Comments on: Testing Your Vocation http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/ Catholic Sisters and Nuns in Today's World Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:24:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 By: Sister Julie http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-51684 Sister Julie Fri, 25 Dec 2009 19:55:50 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-51684 Thank you Madeleine! Blessings to you from another coffee addict. :) Thank you Madeleine! Blessings to you from another coffee addict. :)

]]> By: Madeleine http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-51683 Madeleine Fri, 25 Dec 2009 19:29:34 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-51683 I continue to work to connect my life work (social work) with the peace I find in God. God bless sisters everywhere and may you know this very non-Religious, cigarette smoking & coffee addicted aging hippie is grateful for your presence in this world. Amen I continue to work to connect my life work (social work) with the peace I find in God. God bless sisters everywhere and may you know this very non-Religious, cigarette smoking & coffee addicted aging hippie is grateful for your presence in this world. Amen

]]> By: Madeleine http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-51682 Madeleine Fri, 25 Dec 2009 19:25:12 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-51682 What a fun website! I am almost 50 years old (still 25 in my head) and still discerning. As a child and young adult, I talked a lot about my attraction to a nun's life and devotion to God. My atheist/agnostic parents who raised me Lutheran would laugh and I would continue to explore New Age spirituality while pursuing graduate degrees in history and social work. Then, quietly but firmly, God revealed His plan: I was confirmed Roman Catholic several years ago (my parents flew in from out of state to lend their support at my confirmation, by the way). Suddenly, the notion of being a nun wasn't so unattainable. Yikes! I think I'm more of a retreat kind of person, really. But must add that the sisters I have met and have come to know are wonderfully intelligent, insightful, gracious and inspiring. What a fun website! I am almost 50 years old (still 25 in my head) and still discerning. As a child and young adult, I talked a lot about my attraction to a nun’s life and devotion to God. My atheist/agnostic parents who raised me Lutheran would laugh and I would continue to explore New Age spirituality while pursuing graduate degrees in history and social work.

Then, quietly but firmly, God revealed His plan: I was confirmed Roman Catholic several years ago (my parents flew in from out of state to lend their support at my confirmation, by the way). Suddenly, the notion of being a nun wasn’t so unattainable. Yikes!

I think I’m more of a retreat kind of person, really. But must add that the sisters I have met and have come to know are wonderfully intelligent, insightful, gracious and inspiring.

]]> By: Sister Julie http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-21359 Sister Julie Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:05:45 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-21359 Hi Ally, Sorry for not responding sooner. I normally celebrate Mass once a week. Occasionally I will catch another Mass during the week. In my experience, religious communities vary in terms of having daily Mass at their Motherhouse. If there is a resident community at the Motherhouse, then there usually is. Or sometimes a convent is attached to or near a parish and the sisters go there. When I was living on our Motherhouse campus I did attend a little more, mostly because I was in formation and didn't have a full-time ministry -- I was immersed in growing in my faith and community life so I prayed often with my sisters both at the Eucharistic Liturgy and in other ways. I don't wear a habit. I follow the customs of my community which is to wear the ordinary, modest dress of the culture we are in. Thanks for asking! Stop by any time, Ally. Blessings. Hi Ally, Sorry for not responding sooner. I normally celebrate Mass once a week. Occasionally I will catch another Mass during the week. In my experience, religious communities vary in terms of having daily Mass at their Motherhouse. If there is a resident community at the Motherhouse, then there usually is. Or sometimes a convent is attached to or near a parish and the sisters go there.

When I was living on our Motherhouse campus I did attend a little more, mostly because I was in formation and didn’t have a full-time ministry — I was immersed in growing in my faith and community life so I prayed often with my sisters both at the Eucharistic Liturgy and in other ways.

I don’t wear a habit. I follow the customs of my community which is to wear the ordinary, modest dress of the culture we are in.

Thanks for asking! Stop by any time, Ally. Blessings.

]]> By: Ally http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-20524 Ally Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:44:50 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-20524 Sorry to burden you, but I have some more questions. Do you wear a habit? If so, how much? Is it traditional or modified? Sorry to burden you, but I have some more questions. Do you wear a habit? If so, how much? Is it traditional or modified?

]]> By: Ally http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-20497 Ally Sat, 10 Jan 2009 04:56:56 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-20497 Dear Sister Julie, How many times a week do you get to go to Mass? I was just wondering because I have been attending daily Mass at my high school, and I have become attached to it very quickly. I feel that Christ's Body is very sacred, and I have a want that keeps me coming back and again. Do most religious orders have daily Mass? When you were with your community did you attend more? Dear Sister Julie,

How many times a week do you get to go to Mass? I was just wondering because I have been attending daily Mass at my high school, and I have become attached to it very quickly. I feel that Christ’s Body is very sacred, and I have a want that keeps me coming back and again. Do most religious orders have daily Mass? When you were with your community did you attend more?

]]> By: Sister Julie http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-20676 Sister Julie Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:27:11 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-20676 StFrancisGirl ... by all means, you are free to quote from here. Please let them know that they are welcome to come to www.ANunsLife.org any time! There's some info on vocations on my page <a href="http://anunslife.org/how-to-become-a-catholic-nun" rel="nofollow">How to Become a Catholic Nun</a> as well as by looking at all posts I wrote about <a href="http://anunslife.org/category/vocations/" rel="nofollow">vocations</a> and about <a href="http://anunslife.org/category/discernment/" rel="nofollow">discernment</a>. Let me know if you have any questions or want to talk anything through. StFrancisGirl … by all means, you are free to quote from here. Please let them know that they are welcome to come to http://www.ANunsLife.org any time! There’s some info on vocations on my page How to Become a Catholic Nun as well as by looking at all posts I wrote about vocations and about discernment. Let me know if you have any questions or want to talk anything through.

]]> By: Sister Julie http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-20674 Sister Julie Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:19:03 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-20674 Many of you have expressed a similar desire to understand what discernment is like for some of the "smaller" moments of life. I'm going to think on this and check in with my Sisters and then write a bit more on this topic and perhaps together we can find some guidance that speaks to these other times in life. I'm back home from my travels to San Francisco and Detroit this weekend, so look to next week for some more on this. Many of you have expressed a similar desire to understand what discernment is like for some of the “smaller” moments of life. I’m going to think on this and check in with my Sisters and then write a bit more on this topic and perhaps together we can find some guidance that speaks to these other times in life. I’m back home from my travels to San Francisco and Detroit this weekend, so look to next week for some more on this.

]]> By: Stfrancisgirl http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-20655 Stfrancisgirl Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:24:25 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-20655 This is a wonderful article Sr. Julie. I have just been added to my parish OCIA/RCIA team and my first class to teach is Jan 18 on the theme of Vocation. May I quote some from here? I can identify with deerose. I have generally prayed for God's guidance in career decisions. I have always been answered. I blog about my faith journey that includes how God not only guided me in the next career step but also how it resulted in me converting from Baptist to Catholic. I'm now a Secular Franciscan as well. Had I been raised Catholic in my youth, I think I could easily have followed into religious life. I had a dream once that I was kneeling in prayer at church. There was a touch on my shoulder. I looked around and it was a Nun wearing an ecru or beige habit. That was all to the dream and I've not had another. I just do not think that is my path at this point in my life. (My blog is linked to my name. I have direct links in my blog roll for my main conversion story articles) Peace. This is a wonderful article Sr. Julie. I have just been added to my parish OCIA/RCIA team and my first class to teach is Jan 18 on the theme of Vocation. May I quote some from here?

I can identify with deerose. I have generally prayed for God’s guidance in career decisions. I have always been answered. I blog about my faith journey that includes how God not only guided me in the next career step but also how it resulted in me converting from Baptist to Catholic. I’m now a Secular Franciscan as well. Had I been raised Catholic in my youth, I think I could easily have followed into religious life. I had a dream once that I was kneeling in prayer at church. There was a touch on my shoulder. I looked around and it was a Nun wearing an ecru or beige habit. That was all to the dream and I’ve not had another. I just do not think that is my path at this point in my life. (My blog is linked to my name. I have direct links in my blog roll for my main conversion story articles) Peace.

]]> By: deerose http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-20651 deerose Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:41:03 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-20651 Rosemary: I relate well to what you are saying. This whole discernment thing can be FRUSTRATING. As a person who sometimes finds it hard to trust, I occassionally feel like I'm at wit's end. dm Rosemary:

I relate well to what you are saying. This whole discernment thing can be FRUSTRATING. As a person who sometimes finds it hard to trust, I occassionally feel like I’m at wit’s end. dm

]]> By: Rosemary http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-20606 Rosemary Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:13:40 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-20606 I would have to agree too. I listened and still taking those steps... but I don't think I feel the peace yet. I'm still not sure and I'm still not 'settled'. I don't know if what I'm doing is the right thing... I know God has called me to a religious vocation... but for what? I don't know... Where should I work? What ministry? Don't know and it's getting a bit frustrating.... I'm trying to trust in Him and hoping for the best. I would have to agree too. I listened and still taking those steps… but I don’t think I feel the peace yet. I’m still not sure and I’m still not ‘settled’. I don’t know if what I’m doing is the right thing… I know God has called me to a religious vocation… but for what? I don’t know…
Where should I work? What ministry? Don’t know and it’s getting a bit frustrating…. I’m trying to trust in Him and hoping for the best.

]]> By: MJD http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-20538 MJD Sun, 04 Jan 2009 02:01:39 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-20538 I definitely agree with deerose. I definitely agree with deerose.

]]> By: deerose http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-20534 deerose Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:46:18 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-20534 There seems to be so much information out there on the process of discerning one's primary vocation, especially to the religious life. And that is important because it is within that framework that one's entire life transpires. It is clearly of the first accord. But what about discerning one's secondary calling or vocation - careerwise? It is often difficult to weed through one's talents, likes and dislikes, qualifications, lifestyle needs, etc. For some, it may not seem as if God is pulling him/her in any specific direction. And then one may try something out only to discover that God does not seem to be "blessing" his or her work in a given area. What then? I'm not sure the classical Ignatian methods work well for everyone at all times. There seems to be so much information out there on the process of discerning one’s primary vocation, especially to the religious life. And that is important because it is within that framework that one’s entire life transpires. It is clearly of the first accord. But what about discerning one’s secondary calling or vocation – careerwise? It is often difficult to weed through one’s talents, likes and dislikes, qualifications, lifestyle needs, etc. For some, it may not seem as if God is pulling him/her in any specific direction. And then one may try something out only to discover that God does not seem to be “blessing” his or her work in a given area. What then? I’m not sure the classical Ignatian methods work well for everyone at all times.

]]> By: Lisa http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-20519 Lisa Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:01:50 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-20519 In support of vocations to the consecrated life and those discerning their future vocation, I have posted information on my blog regarding a Discernment Retreat Weekend being held January 9 -11, 2009 at the Eastern Province Motherhouse of the Sisters of Christian Charity, Mallinckrodt Convent, Mendham, NJ. <a href="http://fromwhereiwrite.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> for more information and related links. Julie, I hope it's ok I "advertised"here :) Blessings, Lisa In support of vocations to the consecrated life and those discerning their future vocation, I have posted information on my blog regarding a Discernment Retreat Weekend being held January 9 -11, 2009 at the Eastern Province Motherhouse of the Sisters of Christian Charity, Mallinckrodt Convent, Mendham, NJ. Click here for more information and related links.

Julie, I hope it’s ok I “advertised”here :)

Blessings,
Lisa

]]> By: Gabriela E. http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-20490 Gabriela E. Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:48:22 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-20490 Hi. Thanks for creating this blog. Impressive. I have a interest in nuns that just started maybe about a half a year ago. But I don't think I could become one since I am a Christian. I am not sure what the take on that is. Especially of leaving home again. That is the main issue. So for now I only have a interest in the vocation. Thanks again. Gabriela Hi. Thanks for creating this blog. Impressive. I have a interest in nuns that just started maybe about a half a year ago. But I don’t think I could become one since I am a Christian. I am not sure what the take on that is. Especially of leaving home again. That is the main issue. So for now I only have a interest in the vocation. Thanks again.

Gabriela

]]> By: Marilena http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-20484 Marilena Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:21:29 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-20484 my vocation has always been to be a wife and mother. i prayed for clarity, and i got it. iam happy to have that clarity on my vocation in life:) whether you want to be a nun, priest, husband or wife, or even single, praying for clarity on a vocation in your life is very important! my vocation has always been to be a wife and mother. i prayed for clarity, and i got it. iam happy to have that clarity on my vocation in life:) whether you want to be a nun, priest, husband or wife, or even single, praying for clarity on a vocation in your life is very important!

]]> By: Another Sister Julie, CSSF http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-20477 Another Sister Julie, CSSF Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:23:10 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-20477 I remember what a Presentation of hte Blessed Virgin Mary annually professed sister said to me when I first met her, "I wanted to be a Franciscan, but god is so weird." @_@! I remember what a Presentation of hte Blessed Virgin Mary annually professed sister said to me when I first met her, “I wanted to be a Franciscan, but god is so weird.” @_@!

]]> By: Sister Julie http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-20474 Sister Julie Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:42:03 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-20474 It's amazing what happens when a person stops to just listen, just give a little opening. Doesn't seem possible, yet there it is! It’s amazing what happens when a person stops to just listen, just give a little opening. Doesn’t seem possible, yet there it is!

]]> By: Susan Rose, CSJP http://anunslife.org/2009/01/01/testing-your-vocation/#comment-20448 Susan Rose, CSJP Thu, 01 Jan 2009 22:57:16 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=793#comment-20448 I never planned to be a nun, never wanted to be a nun, fought against the persistent thoughts. Then, like you, I was able to listen and tried out the idea for a while. I took one small step that led to another small step and before I knew it, I found that peace. This is the life where I'm best able to be the me God dreams I can be. Such amazing gift! I never planned to be a nun, never wanted to be a nun, fought against the persistent thoughts. Then, like you, I was able to listen and tried out the idea for a while. I took one small step that led to another small step and before I knew it, I found that peace. This is the life where I’m best able to be the me God dreams I can be. Such amazing gift!

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