AS013 Ask Sister – daily life, non-Catholic nuns, math

Dear Sister Julie.

Thank you so much for this website. It has been a great resource for me.

I have so much to ask and share, but I’ll be concise for now and just ask a few questions.

I am 34 years old and a mathematics professor at a university. I have been Catholic all my life and have always had strong pull towards the religious life. I never pursued it , partly due to the wishes of my parents and the fact that I’ve been in several long-term romantic relationships.

I don’t know if I’m “called” but I do know that the thought never leaves my head now and I know that I need to explore ways to have a deeper union with God.

So 2 out of my 100 questions for you, Sister, are:
1.) What are the options for a 34 year old woman? So many of the discernment/retreat opportunities I see are for women 18-30.
2.) I have a PhD in mathematics; at this point, I feel like I would still love to continue to study/research it , although if God calls me to end this love affair, I am willing to give it up. But I was wondering if there are paths to be a nun-professor.

This site is such a blessing – thanks again, Sister.

Dear Sister Julie,

Like many of the women who’ve commented here, I’ve been feeling a pull toward consecrated religious life. Even my dreams are amplifying what once was a tiny voice into something louder. Already I’ve dreamed of Saint Catherine and Saint Therese. But what is strange to me is that I’m Protestant (for the most part). My mother is Catholic and my father is Lutheran. I was baptized in the Lutheran church as a baby. But I have warm memories of my devoutly Catholic grandparents and my mother praying her rosary.

My question is: do you know of any Anglican counterparts to being a Catholic nun or sister? I would very much like to live a communal life with other women, helping the least of these, and devoting myself to God completely. Is converting to Catholicism the only way?

I am also 37 years old, and feel that I may have to make a decision soon in order to keep under the “40ish” mark of acceptance. Any information or guidance you have is much appreciated.

Thank you,
Peggy

Hey Peggy

Yes, there are non-Catholic nuns – I’m one! The Anglican/Episcopal church has had vowed religious for at least 300 years, and there are a number of orders and communities open to both married and single people. My own Community of Solitude is open to married and single men and women: we’re Benedictine Camaldolese solitaries, living the religious life in the midst of ordinary activities. The monks and nuns of COS do all sorts of things: I’m a health and safety consultant, one of my brothers is a priest, another is a hotel manager.

Happy to answer any questions!

Sr Therese COS