive a reply. It gives me a chance to practice patience though, pray further, and trust more. Our Lord is taking care of everything.

EDIT: I think you should write as you are moved to write. There is no use writing a certain way when that really isn’t how you are. Be yourself, and just write from the heart.

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

I would suggest waiting a bit longer if you recently wrote to them. It may take some months to receive a reply; especially considering their life. Advent is coming upon us too. They might not be able to write during the time. Then, if in three months you haven’t received a reply I would probably write again if I were still feeling as if I possibly might be called to them.

When I usually write to the monasteries I am in correspondence with it takes anywhere from two weeks to three months to receive a reply. It gives me a chance to practice patience though, pray further, and trust more. Our Lord is taking care of everything.

EDIT: I think you should write as you are moved to write. There is no use writing a certain way when that really isn’t how you are. Be yourself, and just write from the heart.

I have to agree. Be patient. Wait on their reply. I wrote an email to one of the Discalced Carmelite orders, and I didn’t hear back for over a month and a half. Their lifestyle doesn’t really allow them to write letters as soon as they receive them, especially if you are writing a contemplative order. But, if you are truly interested in the order, I would hope that this waiting period will help you discern if you are called there or not. That’s what happened to me. I found out that I wasn’t really interested in the order any longer due to intense spiritual reading. I found out that I am more Franciscan. That’s not to say that I am not wrong. I may have it completely backward, and then be led back to the Carmelites again. You just never really know.

Daughterofmary makes a very good point. One that I didn’t think of. Some orders take a fast from normal activities during Advent, which is very close, so that may extend the waiting period. Use this time to grow closer to Jesus, so that you may discern His will for your life. If you are that anxious about receiving an answer, just ask during prayers. You may be surprised! God bless you!

 

[Sister_Rose]

This is going to be on a very practical and mundane level.
Are you sure you have their contact information right? It might be worth checking to make sure the information you have is current.

 

[LilFranciscan25]

This is going to be on a very practical and mundane level.
Are you sure you have their contact information right? It might be worth checking to make sure the information you have is current.

Actually, that’s worth a look! Good idea

 

[NovemberFourth]

Hi

I understand your dilemma! I have recently started contacting orders. I emailed a total of four. Two of these, both of which I emailed twice still have not replied to me, months later.

One of the others did not respond to my first email simply because their email system was faulty - a fact which only came to light when I found and used an alternative email address.

I think that polite and gentle persistence will do no harm - I wondered if any of the orders I contacted had a policy of not replying to the first email, but - so far - I’ve had no real evidence of this.

In my case, it has all worked out very well as I am very interested in both of the orders I am now in contact with.

I hope it all goes well for you too.

Julie

 

[1234]

I would not email the Carthusians, even tho’ they may have an email address.

If any order doesn’t respond, I would snail mail them, mentioning the email and the email address so that they can test it to see if it is current. Then find out if you may email them from then on–or call. Email is better, tho’.

Then, if still interested, you should visit.