Wondering how God is calling you? Are you curious about how your job or set of relationships is really a vocation? Do you want some awesome discussions around faith in real-life and more? Think hanging out with Catholic sisters and a fun thoughtful, faith community is cool? Then you are in the right place! Welcome! Explore and be sure to visit with us every weekday at 6 pm CT in our chat room.
Courage to Discern a Second Time
I was wondering what advice would you give concerning my discernment process. I am going to be 35 years old soon, and 5 years ago I left a religious community in my canonical year because I felt God was not calling me to religious life. I returned to my job as a registered nurse and about 2 years ago returned to all of my church ministries. The thing is I am very unhappy and confused about what to do next. Every website I look at seem to have discernment weekends for young young women. I live in the Caribbean and find it extremely fearful to just step out and seek again entering into a community because I am afraid of making another mistake. I don’t want to wake up 45 years old and missed what God wanted me to do.
- Sadie
Dear Sadie,
First I want to say that you are doing a great job at putting God’s desire first — even if you don’t always understand what that desire is. You are very brave to consider the question of religious life a second time. Discernment is pretty intense but also worth opening your heart to again if you feel nudged by the Spirit. Trust that God is speaking to your through your feelings, including the feelings of frustration, fear, confusion, and regret.
Here are some questions that I’d invite you to consider praying over.
- Imagine walking up to a beautiful house inside of which is your deepest desire. You knock on the door. A wise, welcoming person opens the door and asks you warmly, “What is it that you seek?” What do you say?
- You are serving God, the Church, and the vulnerable … what is missing for you?
- Why did you leave religious life before? What continues to attract you?
- When are you most peaceful? most centered in yourself and God?
Pay attention to how your spirit rises or falls in prayer, when you are thinking about religious life, when you think about continuing your lifestyle and ministries as they are now.
Do you have a spiritual director or trusted mentor who can reflect back to you some of your desires and attractions?
Rest assured that God will continue to lead you — stay open to God and be faithful to your prayer and to reaching out to help others. No matter how you choose to live your life, you will be living God’s dream for you.
I am not familiar with religious communities in the Caribbean. We have IHM Sisters in Puerto Rico whom I’m sure would be happy to connect with you. I hope these thoughts help you. Be assured of our prayers.
* * *
Today’s “Praying with the Sisters” podcast has been recorded because the sisters will be in transit this evening. You are welcome to listen to the recorded prayer for today and then to join the A Nun’s Life community to share prayer requests this evening at 6 p.m. Central Time (check your time zone) in our chat room.
Previous post: Strange but True
Next post: AS025 Ask Sister – hope in religious life, Catholic websites, humility, IHM sisters
Get your nun schwag! -- We've got cool nunly items including this awesome mug at 
{ 1 comment }
Sadie,
I agree with all of Sr. Julia’s comments and know I am praying for you and wish you all the best. Follow your heart and listen to the stirrings of God’s words.
We have Ursulines in the Caribbean whom I ‘m sure would be happy to connect with you. So know there are people out there to help you.
Sr. Jeannie, osu