Comments on: The Role of Lay Associates in Religious Life http://anunslife.org/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/ Catholic Sisters and Nuns in Today's World Thu, 24 May 2012 22:10:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 By: Sister Julie http://anunslife.org/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-40453 Sister Julie Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:25:02 +0000 http://nuns2day.wordpress.com/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-40453 Hi Anne Sheila, I encourage you to check out the post <a href="http://anunslife.org/2007/08/15/becoming-a-nun-after-40ish/" rel="nofollow">Becoming a Nun after 40ish</a>. There are some communities mentioned there that will work with women over 40 and into their 50s. Also, there are a couple communities that I know of in the UK who have nuns who blog. Be sure to check them out because they'd be better able to help with locating religious and lay communities in England. <a href="http://www.benedictinenuns.org.uk/blog/colophon.php" rel="nofollow">Colophon</a> – Holy Trinity Monastery, East Hendred (Benedictine nuns in the Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire) <a href="http://colwichnov.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow">Colwich Novitiate</a> – Benedictine Nuns of Saint Mary’s Abbey, Colwich, England Blessings on your search, Anne Sheila. Keep discerning this. Hi Anne Sheila, I encourage you to check out the post Becoming a Nun after 40ish. There are some communities mentioned there that will work with women over 40 and into their 50s. Also, there are a couple communities that I know of in the UK who have nuns who blog. Be sure to check them out because they’d be better able to help with locating religious and lay communities in England.

Colophon – Holy Trinity Monastery, East Hendred (Benedictine nuns in the Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire)

Colwich Novitiate – Benedictine Nuns of Saint Mary’s Abbey, Colwich, England

Blessings on your search, Anne Sheila. Keep discerning this.

]]> By: anne sheila http://anunslife.org/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-38812 anne sheila Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:27:41 +0000 http://nuns2day.wordpress.com/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-38812 Hello Sisters I want to join a lay/associate community in England (North West). I want to get closer to God, I want some structure in my life and discipline. I would like to find out about the different orders - where do I start? I am a mature woman in her late 40s. I have had a divorce and an anullment. I have two teenagers and when they are independent I would like to become a nun - is this at all possible? My talents and gifts are music, art, writing - I just want to serve God but I have a priority of my two children at the moment. Can people like me ever become a nun later in life? If so, which order would welcome me? God Bless Hello Sisters

I want to join a lay/associate community in England (North West). I want to get closer to God, I want some structure in my life and discipline. I would like to find out about the different orders – where do I start?

I am a mature woman in her late 40s. I have had a divorce and an anullment. I have two teenagers and when they are independent I would like to become a nun – is this at all possible? My talents and gifts are music, art, writing – I just want to serve God but I have a priority of my two children at the moment. Can people like me ever become a nun later in life? If so, which order would welcome me?

God Bless

]]> By: Anne http://anunslife.org/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-734 Anne Mon, 05 Feb 2007 15:56:28 +0000 http://nuns2day.wordpress.com/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-734 Thanks to Donna and Sr. Julie. Your input is invaluable and it gives me a starting point. You are in my prayers, please keep me in yours. God bless. Thanks to Donna and Sr. Julie. Your input is invaluable and it gives me a starting point. You are in my prayers, please keep me in yours. God bless.

]]> By: Sister Julie http://anunslife.org/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-742 Sister Julie Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:11:30 +0000 http://nuns2day.wordpress.com/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-742 Anne, I found the directory and will send you some info. And thanks, Donna ... good ideas! Anne, I found the directory and will send you some info.

And thanks, Donna … good ideas!

]]> By: Donna http://anunslife.org/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-736 Donna Mon, 05 Feb 2007 01:52:09 +0000 http://nuns2day.wordpress.com/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-736 Anne: Some of the Benedictine monasteries have different types of "live-in" programs where you can stay there for a year or two. Each congregation works it a little differently. From what I gather, no financial payment is usually required but you work in one of their ministries in exchange for room and board. You participate in the community and prayer life of the sisters. I don't know exactly how this all works, but I believe you have to get to know the community first, and they you, before you apply. I would think you need to go through some sort of a discernment period ahead of time too even though your stay would not be permanent. Just about every Benedictine house has a few weekly live-ins per year you could try out. One congregation that I know has/had such a program is The Benedictine Sisters of Erie, PA. Check them out. Look for others too. They are out there. BTW, hospitality is one of the Benedictine charisms. Good luck! donna Anne:

Some of the Benedictine monasteries have different types of “live-in” programs where you can stay there for a year or two. Each congregation works it a little differently. From what I gather, no financial payment is usually required but you work in one of their ministries in exchange for room and board. You participate in the community and prayer life of the sisters. I don’t know exactly how this all works, but I believe you have to get to know the community first, and they you, before you apply. I would think you need to go through some sort of a discernment period ahead of time too even though your stay would not be permanent. Just about every Benedictine house has a few weekly live-ins per year you could try out.

One congregation that I know has/had such a program is The Benedictine Sisters of Erie, PA. Check them out. Look for others too. They are out there. BTW, hospitality is one of the Benedictine charisms.

Good luck!

donna

]]> By: Anne http://anunslife.org/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-744 Anne Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:06:37 +0000 http://nuns2day.wordpress.com/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-744 Sr. Julie, were you able to find a resource on lay communities. Thanks and God Bless, Anne Sr. Julie, were you able to find a resource on lay communities. Thanks and God Bless, Anne

]]> By: Sister Julie http://anunslife.org/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-737 Sister Julie Mon, 22 Jan 2007 02:04:14 +0000 http://nuns2day.wordpress.com/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-737 Hi Anne ... thanks for your message. I think it is wonderful that you want to be in more of a community situation. It is a great way to serve God, learn more about oneself and others and God. I'd say check into a community that is intentional. There are some communities that have lay people, nuns/sisters/brothers, and priests. Some are ecumenical. If you are interested more in associating yourself with a particular congregation, check out either associate programs or congregations which have more of a community for/with lay people. I'm checking out a resource that one of my nuns has on lay communities. Will get back on this if it has some good info. Sister J Hi Anne … thanks for your message. I think it is wonderful that you want to be in more of a community situation. It is a great way to serve God, learn more about oneself and others and God. I’d say check into a community that is intentional. There are some communities that have lay people, nuns/sisters/brothers, and priests. Some are ecumenical. If you are interested more in associating yourself with a particular congregation, check out either associate programs or congregations which have more of a community for/with lay people. I’m checking out a resource that one of my nuns has on lay communities. Will get back on this if it has some good info. Sister J

]]> By: Anne http://anunslife.org/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-735 Anne Sat, 20 Jan 2007 18:47:28 +0000 http://nuns2day.wordpress.com/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-735 I have always had an affinity and love for nuns and how they love the Lord and at one time considered the convent (youth and the world got in the way). That being said, I am over 60, divorced with no nullification, have adult children and grandchildren and most importantly a burning desire to serve our God in a community based way of life. I truly do not know where to start and any direction would be most appreciated. I just want to serve in any capacity and I want to allow Christ to shine through me. Thank you and God bless. I have always had an affinity and love for nuns and how they love the Lord and at one time considered the convent (youth and the world got in the way). That being said, I am over 60, divorced with no nullification, have adult children and grandchildren and most importantly a burning desire to serve our God in a community based way of life. I truly do not know where to start and any direction would be most appreciated. I just want to serve in any capacity and I want to allow Christ to shine through me. Thank you and God bless.

]]> By: Sister Julie http://anunslife.org/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-740 Sister Julie Mon, 08 Jan 2007 13:09:00 +0000 http://nuns2day.wordpress.com/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-740 Donna, I am grateful for you taling about your experience. I absolutely agree with you that just because a lay person does things that are nun-like does not mean that you think you are a nun. The call from God is ultimately the same thing regardless of the particular lifestyle you are drawn to. And thank you, Jen, for your comment. We all are gifted people and have much to offer one another. We never know sometimes the delight we bring to others just be simply being who we are! And Donna, I am grateful for you taling about your experience. I absolutely agree with you that just because a lay person does things that are nun-like does not mean that you think you are a nun. The call from God is ultimately the same thing regardless of the particular lifestyle you are drawn to.

And thank you, Jen, for your comment. We all are gifted people and have much to offer one another. We never know sometimes the delight we bring to others just be simply being who we are! And

]]> By: Jen http://anunslife.org/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-741 Jen Sat, 06 Jan 2007 15:14:36 +0000 http://nuns2day.wordpress.com/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-741 Reading the comments here has given me a lot of food for thought...I've been an unaffiliated Benedictine Oblate for awhile. I've always had a hard time with receiving hospitality because it felt like I had nothing to give back. Maybe I do, after all... Reading the comments here has given me a lot of food for thought…I’ve been an unaffiliated Benedictine Oblate for awhile. I’ve always had a hard time with receiving hospitality because it felt like I had nothing to give back. Maybe I do, after all…

]]> By: Donna Marlowe http://anunslife.org/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-739 Donna Marlowe Fri, 05 Jan 2007 19:15:11 +0000 http://nuns2day.wordpress.com/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-739 Julie and susan rose: Thanks for your thoughtful responses. I have a few comments to add. To me, it seems the essential role of a lay associate (or any serious, practicing Christian for that matter) is akin to that of a sister; that is, to love, pray to and serve the Lord. Some of our ways of achieving this are obviously a little different - especially when it comes to our home lives and amount of time we have available for prayer. Lay associates and sisters can sometimes be kindred spirits as we have many of the same interests and motivations - to discern and act on the will of God in our lives. One of the reasons I love to get together with some of the sisters is because it's great to be with other spiritual people with whom one can share the faith and stories about the journey. It's not always easy to do this in the outside world. It's necessary sometimes, but it's not always comfortable. To me, the monastery is a sort is sort of like an oasis in the desert. There is a certain energy there. And it's very peaceful. It's easy to sense God's presence there. I find the differences between sisters and lay are a joy. We really learn a lot from each other. So many sisters I know have been deeply prayerful women for decades. They are great as spiritual friends. Now let's talk about education. Most of the sisters I know have been teachers, principals, counsellors and the like. This helps alot when we discuss child rearing! (My daughter is quite the challenge! I need all the help I can get.). On the other hand, I think some of the sisters enjoy hearing our stories about the trials and tribulations of family life and our careers out in the secular world. Often, the job-related expertise of the lay associates can be helpful to the sisters. It seems we always have plenty to talk about. The fellowship is really nice. I usually do a one-week silent retreat every summer and a few weekend ones during the year. I'd love to do a monastic live-in sometime - maybe for a month or so. But that isn't going to happen anytime soon. As susan rose mentioned though, there are alot of new developments in this area. Julie, it's interesting you made that pseudo-nun comment. I certainly can't speak for everyone, but I personally do what I do because of my desire to get closer to God. This sometimes involves me doing the same things nuns do. But it's not because I think I'm a nun. It's because I seek holiness and union with God. I hope I'm making myself clear. If not, ask away. donna Julie and susan rose:

Thanks for your thoughtful responses. I have a few comments to add.

To me, it seems the essential role of a lay associate (or any serious, practicing Christian for that matter) is akin to that of a sister; that is, to love, pray to and serve the Lord. Some of our ways of achieving this are obviously a little different – especially when it comes to our home lives and amount of time we have available for prayer. Lay associates and sisters can sometimes be kindred spirits as we have many of the same interests and motivations – to discern and act on the will of God in our lives.

One of the reasons I love to get together with some of the sisters is because it’s great to be with other spiritual people with whom one can share the faith and stories about the journey. It’s not always easy to do this in the outside world. It’s necessary sometimes, but it’s not always comfortable. To me, the monastery is a sort is sort of like an oasis in the desert.
There is a certain energy there. And it’s very peaceful. It’s easy to sense God’s presence there.

I find the differences between sisters and lay are a joy. We really learn a lot from each other. So many sisters I know have been deeply prayerful women for decades. They are great as spiritual friends. Now let’s talk about education. Most of the sisters I know have been teachers, principals, counsellors and the like. This helps alot when we discuss child rearing! (My daughter is quite the challenge! I need all the help I can get.).

On the other hand, I think some of the sisters enjoy hearing our stories about the trials and tribulations of family life and our careers out in the secular world. Often, the job-related expertise of the lay associates can be helpful to the sisters. It seems we always have plenty to talk about. The fellowship is really nice.

I usually do a one-week silent retreat every summer and a few weekend ones during the year. I’d love to do a monastic live-in sometime – maybe for a month or so. But that isn’t going to happen anytime soon. As susan rose mentioned though, there are alot of new developments in this area.

Julie, it’s interesting you made that pseudo-nun comment. I certainly can’t speak for everyone, but I personally do what I do because of my desire to get closer to God. This sometimes involves me doing the same things nuns do. But it’s not because I think I’m a nun. It’s because I seek holiness and union with God. I hope I’m making myself clear. If not, ask away.

donna

]]> By: Lily http://anunslife.org/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-738 Lily Fri, 05 Jan 2007 18:16:26 +0000 http://nuns2day.wordpress.com/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-738 I, personally like the idea of lay members. I know a few young women who were lay members before entering vowed life, and they said it helped them greatly. I dont think that a large lay body is a substitute for professed religious. I have seen some communities with a large group of lay memebers, and not many accual nuns. I think that there needs to be a balance, in more ways than in numbers. I, personally like the idea of lay members. I know a few young women who were lay members before entering vowed life, and they said it helped them greatly. I dont think that a large lay body is a substitute for professed religious. I have seen some communities with a large group of lay memebers, and not many accual nuns. I think that there needs to be a balance, in more ways than in numbers.

]]> By: susan rose http://anunslife.org/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-743 susan rose Fri, 05 Jan 2007 15:11:36 +0000 http://nuns2day.wordpress.com/2007/01/05/the-role-of-lay-affiliates-in-religious-life/#comment-743 Our Associates are part of what give me hope about the future of religious life. They aree wonderful men and women who really carry our charism into the world. They also bring so much to our gatherings, our prayer, our discussion. We even have some associates who are exploring "new ways of belonging" and living with vowed members in intentional communities. Our Associates are part of what give me hope about the future of religious life. They aree wonderful men and women who really carry our charism into the world. They also bring so much to our gatherings, our prayer, our discussion. We even have some associates who are exploring “new ways of belonging” and living with vowed members in intentional communities.

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