About A Nun’s Life

Wonderful to find another blogging sister!

Thanks, Sarah. I’ll definitely check out your blog. I have a deep fondness for the Rule of Benedict and the Benedictine lifestyle.

Julie…this is really quite wonderful and you are managing to catch the essence…glad we are sister…..Barbara Stanbridge, IHM

Great idea Julie. You are creating great new ways for mission and ministry to occur. IHM is proud of you!

Julie,
Ever since you shared this blog dream with me, I’ve known that it would come true and that it would be very well done. You make me proud to be in your community.
Much love,
Carol

Dear Julie, Thanks for using your abundant writing and tech skills to engage in a public reflection on religious life, your own and that of religious more generally. A great gift. Mary

Hey Julie,
We’re in Madison,CT and checking out blogs. Your’s is great! Congratulations! Hope things in Chi-town are going well.
Lots of love, your IHM sisters and associates
Mary Ann H.
Marge P.
Jane H.
Mary Bea K.
Kate P.
Peggy T.
Joann C.
John C.
Lois
Terry
Liz P.
Chris G.
Sue R.

Dear Julie,
So glad to find you on a blog! It is all that I expected of you and more to come.
Margaret of Toronto

Julie,
I found it an adventure to read through your blogs..they renewed my spirit…and gave rise to many of my earlier ideals (and heated them up again). I paricularly resonated with the “altar server” story. My mom used to be so amused when I would walk around the kitchen behaving like an
“altar boy” when I was in grade school. I would bow to the table, and place the dishes I wiped on the altar very reverently. Keep up your great work. You have an extraordinary gift!

Julie – Very interesting and could not refrain from skiming all of your materials. I’m a Franciscan Sister of 56 years. Each of our relationships with our good God are unique but for the most part it do not grow easier thru the years…only more certain. Keep up the good work. I’d like the term “sister” used rather than “nun” for the active and evangelical community member. I’m an iconographer and would like to see credit given to the one “writer” of the icon you used. Peace, joy, laugher and prayer, Roberta

Julie:

Heartiest congratulations. I love your site and will now visit it regularly. Just completed Brigg’s book and loved Margaret’s review in Commonweal. That period of time was a very poignant period of time for me, fresh with a new MA in Theology from Catholic U.As always, Margret “nails it” when she says that Many of the struggles rose from commitments of the women religious themselves to differing ecclesiologies. See you at a mission unit meeting next time. Keep on, keeping on! Noreen

Dear Julie,
I truly enjoy your blog, as you share your beliefs and reflections on varied topics. It truly energizes my spirit.
I am proud of you! Love, Margaret Hughes, IHM

Hello, Julie. I have just read some of your blogs and enjoy your wide and deep selections as you live the nun’s story in 2006 and beyond and share your musings and interests. Keep on keeping on!
Good to see you at Max’s profession last night – powerful in its simplicity and depth, wasn’t it?
Joan G.

Hello and welcome to each of you. I welcome your comments and feedback on this blog. Keep on reading and spread the word!

Thanks, David. Yes, I too love that book. I think the scholarship, thought, and care behind it are great. A group of us IHM sisters and associates discussed it. Our associates loved it too. Even though it is on religious life, it also has a broader appeal.

Interesting blog. I was raised Catholic, but don’t really consider myself “Catholic” anymore. But it is very interesting to hear what it’s like to be a nun. I’ll definitely keep reading!

Hi Sister, i read the article in Time, it was great…

powerful reading. i hope it will do a lot to inspire so many many lost and drifting souls. you are a source of joy and inspiration. love to read more of your stuff, and your fellow religious.

Hi Lilpeep … sorry for not responding sooner … check out my post “what motivates a person to become a nun??” for my response. Thanks!

Your blog is great. I should become more creative with mine. Just published my response to the TIME MAGAZINE article at MonasticMusingsOSsR.blogspot.com. You may be interested. I am hoping to offer a realistic view of what contemplative monastic life means in today’s world. Incidently, I know a few sisters from your congregation through participation in the RFC Inter-community Novitiate.

Julie,

Thanks for a thoughtful and thought provoking blog – am just discovering the powerful tool of blogs with sisters – especially those new to religious life. Keep up the good work.

Thanks, Esa … Check out my response to your comment in my post “the people you meet in heaven.” Sister J

I just found your blog and I am hooked. I went to Catholic grammer school and I always wondered what it would be like to be a nun. Thanks for letting us in.

- Jaclyn
http://gettingmarried.wordpress.com

Thanks for all the nice things you all have been saying. Writing this blog is truly a joy and gift. Sister J

Hi Amanda … I read that article on CNN. It does touch on one major point that people often offer to support having married Catholic priests — namely there being the shortage of priests (this is particularly true in the US). The article states: “… reinstating priests who are married would help ease a shortage of priests. According to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University, the number of priests has dropped from 58,600 in 1965 to 41,790 this year.”

The Church does require mandatory celibacy for its priests. Celibacy (which is something we religious also observe) is a gift to the Church in that (among other things) it allows a person to be free to respond to the call of God to go where and when the needs are. It is much easier for me — “unattached” with no husband or children — to get up and go to our mission in Africa than it would be for a married person and/or mother or father to do so at the drop of a hat.

Married priests do exist within the Catholic tradition. Anglican priests who are married who convert to Catholicism can be re-ordained as Catholic priests. Also, Eastern Rite Catholics (as distinct from Latin Rite which US Catholics are generally more familiar with) men may marry prior to becoming a priest, but after they are ordained.

Has mmv the widow inquired entry to a convent? I would love to chat with her.

Hi Ryan … thanks! I’ll be sure to check out your blog. Have a wonderful Christmas too!

Dear Sister Julie,

I am from India, and accidentally stumbled on your blog while surfing the net. I feel so happy to have come in contact with you.

People here in India often think of the USA as a promiscuous society that is ruled by greed and materialism, and that has abandoned the traditional Christian way of life. But after reading you blog, I realise that the stereotype isn’t fully true, and that there are many Americans, even today, who dedicate their lives to the Love of Jesus Christ.

Sr. Julie,
A young woman told me about you website. She has found it helpful in her discernment journey. As a vocation director I’m always interested in ways to help women to follow their call. This blog seems to be another avenue to share the Good News.
Thanks.
Blessings upon the New Year!

Hello Sister Cathy and Pete. Welcome to A Nun’s Life. Please feel free to comment or email me.

Thank you for creating a way to learn about your world. The whole site has a delightful (and non-judgemental) feel to it.

I am not of the Christian tradition, but I have always been fascinated by those who lived the life of a religious. Your site is very welcoming and informative.

And the picture looking down the cliff on your home page is inspired and amusing all at once.

Thank you again!

Blessings!

I was wondering if you would be interested in describing what your day is like. If you consider this an intrusion, please feel free to ignore it.

Congratulations on your final vows! I am taking my marriage vows in 42 days (7 hours and 34 minutes… LOL) for the first time at 38 years of age and, even though it is on a much less cosmic scale than your vows, it is a vary small saying that holds a tremendous amount of meaning.

Blessings!

What a wonderful, informative blog. I posted about it at http://www.peopleinthepews.com/2007/02/18/a-nuns-life/

Thank you for sharing your experiences. This is a valuable place for women to visit who are discerning a call to the religious life.

Peace,
Caitlin

Hello,

I am neither religious or had neither calling, but i have always thought that it must be a gerat relief and joy to have a faith. There are many religions and i find it always interesting to find out of other faiths. I am only 18, and live in England. England was once very religious and it dwindles year by year. It is so refreshing to have a someone who does not force other religions on people.

Many thanks

Laura

Hello to Caitlin, Kate, Laura and Geri … I am grateful for your comments and hope you’ll visit again. And Kate, if I’m ever in the area I would be pleased to come to your bookstore. Sister Julie

Hi Sister Julie,

I just wanted to say how happy I was to see your blog, I was just going through the internet about Catholic work shops and saw your blog. I have to say I loved it I once wanted to be a nun I still have that urge but I am married and have been married for 15 years and have 3 children. It was great to read about your life and it gives me great pleasure to have this and to be able to look at it on a weekly basis, I especially like the questions asked and your answers.

God Bless you
Daniela

Sister Julie-
my name is Rebecca and I’m fifteen years old. My mom (a catholic covert) died two and a half years ago. I’ve always been catholic but when my mom died it took on new meaning. (i.e. I really started trying to pay attention in church, and pray more.)It wasn’t until quite recently, however, that I actually felt like I was getting somewhere in my journey of faith. I started reading some Thomas Merton and then the thought of becoming a nun entered my mind. I have been considering it ever since, though in an extremely flip-flopping manner.
Anyway, the whole point of telling you my long-winded life story was to say thanks for your blog, because it’s been a great resource for me. It did help break the stereotypes and some romantic (unrealistic) ideas that I had about what religious life was like. So thanks again!

Rebecca

I think it is great to share this religion with the world, and through a bolg i think is very nice. now more people can learn about it.

Dear Julie:

Saw an article in our local paper and looked up your web site. I have been a Christian since 1947. IF you are a Christian too then we truly are brother and sister. I may never meet you here on this earth but we will have lots of time in GLORY. I enjoyed the comments.

IN CHRIST
ACCOUNTABLE

Conrad

Absolutely, Elizabeth. All will be well. Congratulations on your upcoming big day and new adventure!

Thank you for your comment. I think the best place to start is exactly what you wrote: “Love bridges everything.” That your son has shared something very important about himself to you is a sign that he trusts you and needs you to be there for him, even though you may not understand or agree with him. The Church encourages us to be very compassionate towards gay men and lesbian women. According to the teaching of the Church, men and women with homosexual tendencies must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.

In 1986 Cardinal Ratzinger wrote a document on the Church’s care of homosexual persons. In it he says: “[T]he phenomenon of homosexuality, complex as it is and with its many consequences for society and ecclesial life, is a proper focus for the Church’s pastoral care. It thus requires of her ministers attentive study, active concern and honest, theologically well-balanced counsel.” He goes on to discuss the unchosen nature of homosexuality saying: “[T]he particular inclination of the homosexual person is not a sin.” Moreover, homosexual persons, he asserts, are “often generous and giving of themselves.” Then he uses the Church’s usual arguments in defense of human dignity in order to defend the dignity of homosexual persons: “It is deplorable that homosexual persons have been and are the object of violent malice in speech or in action. Such treatment deserves condemnation from the Church’s pastors wherever it occurs. It reveals a kind of disregard for others which endangers the most fundamental principles of a healthy society. The intrinsic dignity of each person must always be respected in word, in action and in law.”

Like faith, one’s sexuality is not simply a choice; it informs a whole way of being. But like faith, it involves choices – the choice to affirm or deny a central part of one’s being. I would encourage you in all of your interactions with your son or about your son that you affirm his innate human dignity which we all have made in the image and likeness of God and pray for your son that his faith be strengthened.

You might want to check out the recommendations from the US bishops’ letter “Always Our Children” to parents of homosexual children (click here).

Regrets and learning to forgive oneself can be tough things to deal with. We are always harder on ourselves than God (and even othes) are on us. There are a couple of things that are important to remember when we mess up. First, we are all human. We make mistakes. We hurt others, including those whom we love. We live in hope that we can make amends and learn from our mistakes. Second, there is nothing that we can do that is unforgivable by God. God is always calling us to himself, and nevers stops loving us even when we hurt him or others. Though you cannot change what has happened in the past you can make a choice to learn from it and grow. My prayers go with you.

Dear Sr Julie, I heard you on NPR with Scot Simon today. Not only do I love your blog but there are several links from other writers that I found here. I went to Catholic school all the way until I graduated from Trinity, so I have many nuns who had a great influence on who I am today.Since I am mother of four and grandmother of six I hope many young people find your blog and I sure will let them know about it.Thanks for the inspiration. Barbara

Hi, Sister,

I heard you on NPR today. Delightful.

You recently wrote about “being and doing” and it reminded me of this bit of philosophy:

To be is to do: Plato
To do is to be: Socrates
Do be do be do: Sinatra

Keep up the good work.

Leo

Thanks for all the wonderful comments. So good to meet new folks and to connect with old friends. It’s great to hear from you, Jenni, and I look forward to catching up too!

Absolutely, Arlene. You most definitely can come home to the Catholic Church and be a practicing Catholic. Though the Church considers abortion a grave offense, it does not believe that a woman (or couple) who decides to have an abortion is beyond the love and mercy of God.

Pope John Paul II once wrote: “I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion…do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope … The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.”

I would encourage you to prepare your heart for and celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You may also wish to talk with a priest or pastoral person at your local parish. I know the Archdiocese of Chicago has a program called Project Rachel which offers help and support for women who have had an abortion. I’m sure other dioceses have this. You can also check out the web site http://www.hopeafterabortion.com. Blessings to you, Arlene.

Hello Sr. Julie,

Last weekend, I heard your interview on NPR. It seemed very timely as I feel a strong pull to religious life. Currently, I am working toward a Ph.D. in music education in Greensboro, NC. God has blessed me with many talents including music abilities, teaching, listening, and guiding others in positive directions. I developed rheumatioid arthritis when I was 8 or 9 years old, however, my ability to play flute remained unaffected by the physical limitations of my joints.

I guess my question for you is this: Is it ever too late to pursue studies toward the religious life?

Thanks,
Jennifer

Ken … in answer to your question, check out this link which has some good information about your question. Thanks. Sister J

whoops that should have read “now” read (not “not” read.) Geeshk.

Good to hear from you Sister Christer! Blessing to you as well.

Sister Julie,

I read about your blog in the Houston Chronicle several weeks ago and logged in for the first time yesterday. It is so delightful! I especially like the “Three Minute Retreat”. I plan to log into that often. A refreshing way to start the day, or any time.

Sister, there is something I have always wanted to ask a nun or Sister. When I was a child, I thought I wanted to become a nun. A bit surprising because the nuns in our Sunday School were rather strict, stern and punitive. Be that as it may, starting at about age 7 I did think about it sometimes but when I became an adult, a freer life appealed to me more. I never married, have observed chastity all my life (not hard at all — one of my first signs that I might have been meant to be a nun), I don’t mind relative poverty (I’m frugal by nature, I think it’s fun and a kind of victory over an avaricious world), but always have had trouble with Obedience, which is one of the many reasons I never married. I am now age 64, retired, and do volunteer work, and have a daily prayer session. I believe I am in direct contact with God all the time. I spill out little Thank-Yous and little prayers for others all the time. What I want to ask you is this. Since I never became a nun, what can a lay person do who lives the way I do, to have a bit more of a nun-ly sort of life? I don’t know what the Holy Office is, for example. A friend of mine from church told me she is a Sister but not a Nun, which you explain very well in your blog, but she has had quite a bit of trouble with, for example, her order being dissolved and having to go through the novitiate a second time, that sort of thing, she is a professional and it’s difficult for her to do all the things she is supposed to do in her order. Anyway, is there anything like a lay-nun who observes certain customs, readings, that sort of thing, involves herself with certain, I don’t know, certain types of charities, or do you think I’m perhaps as close to a nun-like life as I can have without joining an order?

Sister I have to ask has becoming a nun helped you to feel better in regards to the world at large. I am currently depressed about life in general and I really think that the world has nothing to offer me. The only thing keeping me from suicide is the fact that God says its a sin. I am 40 years old. I am an author. A series of bad events in my life over the past 10 years has left me feeling that life isn’t worth it anymore. There has to be something better for me to do. I care for people both young and old and all my book royalties go to the Disabled. But yet I feel as if I should be doing something more with my life and I can’t find it. I am seriously considering going into a Convent and hoping God has a better use of my time and life then I have at present. Any advise would be greatfully received.

Dear Sister,

I am in the process of making out my “Last Will and Testament.” Our LORD has blessed me with financial success. I would like to leave a portion of my estate to reputable *RETIREMENT HOMES FOR NUNS.* I have used Google but have not been able to find retirement homes for aging nuns.

Help!

If possible, please provide me a few names for nun’s retirement homes, their snail mail addresses, web addresses, phone numbers ect.

Thank you and GOD bless ……..Dave

I remember being proud to learn the prayers and see the Nuns nod as they hear me recite.

I remember being confused, the child of divorce, and found that silence was better.

I remember learning and believing that God and Jesus are all good and all just and couldn’t possibly have written the man-made laws.

I know in the end, it is loving kindness without judgment that matters.

Bless you for your faith.

Thanks for the question … My congregation is called IHM Sisters, or Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I did a little scoping around on the internet and couldn’t find a web site for the congregation you mentioned. The only thing I could really find was this article in Catholic Encyclopedia (note: published in 1910). Blessings on your search.

Peace and all good! I am in my 30’s and exploring religious life as I live it. Since younger members can be scarce, cyberspace can be a forum. I would certainly call your blog a ministry. Where do you find the time? I’ll keep checking back. Thanks for putting your self and our way of life out there!

Sister Gayle, OSF

P.S. I also am disappointed when someone leaves out a sister’s initials!

Glad to meet you Lori, Gayle and Maureen! I like what you said, Gayle, about “exploring religious life as I live it.” That’s kind of what we do, isn’t it?

I don’t always have the time to blog or respond adequately to comments or emails. It’s tough because I want to address each person individually, especially when folks share their story and their struggles with me. I pray for the help of the Holy Spirit regularly.

My list “Nuns I’ve Known” was just a way to get list communities that I have some kind of connection with. I’d love to list all communities but this was the best I could do for now. I hope to have a page listing all women’s religious communities at some point. I’ll gladly take volunteers who wish to compile such a list of web sites!!

Hello Sr. Julie,
I a month’s time I will join the Good Shepherd Sisters here in the Philippines as an aspirant. I would like to ask if it is really okay for me to feel scared of it and at the same time excited? I’m a little worried to have these kinds of feelings. I’m always praying for the strength and the clearness of mind, heart and soul for me to really focus on what’s God directing me to. Do you have any advice on how could I face these feelings. Thank you very much for your site and for your time. God bless!

Thanks Sr. Julie for being another counter-cultural voice in the world of mass-media! It’s been interesting to read your reflections and also see what other perceive of religious life. I am a junior sister with the PDDM and I work alot with Internet and social communications for my apostolate so am glad to found that more and more religious are doing it too! All for the glory of God!

Have you seen this? It’s a game about becoming pope.

http://www.vaticanboardgame.com/COD/index.php?id=1294

Just thought I would drop it to you…

Sister Julie–

Thank you for your website. I find your site to be well written and thought provoking. I am Buddhist, but I enjoy learning about other religions and those that practice them. The love of God eminates through your words. Thank you for doing your good work on the internet. A thousand blessings and one to you.

*deep bow*

Toni

Dear Sr Julie Vieira ,
Greeting to you and everybody who belives in God.
You don’t know me and it’s not very important but I want to talk to you and If you have enough time to spare for me I would like to describe something about myself.
some months ago a question excisted in my brain that who is God and Why we should pray for him and If I have no religion what will happend? and are these religion usefull therefore I can live better without religion and …?
I started to search and investigate with reading books that are from God , I think that christians are more successful than moslims and other people so I wanted to start with Bible so I wnet to the bookshop for buy a new Bible , and I belived that these holy books should be more useful than other books like psycological books or computer books but all of them are books, when I want to buy a Bible the bookshop didn’t has it so I had to buy another holy book I thought that time that what shall I do? and I decided to by a Quran .
any way I started to read Quran from first page , I undrestood many things and I was lisening to my God untile I was midle of it that something changed I found God the best friend … he said that if any person in the world want giudance and help I help him or her but he should belives in me … he said : there is no limited for God and can use even a mosquito or biger than that so if a person who wants to accept me and do everything that I said this is helpfull for him and if a person want to against me he will be lost in the stupidity deserts and the God doesn’t say lie.
Yes I found him honest and I wanted from him , so after that I had some dreams in my sleep that helped me a lot.
After that I expanded my research and finally I found a relidion as Islam but it is new and I can not find any moslim except 3 or 4 and no more. You know I am living in Iran.
Finllay my main question : did you reach about your religion or you are in christian just because your father is? and this is a question in my head that do you accept that the final prophet is Mohammad and if yes why don’t belive him? also in Quran I read that God said : Bible was ok and perfect religion but because some people changed it I sent Quran for people but nobody can change it untile the end of the day of the world.
there are many question like this and I would like to know them, so I am waiting forward to your answer.
Our prophet Mohammad has some short tip, like this :
It is must to answer the letter like answer of Hello.
Thank you.
A.m

a.m.:

I don’t know if you were asking others on this blog to respond to your post or not. But since it’s an open forum, I thought I’d chime in.

I think it’s great you found God. Studying religion, even all or most of the main religions, is a fascinating exercise. It may be hard to find in Iran, but I’d highly recommend reading the New Testament – the second part of the Bible. It is full of love and beauty.

I was baptized a Catholic Christian. I spent some years searching and then, with study, and the grace of God, reaffirmed my commitment to my God and my faith. So being a Catholic Christian is my own decision consciously made as an adult. The part I find most compelling about Christianity is Jesus’ focus on love and peace. It’s true that some Christians, as with anyone from any other religious background, have not always behaved well in the past or even present. But Jesus preached nonviolence.

Have a great day!

deerose

I have done some searches and cannot find the answer to my question. I know there is some way of contributing the a retirement fund for nun’s but, I can’t seem to find the website. Would you be so kind as to direct me to where I can find the information?

Thank you.

Hi Beth, Yes there are ways to contribute to the retirement fund for nuns. That is such a good thing of you to do.

Many religious communities take care of their own retired sisters and so you would actually go through the particular community. You might want to contact the community of sisters who taught you (if applicable), are in your parish or local community, are coworkers, etc.

Another option would be to consider giving to the Retirement Fund for Religious that has been established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. You can find out more about this fund by going to the National Religious Retirement Office. They have info on what their mission is and how to go about making a gift/bequeth.

The National Religious Retirement Office and the Retirement Fund for Religious are sponsored by the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Sister Julie

Julie, I have been wanting to write to you since I found your blog, many months ago. I was on retreat with you at Siena Center back in March, I believe, with Macrina Wiederkehr, Honoring the Hours. We did not speak to each other but I heard you talk about your website. It peaked my interest. After reading you site many times I have decided to write to you. To say what I am not sure. I know one thing for sure, you seem to have what I was looking for many years ago and never found. Where I am now is ok and getting better with each new day and experience. You see my goal all my life was to be a sister/nun. But I guess you can say God had other plans. I was in a community for 8 years until I was shown the door. I did not fit their mold and just would not do. After many, many years of struggle just to be alive each day, I can now say I am on the other side of the valley. The sunny side and look toward each new day, experience as truly a gift from above. After the rejection depression took hold and held me for over 20 years. It was a long, dark time. Some where in me is the longing to have what you speak of today. But I don’t think that is what is meant for my life any more. Physical age does not matter because I feel like a child with pure excitement these days. So it took me a lot longer to get here then most. It really does not matter any more. I am having to much fun now. I still fear sometimes that the darkness could take hold again. I pray it doesn’t but one never knows what God has in store for each of us. Well I am not sure why I told you all this but I did.

Thank you for your blog. It is wonderful to read. I was born and raised catholic but I never stop learning what it means. Your insights are great to read. My aunt was a SSND all her life. She was a wonderful woman. She passed away in March. I miss her every day.

Well now that was long winded just to say hello and to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. You don’t need to post this because I just wanted to say hello to you.

take care

Maggie

Hi and thank you for your interesting website!

Recently I was forwarded a video about Jesus which I’ve watched a number of times, and every time I watch it, it draws me into a serene meditation on the life of Christ with powerful images that I have never seen before. I found it truly inspiring and am wondering if you’ve seen it. Maybe you’ve seen it already but if not, here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5crbtwXYc1U

God bless!!

Gab

Sr. Patricia’s idea to do an interview with “oprah” is great! My mom thought it was real!!

I wish someone knew how to get this to Oprah so she could see it. Who knows? Sr. Patricia might be invited to discuss the sacrament of Reconciliation on the real Oprah show!

Thanks, Mary! Blessings to you and on your blog as well. Sister J

Hi Natalie! Yes, Catholic nuns are allowed to visit other religious temples. As with anyone visiting a religious place, we must be respectful of their tradition and beliefs. I very much embrace the Catholic Church’s understanding of other religions:

Likewise, other religions found everywhere try to counter the restlessness of the human heart, each in its own manner, by proposing “ways,” comprising teachings, rules of life, and sacred rites. The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions. She regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of life, those precepts and teachings which, though differing in many aspects from the ones she holds and sets forth, nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all …. The Church, therefore, exhorts her sons [sic], that through dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions, carried out with prudence and love and in witness to the Christian faith and life, they recognize, preserve and promote the good things, spiritual and moral, as well as the socio-cultural values found among these men.” (source: Vatican II, Nostra Aetate #2)

Hi Kevin, I think I know the nun of whom you speak … let me do some checking and I’ll get back to you.

Hi Sr. Julie,

Have stopped by your blog a few times and then I saw that there is another Sister poet–Anne Higgins (another Charity!!) with a blog, so I thought I would add my sites to the looong list you are compiling.

My main site is http://www.nunwhizdom.com and I have a new site for my interdisciplinary art work. That is at http://www.aworkinprocess.wordpress.com

I’m a NJ Sister of Charity from Newark and just celebrated 35 years in on the feast of St. Jude!

Continued success on your blog.

Deborah

Dear Sr. Julie,
I am a protestant in the rural part of Africa, I love the God an therefore the Catholics as my broters and sisters in His family. Thank you for your blog and may God Bless and Proctect you and your order.

Regrads, Annelie

Dear Sister Julie,

You can’t imagine how delighted I am to read about your service to Christ, to the Church, and to the World and its people that God so loves! May you have many years of experiencing and witnessing to the Love, Joy, Hope, and Peace that Jesus brings!

Dear Teresa, I am not familiar with the customs of the Oblates. Generally when one joins a religious community, she or he takes on the customs of that community, how it is actually living here and now. Here’s a link to a comment I posted a little while ago about wanting to wear the habit in a community that doesn’t wear the habit. This is something to pray on and discern with your community. If you are still restless about the question, then do check with your congregational leader. Blessings to you, Teresa.

Dear Angel, Thanks for writing. I think people don’t understand what Goth means. They may only know stereotypes of Goths. Personaly I don’t know much about being Goth, but I do know a minister who is Goth. He’s got a blog called Priestly Goth Blog. Check it out. I think Larry will be able to understand where you are coming from. No matter how you choose to live your life, I think you are on the right track by trying to be more of a loving person and trying not to hate. Hate is never a good thing. It hurts other people and it hurts the one who hates. Any web site that spews hate (even if it purports to be Goth, Christian or anything else) is not good, not good at all. So keep working on being patient (something we all need to do) and turn to God and those you trust and who are a sign of goodness to you. It takes a while to find one’s identity sometimes. Don’t be hard on yourself. I know it can be frustrating. Reflect on the things in life that bring you joy, that help you to be a good person … Hang in there, Angel. Know that you are in my prayers. Sister Julie

QUEENS??!! Well, I guess I can still talk to you ! I graduated in 1994 and lived at St. Joe’s. I so miss Toronto and the UT campus — theatre at Hart House, the law school library (robarts — not so much), Diabolos coffee at UC, St. Basil’s Church, the nuns at St. Joe’s and Loretto … ah, Toronto, a great place to live!

Oh come on, Rafael, it’s 2008! You’re still the same person whether you wear a habit or not.

Sister, I know, I know…I’m a traitor for transferring to Queen’s, but I really wanted to go to a smaller school! Plus, Queen’s has bagpipes and badly spoken Gaelic songs, so I couldn’t resist. What was your major? I was at UC all the time, all my classes were there! I remember everyone complaining about the PSYC 101 class which had 1000 people in one lecture hall. I really miss Toronto, too.
Hey, do you have facebook? I live on there so I thought I’d ask

Oh, and Robarts was scary, definitely. I refused to take the elevator there.

hi sister julie,

well my nana came upon your website and sent it to me . becuase in my life there has bean a part of me that has thought about being a nun and what it would be like . i am currently a college student and love to draw . well see even though i have thought about it , it has never been a goal in my life my goal was to be a graphic designer but just recently i have been thinking more and more about it and have been trying to find out what it’s like . i love god and jesus with all my heart and soul. so if i decide this , i know what i am choosing and have somewhat of a idea. so if you could please get back to me as soon as you can, that would be wonderful . i know being a nun and serving our father must be so wonderfull.

sincerely meghan , god bless (-:

Dear Sister,

By chance I happened to come across your blog site. I noticed your last name. Surprised that its the same as mine I don’t believe we’re related. I’m an only child but I’m pleased to meet you. I am a Catholic convert and a professed Secular Franciscan. Its been a wonderful journey, loving every minute of it. Please have a great day…

Pax et bonum,
Mike

Hi Sr. Julie!
Interesting how people find websites – I was searching for the origins of use of “Ego te Sponsabo” – the inscription in our profession rings (IHM Immaculata) – found a blog for a Redemptoristine nun describing the history in great detail – and then found the list of other sister-bloggers which brought me to your blog. I was in Monroe MI for the IHM Sesquicentennial celebration in 1995!

My vocation took me in a different direction and in 2001, I left the community and am now a married lady, wearing my same IHM ring with the inscription, which now takes on a new and deeper meaning for me. When I saw that you are an IHM, I had to write and say hello!!

Thanks for your continued work in the vineyard! Blessings to you and all IHMs everywhere!!!

Hi Sister Julie,

I am so glad that you replied. My boyfriend “Brian” i going to talk to his parents abt getting married to me. I am hoping that they will agree. I am praying to god. I am sure that god will listen to my prayers.
You too please pray for me.
Thanks a ton for praying for me.
May god’s grace be with you.

Love,
Ash.

Hi Sister Julie:
I came across your blog because I know Jill Kress and she posted her interview on her Facebook page. What a cool and interesting blog. I am a “comeback Catholic”–born and raised and ran far, far away until I found my wonderful church community when my now-husband and were looking for a place to get married. One wedding, one conversion, and two baptized kids later we’re still there, and still trying to find ways to incorporate God into our family life. This is so interesting, and I love that you take questions from the peanut gallery! Nuns are probably the least-understood members of the Catholic family and I find myself frequently explaining things to friends –now I can just point them here.
Thanks again. I will be back!

(my great-aunt is a retired sister in Monroe as well!).

sooooooo njce to meet you we share the same name is that soooooooooooooo strange i feel this same spirits

I would like to know how what the process is for a nun to ask to leave the community and return to the lay world. How long does it take? Is it the same as it is for a priest or for a married person to get an annulment? Are they ever denied? Are they free to continue on as regular Catholics once they leave the convent?

Dear Sr. Julie,
I love your website. It got me started on a blog for our Passionist community here in Clarks Summit Pa. It is about our Retreat House and Monastery. I currently have your “a nunslife” as a blog I follow. I would appreciate it if you could include in your list, our blog listed above. Keep up the great work. God Bless your beautiful ministry. Sr. Olive Ann CP

Hi Julie,
we updated our website and blog and I’m sure we lost the link to your’s under sisters. Could I reconnect thru a link with you? its still called Sisters Blog and its located at http://www.bonsecoursvocations.org/blog.

thanks again.
Pat

Hi, Enlightened Ones,

I stumbled on your website quite by accident, and am delighted to have found you. I am heartened by and greatly support any ventures which themselves support the great holy diversity of sisterhood in the world. Am not sure where your website will take me in terms of continuing engagement, but I’m delighted to see a website that has this button for sale– “I Support Sisters and Nuns”.
I grew up in Garden City, MI and several times made an individual retreat at your Barn.
I look forward to more reads along the way.

Blessings,

what can I do to find out if religious life is for me?

Sr. Julie; Hello; I am Dottie from Monroe Mi. Today I went to the IHM Motherhouse to pick up my Rosary Bracelets you made for me!!!!! Thank you,thank you thank you!!! They are so beautiful. I was happy that you took the time to make them. I am wearing the blue one now. The others are gifts. God Bless You! ps: I showed it to a friend and just as I thought she wants one too. More orders coming???