Consecrated Women Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know that I am called to be a Sister?
- How do I know which community to enter?
- What is the first step in entering a consecrated community?
How do I know that I am called to be a Sister?
When you find your ability to love and to be loved is beginning to take root and grow; when you feel an urge to participate fully in life, to understand different people, cultures and ideas; when you see the poor, the hungry, the lonely the imprisoned and the lost, in need of a hand, a smile, and you answer; when you realize that they look at you and in them you see Christ, you have the gift to serve them. They need you. When you find your faith, hope and charity inspire you to devote your life in service of the people, when these charismatic qualities together with other necessary natural endowments such as physical, moral and intellectual fitness meet with the approval of the community, you know.
The choosing of a specific community is dependent chiefly on your unique gifts, talents and the field of service where you feel you can best serve Christ. If you feel drawn to a call of prayer and solitude, a contemplative community would be your choice. Your selection of an active service community may be determined by your call to serve in nursing, education, social work or other areas of need. You will need to choose among many communities, one where you think you feel most at home. It is important that you get to know the Sisters from various communities before making a choice. You may be invited to attend a live-in or a retreat.
What is the first step in entering a consecrated community?
Generally, a woman must be at least of college age and pursuing a college degree or a career. She must be growing in responsibility, independence and ability to make decisions. Becoming a member means becoming gradually acquainted with a community's members and spirit, and allowing oneself to be known by the community. This means that you will continue to live in your own place of study or work. You will be in contact with the community through prayer, guidance and short periods of experience in community living. This period varies from a few months to a year depending on the needs of the individual and the community's knowledge of the person. During this period you will begin to know your desire and capacity to live a religious life.
After this period of contact with the community, when you feel you wish to experience this kind of life more fully, you will enter a training period within the community. The type and length of training will vary with the community. The period usually lasts from one to three years. The purpose is to initiate you into religious life, to give you an opportunity to live it, and to determine your suitability for this life. Then through a mutual decision, the woman is invited to make vows.
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