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Becoming a Nun After 40ish
I have received a number of emails and comments from women over 40 who want to become a sister but find that the usual cut-off age is around 40. I know that there are religious communities such as my own IHM community that do accept women over 40 on a person-by-person basis. I’d like to put together a list of these communities so that women over 40 have the opportunity to get to know these communities and truly explore the possibility of a religious vocation.
Please comment on this post or send me an email with the names of communities (including location) that you know of who accept women over 40.
Also, on the Vision Vocation Network Web site, there is a Vocation Match feature that asks, among other things, your age range. At the end of the questions is a list of your match results. This might be a resource for women over 40 (and anyone discerning a vocation) to check out.
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{ 78 comments }
I know Our Lady of the Rock on Shaw Island will take older vocations. I think the oldest person they had join was in her 50′s or 60′s.
Sister, why such a young cut off age? I should think that if someone has the call then they should be permitted to join. My husband’s priest (Anglican) was ordained in her late 40′s. I think the life experience that she has makes her a better priest.
The explaination I have heard from most sisters ( or at least, the ones thatt I have talked to ) is that it is very hard to adjust to the life after that time ( although this is not the case for every one, hence the case to case basis most orders have ). Most of these woman have been living under there own authority and sunddenly changing to a community life of obiediance can be very hard. I know an order that used to accept older vocations, but after every woman over forty left before the end of the postulency, they re-enstated it.
Sister,
I’d like to add that the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia (osbva.org) considers every single woman who knocks on the door on a case-by-case basis. Their goal is to listen to the Holy Spirit and discern a fit. I believe the oldest person they have, to date, accepted was 68. A 40ish woman with a vocation to religious, monastic life would be more than welcome to discern with this community.
We, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (www.fspa.org), invite Catholic women of all origins and backgrounds to consider a vocation to religious life in our community. Membership is open to single Catholic women, ages 19-50, who want a deeper relationship with God and who seek community and a life of gospel service.
Dorothy Dunbar, FSPA
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
912 Market Street
La Crosse, WI 54601-8800
Telephone: 608-791-5608
Toll-free: 888-683-FSPA
Fax: 608-782-6301
E-mail: membership@fspa.org
I thought I would jump in here. My community, the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart in Frankfort, IL http://www.fssh.com accepts candidates on an individual basis up to 50-ish. Our current novice is “older.”
My congregation-the Ursulines accepts women over 40-our two recent entrants where 45 and 55-check us out on http://www.osueast.org and http://www.osucentral.org-We‘re part of the Roman Union USA Ursulines
The Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith, AR accept women up to the age of 45.
I believe that most or all of the 23 congregations belonging to the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph accept women in their 40′s. Some individual congregations within the Sisters of St. Joseph also accept women in their 50′s and 60′s.
http://www.sistersofsaintjosephfederation.org/
Thanks for all the responses … keep them coming. It is a real help to those persons who are in the 40+ range.
Martha, Lily pretty much summed up the main reasons with her response. Being a nun is about one’s whole lifestyle, relationships, vision, and worldview. When a person is younger, these things tend to be much more fluid (generally speaking). The period of formation is a time to immerse oneself in these things and have the flexibility to make the community lifestlye, relationships, vision, and world view a part of one’s own—not getting rid of one’s own way of being, but wedding the two together, allowing them to mutually influence (“form”) one another. That being said, women who are “older” definitely have this capacity to be fluid and be formed though it might be a bit more challenging.
There are also other considerations that usually don’t apply with younger people. For example, I heard a couple older women say they want to join religious life as a kind of way to retire, that is, to spend the later phase of their life in peace and quiet in a place where they are “taken care of”. While such persons may have spiritual reasons as well, this idea of retiring as a reason for a vocation should be questioned. By far though, the older folks I’ve met and gotten to know are genuinely searching and discerning women. No matter what the “general rule” is, you must be true to your call and where God is leading you. You might be surprised!
Perhaps a person in formation work can jump in here and offer any other considerations regarding “older” women and vocations.
The Sisters of St Joseph of Peace (www.csjp.org) accept women age 20-50. Also we have been known to accept women over 50 on a case by case basis.
God calls us at different stages of our lives. There was a time when I, at 35, would have been considered a very late vocation and required a dispensation from the Vatican!!
Greetings,
Sorry I didn’t reply sooner. On August 22nd I will have entered this congregation 14 years ago. I was 40. I now do vocation ministry for our congregation. Looking back over those years, we have had women enter who were younger than 40 and older than forty. Our stated upper age-limit is 45. There could be some reasons why we might make an exception.
Oops! I forgot to say we are the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael. Our website is http://www.sanrafaelop.org.
Peace, Pat
Thank you for the answers Sisters. I appreciate them.
M
I, too, would echo the general consensus that my community seems to look at individuals on a case-by-case basis. I am not aware of a strict cut-off age. I am a candidate with the Grand Rapids Dominicans, (in Michigan), and the two Sisters who entered (and stayed) before, I believe, were in their 40s and 50s at the time of entrance. I believe the thinking is much the same throughout most of the congregations of Dominican women in the US (with the exception of some of the more “traditional” communities such as Nashville and Ann Arbor).
It would seem to me that age is highly over rated. A woman over 40 has had time to live life, to experiment, and search long enough to know that what she is seeking cannot be found in a secular life. She is going in with “eyes wide open”, as opposed to the girl barely out of highschool carrying a lot of the angst typical of the under-30 crowd. Expectations are more realistic…and an awareness that nothing comes easily or automatically would give her “staying power” over the long haul.
Not to say that there aren’t lots of younger women who meet that criteria… Just making an observation from the older ladies I know myself.
Is this list just for cloistered Orders where nuns live in community? I would think that a third-order or oblate Religious life would suit many women perhaps burdened with family obligations or something. We have a couple of ladies in their almost-senior years as novices. http://www.oblates.net
Greeting dear sister
it was very interesting to read you blog
i am at present 41 and discernig my vocation and walkiing with a community at the moment i have been looking fo 4 years now for the right type of comunity that i feel the lord has called me to,
i have discovered many novices here in the uk who are all over 40 in fact the large magority of vocations in the uk at the moment i believe are all late 30′s and over.
yes it is difficult for some women to adjust but perhaps they dont have a vocation. most of my fiends ind most of the adjustment easy with onl the odd thng a stumble for them for myself it is not the obedience but it is just like anything else getting used to ther people and there personalities and accepting each one for who they are and not who we want them or think they should be.
i find the ack of information available here in the uk a stumbling block as most people dont know where to begin when they start lookng and therefor can take them longer to find communties
i think women in there forties have much to give and a great deal still to learn . but most important i believe if the lord call who are we to hold someone back but really if it is the will of God then they willbe in the pace the lord has willed for them and there will be no barriers.
Hi, got your name mixed up oops! I should have said – i was in a rush to get to meditation – I am Adele, a 41 yr old postulant in an enclosed Benedictine order in England, our novice Sr Mary Magdalen – see blog entry on this site – Teresa’s clothing, is also over 40. I have met communities in the past who didn’t take over 40′s their reasons were always as others have said about adjusting, though interestingly if you have already tested a vocation elsewhere age seems to matter less. Perhaps they think you know what you are letting yourself in for. Adele, St Mary’s Abbey Colwich England. We have our own blog at http://www.colwichnov.wordpress.com if you want to see more or check out our main site.
Just a reminder, the St. Mary’s Abbey at Colwich, UK is Benedictine, not Dominican!
whoops! thanks for that! I made the correction in the original post (the above is a pingback).
I don’t know what their official policy is, but the Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth in NJ (an active/contemplative order) take women past the age of 40. I believe their current novice is around 50.
Thanks, deerose and everyone, for all the suggestions. Keep them coming. I get so many inquiries from folks over 40 who are interested in religious life — so this will be a great resource for them. You guys rock!
Have you looked into the Domincian Sisters in Milwaukee WI of the Visitation Sisters in Toledo. I am 52 and am in communication with both, in fact in April I am going to Toledo for a Vocation Retreat.
This is a wonderful site for those of us being called to Religious life after age 40. However, most of the convents mentioned are not of the traditional convent, hence, no habits worn. I feel very strong that I am called to be in a convent that wears a habit. Is their more convents like Our Our Lady of the Rock that still wear the habit and are willing to accept women in their mid to late 40′s?
Hi Charla, Thanks for writing. I hope others can respond to this because I’m not sure what the age limits are for other communities. I’ll also check in with some of my friends in other religious communities. Sister J.
Charla-
I trust Sr. Julie’s skill and judgment more than my own, but I found this website with a listing of “more traditional” communities that wear habits. http://holyvocations.blogspot.com/2006/08/nuns-traditional-orders-and.html
I do not know their respective positions on age, although I did notice from other sites that many traditional Orders generally prefer applicants to be under 35 years of age.
I cannot vouch for this website, and hope that Sr. Julie would correct me if this response is inappropriate.
Best of prayers and blessings.
Thanks, David. The blog post you linked to contains a number of links to religious communities that wear habits. While I do not agree with the blogger’s perspective on congregations that don’t wear the traditional habit, I still think his post and the readers’ comments are valuable.
Charla, I think you’ll have to check in with each community. Developing a relationship with the community is one of the most important things so that you can get to know one another and see if it “fits”. Though many have an age limit, they might be willing to discern with you.
Dear Sister Julie,
While you and I agree on the habit issue (and, it seems, just about everything else), I want to say that I am particularly proud of your honesty and willingness to assist those persons with positions different than ours.
Ironically, such a catholic approach seems less common among those who self-identify as “Traditional Catholic,” than those who self-identify otherwise.
You continue to be awesome and a blessing to so many.
P.S.- Enjoying “My Monastery is a Minivan,” although I suspect my opinion differs from that of our “traditional habits should be mandatory” blogger.
Dear Sister Julie,
Thank you for your response. I did check out the web sites suggested. They all have an age limit of 30 or 35. Many convents sometimes do make exceptions. However, I do have a couple health problems that does limit me somewhat. I just can’t do physical labor for hours on end like I use to. With that said, I still have alot that I can do. I will be going to Our Lady of the Rock for discernment. I believe that it just may be the place for me, since God is guiding me in that direction. I would still like other names if anyone knows of other places.
For the record.. I do not have anything against religious orders who do not wear a habit. God Bless all Sisters who are serving God and their communities.
I now know why I never see Nuns anymore out and about.
I think this sign needs to be out there for all to see that our faith is alive a well and we are here to serve all.
Blessing,
Charla
Charla:
I don’t know how old you are but the Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth take older vocations. I’m not sure what the limit is but one presently in formation is 50. I would say the congregation is moderate-conservative-traditional and about half of the sisters wear habits, half don’t. It’s the choice of the sister either way. BTW, they are in NJ. You can google their site.
dee
Deerose, Thank you! I looked at their web site and this will be one that I can check into. Thanks so much. God Bless,
Charla
Hello! I would like to know if there are vocations anywhere in the world that accept applicants 45 years old and of any nationality? Can speak, write and understand English, almost like a native? Felt a calling but too early to tell… Thanks…
Dear Lyn, My post here and the comments people have left contain the most info that I know of about congregations that accept applicants age 40 and older.
I encourage you to get to know sisters, their community, and their way of life. Let them know about your calling. It’s difficult to discern a call to religious life in isolation or alone. Connect with them and see how God continues to call you.
There are many religious communities that have sisters of many nationalities and native languages. English-speaking communities do have non-native English-speaking sisters in their communities. Same is true for congregations with other languages as their primary language. Again, the best thing I can recommend is to get to know a community that you are attracted to and continue your prayerful discernment. Blessings to you, Lyn. Please let me know if I can help.
Sister Julie
Thanks Sister Julie. Your fast reply is very reassuring. Yes, the calling is growing stronger, it gets a bit scary, but not frightful.
Thank you… I will be in touch.
I’m glad to help in whatever way I can. Know that the feelings of scariness are very normal for discernment. I was surprised as I was discerning to find that I had an intense attraction and resistance at exactly the same time. It wasn’t frightful either — just fearful in the biblical sense of encountering something, Someone, who is awesome. When I enter into discernment mode for other things now, I sense these two things but now I know it’s part of the Spirit helping me along.
Lyn, It helps a lot to speak to your Priest also. Your Priest may become or suggest another Priest to become your spiritual director. It is my understanding that what is suppose to happen is that through your parish you get a vocations director, but me being 48, no one is sending me to him. My priest however has been very helpful in what to look out for etc.. I tell my Priest what order I am looking into and he checks it out to make sure that it is alright, as there are orders out there who claim to be Catholic, but do not abide by or are in line with Rome.
God Bless. I will say a Rosary for your discernment. Charla
Ah, well, I just stumbled across this site and I will send this for chuckle. Me? I’m 57. Also divorced. Alas. With grown kids. When I was very young I was so drawn to the Carthusians… and all of my life have felt such an enormous pull to that life. Down with the flu today I decided to Google them, just in case… oh dear.
I didn’t get to age issues.
Because of course one must be a VIRGIN. I am SO not a virgin.
I wasn’t married in the Church… and just out of curiosity, do divorced women become nuns ever? Meanwhile I think the thing for me to consider is a yurt, a bowl and a wooden spoon, a hard cot, an acre, and a spiritual advisor. Right? No?
Love to you all. And no disrespect to the beautiful Carthusians.
Thanks for writing to me on my blog. Some congregations do accept folks over 40 … if you are drawn to that life but don’t want to or can’t become a full-fledged member, you could consider lay membership or associate membership. Don’t know much about how the Carthusians do this sort of thing but if you still feel drawn to it, check it out!
And, you don’t have to be a virgin to be a nun — you do have to be celibate. Divorced women can become nuns but if they were married in the Catholic Church then they have to have an annulment.
Blessings, Bekka. Hope you feel better.
Sister Julie
I want to become a nun in the UK england
please help me where do i start
Dear Anna,
I recommend you get in touch with religious communities in England. These are the ones that I know of off-hand …
Colwich Novitiate (Benedictine Nuns)
Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loretto Sisters)
Mercy Sisters of Great Britain
Dominican Sisters
Hope this helps … any other advice from my English Sisters?
Blessings, Anna.
Sister Julie
It would be interesting to form an order designed especially for older women (no cut off age) seeking a deeper relationship with God in a community setting. In India, men and women, enter religious life after their householder duties are done. Retirement age is called the “Forest Age.” A model that would be attractive to me would be the Hermit Lara concept in which each person would have their own small hut or cabin surrounding a central chapel and community room. One could live a shared contemplative life yet have more space for individual prayer and privacy. Perhaps if it were open to both men and women, a priest might be available for daily Mass.
What a blessing this thread is! Just when I am about to throw my hands up, I run across a breath of fresh air such as this!
When considering orders that accept mature vocations, don’t forget the Olivetan Benedictines in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Sr. Julie, I’ve bookmarked you…
Vivian
Thanks, Vivian! I’m glad to have an ongoing list of congregations open to vocations over 40. There are many.
The Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth also take vocations over 40. I believe the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia) do as well. They are an apostolic order.
dee
I’m 55, never married and beginning my novitiate next year with the Dominicans. I’ve been in fulltime ministry all my adult life. Some congregations may list an age limit, but will consider on an individual basis.
I have had an interest in becoming a nun from the time I was young. I was married in the past, but didn’t become Catholic until after I was divorced 16 years ago. I have been celibate for that entire time. I am currently a church organist and choir director, but am interested in pursuing a full-time religious vocation. My children are grown. I am 50. Am I too old? Would I need an anulment despite not being married in the Catholic church?
I am 48 and discerning with the Sheffield Carmel in the UK – http://www.kirkedge.org.uk/index.html . The Wolverhampton Carmel in the UK – http://www.wolvercarmvocations.org.uk/ and St. Helen’s Carmel in the UK – http://www.carmelite.org.uk/StHelens.html have no age limits – as do most UK and Irish orders.
Tyburn Convent of Benedictine Nuns, UK:
http://www.tyburnconvent.org.uk/index2.html
In Ireland, there are the Poor Clare Colettines of:
Galway PCCs: http://www.poorclares.ie/page3.html and a wonderful Irish TV interview with them at http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0528/nationwide.html .
Carlow PCCs: old website http://www.poorclares.homestead.com/index.html and their new website http://www.poorclarescarlow.ie/ .
Dublin PCCs: http://www.pccdamians.ie/index.htm
In the US, the Visitation orders take older:
Toledo: http://www.toledovisitation.org/ and see this page of the Office of Vocations for Toledo diocese at http://www.toledovocations.com/women-in-formation/women-in-formation.html 2 of these women are in their early 70′s! and the others are over 40.
Tyringham Visitation: http://www.vistyr.org/index.html
Rockville, VA Visitation: http://www.visitmontemaria.com/
There are many good, traditional and full habited orders that take over 40 – some in the US and many overseas. It’s a shame the US is so prejudiced in a sense about age. I know many Mother Prioresses and Abbesses who prefer older women and know God calls at all ages and they aren’t going to be the ones to tell God “no” by turning women away due to age! A Mother Abbess of a PCC community said that almost just as many old women leave an order as young women do and age has nothing to do with it – it’s do they HAVE a vocation and willing to give God ALL!
You’re right! Age and habit are NOT the issue. I’m in the novitiate with an order that does not wear a habit, yet an order who knows that it is GOD who calls! Though I’m single and never married at 55 one of my community sisters is in her 60′s, a mother and grandmother whom God called in her later years!
thank you for all your comments and posts…I just turned 40 and I am trying to find an order welcome me with open arms, being older…..it took me this long to understand and accept that God was calling me…I was to unfocused and confused in my late 20′s. I m now more spiritually matured, and focused on His Plan…..thank you for your posts,,,,,,this was a great breath of fresh air!
Charla, I am in the Novitiate of the Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception in New Britain, CT. We are a Marian community, accept older vocations, and wear a royal blue habit in honor of Our Lady. Candidates are accepted on an individual basis. The website is currently being reworked but you can still check out the site at this time. Hope the information is helpful for you or anyone whom the good God may be calling. Sr Julie I hope this information is helpful for all women who have a vocation and don’t fit into the ‘younger’ age bracket. I am in my 40s, and needed to find a community who was willing to accept someone a bit older.
Thanks, Mary Sharon!
Dear Sister Julie,
I can not praise God enough that He lead me to this site for women who long for religious life over 40. I have been in and out of countless of convents for the last 3 years, all answers from the superiors were the same…’No, sorry you are too old!’. The only reason why I do not give up is that God says, ‘Seek and you shall find’. So, I am still seeking but I still am not finding. I am willing to go anywhere at any time. I have no attachments to my belongings nor to the world in which I live. I just need someone to take me seriously and give me a chance for postulancy so that I can continue to know God more and more intimitely. To serve and seek Him is ‘ultimate’. Please help! God Bless you and yours, Nancy Teresa.
Hello Nancy Teresa,
The Servants of the Sacred Cross do not have an age limit. They were founded as an ecumenical lay sisterhood, and accept Catholics, Anglicans and Orthodox. They have extern sisters, who live and serve in their own parishes; they also recently started a convent of contemplatives. They are based in Nova Scotia, Canada.
The Eudists of the Eleventh Hour accept Roman Catholic women between the ages of 45 and 65. They are based in Tijuana, but after a short novitiate, their sisters may return to serve in their own communities.
I want to devote my life to the one and only. Where do I start?
Dear Karie, You start here and now. God is with you and calling you. Spend time in prayer talking and listening to God. Ask God to help you to get to know God better and to discover how you can respond to the calling. I encourage you to find ways to serve others for in doing that we are following God. See if you can volunteer at a homeless shelter or writing for a parish newsletter or spending time with a cousin who needs some extra care and attention. I also encourage you to read and pray with scripture. There are some good passages to start with on the page How to Become a Catholic Nun. Blessings, Karie.
Hi Sister Julie!
What about becoming a sister before one is 18? I am only 15, 16 in a month. Would it be possible for me to begin my postulancy in a year or 2? Do I have to complete this year and another 2 years of high school before I can enter? I’m getting to know the community, I already know a few of the sisters who are a part of it and I’m looking to see if I can do my service hours for school at the motherhouse. Do you think they would consider letting me begin entrance before I turn 18? Thanks
Dear Amanda, Typically under 18 is too young to begin any formal process to become a sister. But by all means use this time, even now, to get to know the sisters, to see what they are like, how they prayer. Join them at any public event that they have just to get a feel for who they are and how they live. They also will be able to get a sense of what you are like. This is so important, Amanda, and a critical step in discernment. Many congregations would be delighted to have this “pre-entrance” time with you. Then when you are 18 or older you’ll be in a much better place to respond to how God is calling you. My prayers are with you, Amanda.
Dear Sister Julie, I once was a Sister in an Order that had an active
apostolate. I lived the LIFE for 11 years and I must say I struggled .I wanted to be truly called by GOD, to be one of His special souls, to be always near Him and serve Him each day.But, It was hard on me. It has now been 25 years since I left and since that time, I was married in the Catholic Church,divorced for 2 years and now raising on my own an adopted 14 year old child. Here is my dilemma. I keep thinking about returning to Religious Life (like, seriously, what Religious Order would take me back now?) It is a constant thought , I even have dreams about being back. I search (just to see as it were ) whether certain Roman Catholic congregations re-accept former sisters/nuns. And of course, if the answer is “YES”, I still need to fullfill my obligation of raising my son. I try to attend daily Mass, and whenever possible to make a Holy Hour every day. I need His guidance in this matter, very much. I am glad I stumbled upon this web-page. Any advice you can give , I would be grateful of it. Thank-You
Sincerely,
Genevieve
Dear Sister Julie,
I realise that there are a couple of orders for older women who accept women who are married, divorced, widowed, or single in Mexico and Canada. I am located in the UK and I would very much like to start my own order for older women who are married, divorced, widowed, or single.
How do I begin the process of starting a new order of sisters?
Any and all advice would be very much appreciated.
Thank you very much indeed.
Best Regards,
Mary
Hi Mary, thanks for writing. I’m not really sure what the process is like. I have a couple suggestions though: consult with a group of Catholic sisters who might be willing to serve as mentors as you envision what your community might look like. They can guide you around religious life and how the current form of religious life might be adapted to a new kind of community. It may not be “religious life” by definition but it may fit into one of the forms of consecrated life that is recognized by the Church. Speaking of the Church, I would also suggest contacting a Church agent. New church organizations need to have the support of a local bishop or priest. Again I’m not really sure how this works, but it’s probably something to check into. You might also check out the Sisters for Christian Community. Several of their sisters are in the UK. They are a bit different from what you are proposing, but they may be worth checking out to see how they became who they are. Blessings, Mary. May you follow God’s call wherever it leads!
Dear Sister Julie,
Thank you very much indeed for your valuable help. My sincerest apologies for the delay in replying. I’ve been very busy trying to catch up on my e-mail among various other things.
God bless you! Take care!
Best Regards,
Mary
hello, i`m 31 years old girl from Libya and i live in libya, i want to become a nun but i don`t know what to do or where to go , please help me
p.s. i can`t declare my conversion to christianity in my country other wise they would kill me(in islam if a muslim became non-muslim he would be killed!) .
Ransom, thank you for writing. I am not familiar with the Catholic Church in Libya nor the overall religious situation. I would suggest (if safe to do so) talking with someone you know personally who lives in your area and is a Christian and asking their advice. If possible you might also look for the Catholic diocese in Libya. I found this web address but do not know much about it — http://www.catholicinlibya.com/. Also there appear to be a number of Franciscan friars in Libya and Northern Africa. They might be of help to you. Be safe, Ransom, and know you are in our prayers.
Dear sister julie,
thanks so much for your reply,,, but as i told i`m afraid of doing any step here in my country, there`re many obstacles.
i sent e-mails to many churches outside Libya asking for help and to take me as a nun but no reply!!!! i`m willing to travel on my own budget to any place i just need to know that i`ll be accepted and welcomed,,,,,, can you help if i traveled to where you are?
faith is not just words or a custume, it`s the core from which good actions radiate
We have started a “Project” an emerging community of Catholic women in Chicago in April 2007. We will be open to any age and women with some health problems as long as they can care for themselves and “live the life” which is Monastic/Active. We are parish based (St. Thomas More, Chg.), Augustinian Rule, habit and veil wearing! We hope to evangelize and catechize by using the Sacred Fine Arts (music, art, writing, architecture (pilgrimages) culinary arts (fine meals). Our name is The Sisters of The Real Presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Call us at 773-984-8725. Sr. Kathleen Marie
I am wondering about recent converts to catholicism. I am a never married 48 year old but have been protestant since I was 17, serving on the mission field and in nursing. Now I am only in RCIA, maybe it is impossible to consider religious life as I haven’t been catholic my whole life. I am too embarrassed to ask anyone at the church about this as I am just new to catholic teaching and perhaps they would think it ridiculous. thank you.
Hi Amanda, thank you for writing. Sister Maxine and I are going to take this question on our Ask Sister podcast tonight: Ask Sister … converts, nun schedule, what to say. Tune in!
@ converting, etc. … I am sure you sisters know generally more about this then I do, but I want to share something –
I am lutheran and I have always heart that one has to wait for three years after converting to catholicism before becoming a catholic sister. One day I discussed this with my spiritual director (she is a catholic sister), because that actually really annoyed me, because I felt my “faith” somewhat “less valued”…
On our next meeting, she surprised me saying that this general spread assumption is wrong! She said she had gotten used to it by hearing it all the time, but then after our meeting decided to look it up in canon law… And surprise… it is not there! Since the 1983 revision, there is no longer an “official” time period.
She is a theologian and actually double checked her “discovery” with a canon lawyer of the diocese – - and he also said that there is no offical waiting period.
Of course that does not mean that everybody should jump into the nearest convent after converting / being baptised. But that leaves more freedom to really look at an individual basis on each person.
Paz, thanks for pitching in here. Appreciate it. Most congregations wait at least 2 years till accepting a person into novitiate but that doesn’t mean that the person and community can’t begin some of the formal steps of joining and getting to know one another. Appreciate the info!
Sitster Juile, Thank you so much for this help from all the sisters e-mailing in information for me. I have really been searching for along time to find out the age limit of religious nuns orders? Since I have felt called by God at 55. Once I was called at 14. But, my mother said no. Now I am divored but not married in the church. I became a catholic late in life. Due to Our Blessed Mother. I conferted 4 years ago. I love God So much, I want to give myself. Ipray He will guide me.
God Bless all of you and good luck. I don’t believe I am yet worthy of serving God. I ask for your prayers.
thankyou sisters for all the info,i am 47yrs been celebant for 20yrs despite being married i was not married in the church so can be divorced, i am used to living the simple life, have no problems cutting off my hair and giving up what little i have not so far would like a community that wears habits can live without all the modcons love the peace of gregorian chant it is a shame i left it to long to join will try and live the life peace be with you sisters
bless you sisters i wish i was young enough to join i am 47 and would fit into the life easily i am used to the simple life without all the mod cons i seek the peace of a quiet life
Caz, a number of congregations accept women well into their 50s. I suggest you consider getting a spiritual director, someone who can help you navigate your discernment. We’ll be talking about spiritual directors on our Ask Sister podcast today. Hope you can listen to the live or recorded broadcast.
Dear Sister Julie,
I originally posted here on 30 November 2009. I didn’t start an order of religious sisters for those over 40 – 50 + but I am joining an order next month in September. This is a very happy, exciting time for me but also comes with anxiety which I have been told is normal.
I want to thank you again for this web site and forum which helped me find the order I’m joining. I am truly grateful! God bless you always and all ways.
Sincerely in Jesus’ love,
Mary
UK
I have felt called to religious life since a child. At 19, I joined a very strict contemplative community for a couple of years but discerned the cloistered life was not my calling. I have communicated with and visited many communities. I guess my spirituality resonates most with communities that are contemporary and spirit-filled yet somewhat traditional in community life, simple gospel living and loyalty to the Church. I’m 53, but for a couple of years now, I’ve been discerning if the Lord might be calling me to perhaps start a new community for women of all ages who truly seek to give their lives to Christ in a deeper, more committed way in religious life. My vision of this community would be a simple gospel way of living (perhaps even have a simple habit) yet also have a refreshing contemporary flare that would provide creative contemporary liturgy and song, a dynamic spirituality that would personify the spirit of the Early Church, enable women to maintain their jobs (if they wish), their independence, etc. yet share with each other and support one another in community living. It would offer a kinder, gentler transition from lay life to community life (especially for older women) instead of uprooting one’s entire existence. It would be an Order for the 21st century! A careful even balance of contemporary and traditional values with a fresh enthusiasm that hopefully would attract many to serve Christ and His Church. I would love to know if any women out there might be interested in such a community or if any community out there already exists!
Caz,
The community you have envisioned sounds a lot like the order I’m joining in a few days. If you are interested I can provide you with their web address. This order of Sisters has members from various countries including the UK, Canada, USA, and Australia.
God bless you always and all ways!
Sincerely in Jesus’ love,
Mary
UK
Mary from the UK,
I’d be interested in knowing the name of the Order you are joining.
Peace,
Mary from the USA
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