Comments on: About A Nun’s Life

By: What Happens When You Give A Nun A Microphone And An RSS Feed?

What Happens When You Give A Nun A Microphone And An RSS Feed? — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:51:58 +0000

[...] for their message. In the photo below, you can see both Sister Julie and Sister Maxine from ANunsLife.org. (Note: Click On Image To [...]

By: sacredfisher » Is God calling me?

sacredfisher » Is God calling me? — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:16:11 +0000

[...] life of Sister Maxine, myself, or other sisters here at A Nun’s Life, then take a chance and contact us. Call the vocation director of the community you’ve been thinking about. Attend a retreat or [...]

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:10:23 +0000

Hi Sister John Paul. Thank you for the link to your blog. I added it to our list of Blogs by Catholic Nuns.

By: Sr. John Paul

Sr. John Paul — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:58:44 +0000

Loved seeing other Sisters who blog…my blogspot is http://sisterjohnpaul.blogspot.com
I will be blogging from Rome while I study there for two months. God Bless

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:07:01 +0000

Dottie, I am delighted to hear that! You are most welcome. Each is prayed as it is made. Any proceeds from the rosaries goes toward our ministry at A Nun’s Life.

By: Dottie

Dottie — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:00:34 +0000

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???

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:56:57 +0000

Hi Teresa, Welcome! I encourage you to start with the page here How to Become a Catholic Nun. In the first few suggestions there are some ways you can begin to explore how God is calling you in your life. Spend some time with the suggestions that really appeal to you. Let me know how things are going and I'd be glad to help in any way. Blessings, Teresa.

By: teresa

teresa — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:08:01 +0000

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

By: Valerie

Valerie — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:33:32 +0000

Hello,

I really enjoy reading your blog, as well as all the comments people leave. I just recently started studying Catholicism (and I’m happily married, no plans to ever change that), but I was curious about nuns, so I’ve enjoyed seeing these discussions and blogs. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Valerie

By: Sister Char M

Sister Char M — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:22:08 +0000

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,

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 19:16:47 +0000

Thanks, Pat! I've updated Blogs by Catholic Nuns to include your blog.

By: Sr. Pat Dowling

Sr. Pat Dowling — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:03:04 +0000

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

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:28:49 +0000

Thanks, Sister Olive Ann! Will check it out and update my list of blogging nuns for you. I encourage you to open up your blog to comments. Most people look for that on a blog and it is a great way to get to know people and interact with them. Let me know if you need some help.

By: Sr. Olive Ann CP

Sr. Olive Ann CP — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:51:48 +0000

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

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:32:44 +0000

Hi Marcie, Those are good questions that I’m not real qualified to answer! I’m not familiar with the process except to say that normally there is a lot of discernment that takes place with the sister and with the community. There is usually like a “separation” period called exclaustration where the sister lives outside the community. No idea how long the process takes — definitely not overnight. The process does involve the community and sister being in contact with the Vatican because the sister is asking to be officially dispensed from her vows. Sometimes the timing is good, other times, a person feels she needs to leave without waiting for the proper dispensation. I don’t know if anyone has ever been denied but I suppose it’s possible. If she receives dispensation and leaves the convent then she can continue as a Catholic in good standing.

I welcome other sisters’ input on this as I’m not very familiar with the process.

By: Marcie

Marcie — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:58:20 +0000

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?

By: Ash

Ash — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:44:08 +0000

Dear Sister Julie,

How are you? im not doing so good. Can you please pray to god for me, that Brian’s family accepts me as their daughter-in-law whole heartedly. Please please please pray for me as there are lot of problems going on in my life currently and i need the help of your prayers and the most imp thing that is Gods grace. Please pray for me.
It is a kind request.

Thanks,
Ash.

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:40:58 +0000

Thanks, Thomas. I appreciate it and I love interacting with all the folks who visit.
Blessings,
Sister Julie

By: Thomas

Thomas — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:23:50 +0000

Sister Julie,

I’ve left comments elsewhere, but wanted to post a short line to compliment you on how well you write. It is a pleasure to read your articles — they are logical, well presented and draw in the reader. I do not normally comment on blogs, but have felt compelled on several of your posts to add my own comments. I have you to thank.

What a wonderful contribution you have shared with us. Thanks again, and God bless.

Thomas
The Catholic Gift Shop

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:14:36 +0000

Dearest Teresa, I am so sorry of hear of your mom’s stroke. Please be assured of my prayers and the prayers of my Sisters. Do let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family.
Sister Julie

By: Teresa M

Teresa M — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:28:18 +0000

Sister Julie,
I am a silent reader of your forum and am very thankful to God for you.

At the time of writing this, I am distressed and no amount of prayers are helping me.

My mother has had a stroke and is in the hospital. I am not able to visit her at this time, but my brothers and sister are taking care of her.

I am praying to God to restore her to good health. I dont have my father anymore and we were very close to our parents, one of the most beautiful and self sacrificing parents God could have blessed us.

Although I pray i am scared and doubting. Please help me, I know you are a good and holy person and god will definitely listen to you. Please keep my mother in your prayers.

Writing to you makes me feel a bit composed.

Thank you for your prayers,

Teresa

By: sister juliana

sister juliana — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:02:14 +0000

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

By: Ash

Ash — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:00:39 +0000

Hi sister Julie,

How are you doing? im great in the grace of god. just thought of writing to you and sharing some news. My boyfriend Brian finally spoke to his sister about me. she was mad at both of us. she called and asked me to meet her when she is back from dubai.she said that her word will be final. if she likes me she will convince her parents abt our marriage. she is coming to india on 10th may. and the following weekend i am gonna meet her. im feeling very nervous and at the same time i trust god that he will work out evrything properly. If she agrees then i will get married to Brian by end of this year.
Please please pray for us.

love,
Ash

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:52:05 +0000

Hi Bea, You've come to the right place! There are a number of posts about what nuns do. Here are a couple of them: What do nuns do? Nun ministries, careers, and callings As to our role and purpose? The bottom line is that through our common life which is rooted in the Gospel and the vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience, we serve God, the Church, and the world. We do so in a variety of ways -- through prayer, being present to people, education, professional jobs, medicine, missionary work, etc. I encourage you to spend some time on this blog and the blogs of other Catholic sisters and nuns to get a sense of who we are.

By: Bea

Bea — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:12:42 +0000

Hello, I m in a catholic high school, I would like to know and learn about what nuns do for a living. What is thier role and purpose.

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:08:54 +0000

Hi Victoria, Thanks for writing. I'm not sure which website that was either. A Nun's Life is just getting setup to receive donations (one-time or monthly) for our ministry. You can learn more at our donations page. Another reliable place to donate is the Retirement Fund for Religious. You can also contact a religious community directly to see about making a monthly donation. Let me know how I can help you find what you are looking for. Blessings and thank you for your generous spirit.

By: Victoria

Victoria — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:09:02 +0000

I came across a web site that I can sponsorer a nun, but I am unable to find the site again. Do you have such a program, or could you send me a web site to go with. This one site you could send $25.00 a month to sponser a nun for all of Gods works.

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:29:14 +0000

It’s a good idea, Tammy. I like it! Useful, personal, and handmade! Nicely done. In our community, each sister always had her “number” sewn into her habit and other personal items. The number was based on when she entered the community — so if she were the 765th person to enter, her number was 765. And sometimes when I need linens and go to the Motherhouse to raid the “extras” closet via my nun Sister Rose I find stuff embroidered with other nun details, or when I get a book from another nun and find “for the use of Sister M. So-and-So” marked in the book — it’s a neat tradition.

And for more ideas about gifts for nuns check out my post about gift ideas for nuns.

By: Tammy Baker_Ortega

Tammy Baker_Ortega — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:06:12 +0000

Dear Sister Julie
would monogrammed towels be a nice gift or an appropriate one for a friend of mine having her 5oth Jublee. I would just embroider “Sister Mathilde” on them. Is that an appropriate gift>?

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 15:10:32 +0000

Thanks, Gabriela. I’m 37 at the moment!

By: Gabriela

Gabriela — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 06:30:32 +0000

Hi Julie,

Thanks for a wonderful blog full of info. It is nice to have, for there are not many places to go to for this kind of information online. I just began to be interested in the lifestyle of nuns and would like to mimic their life in a way since I am scared to become a nun, but then again, I wouldn’t mind. Quick question, how old is Julie?

Gabriela E.

By: AmyinMotown

AmyinMotown — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:17:54 +0000

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!).

By: Helping An Eleven-Year Old Understand Evolution and the Catholic Faith — Catechist's Journey

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:25:43 +0000

[...] received a plea for help from my colleague and friend Sr. Julie Vieira, IHM, (be sure to visit her blog, A Nun’s Life) who is seeking an effective response to an inquiry [...]

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:16:40 +0000

My prayers are with you and your boyfriend. Blessings, Ash.

By: Ash

Ash — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:38:55 +0000

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.

By: Ash

Ash — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:37:27 +0000

Hi Sister Julie,

May god’s grace be with you.

Love,
Ash.

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:23:58 +0000

Dear Ash, So good to hear from you again. I am so glad to hear that you are feeling better. Things can get pretty bad sometimes and it can feel quite dark, but you hung in there and trusted that even though you couldn’t always feel God’s presence that God was still there, and continues to be with you now. You remain in my prayers, Ash. Thank you for brightening my day.

By: Ash

Ash — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:50:32 +0000

hey sister julie,

how are you? i thought of writing to you after a long time. what you told me the last time really worked for me. i forgave myself and i really feel better. i feel as though god has forgiven me. i have overcome that giult feeling and i feel near to god. i m doing a lot of praying these days. i feel just awesome abt it. i like to visit the church and talk to god as and when i find time in the day.
i love to pray. i really think god is listening it.
thanks for supporting me and getting me near to my god.
i greatly appreciate it.

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:52:41 +0000

Hi Scott! Nice to meet you! I was surprised to have gotten on NPR but was glad to contribute my 2 cents. I had a nice spike in traffic on the blog that day and a few emails. Very cool.

By: Scott Tenney

Scott Tenney — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:09:52 +0000

Hi, Sister Julie- heard you call in to NPR the other day and so discovered your blog. I think it’s great. I wonder if a lot of other people were directed this way due to your radio presence?
Best wishes for a blessed Christmas season and Happy New Year.
Scott

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:47:14 +0000

Good morning, Garry! So glad you wrote in. I remember all of those names from the stories that the nuns have told me. I have seen their handiwork all through the Motherhouse and the Academy. Thank you for your work for my Sisters. I hope you know how much we appreciate it and carry you with us in our hearts and prayers. I hope that you are enjoying your retirement. Please come visit us anytime.
Blessings, Garry.
Sister Julie

By: Garry

Garry — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:58:49 +0000

Now I remember Spiro

getting slow in my old age.

They were a great bunch of guys.

By: Garry

Garry — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:53:31 +0000

Good Morning Sister
I worked at SMA with mick & jim in the early 1970s. At HDC, and the mother house. Jerome was a special person in my life also salvere ,ullys,sammie and I’m forgetting the master carpenter???
I started working under sister Honora and Sister Clemente Marie.
I have a school ring from SMA and would like to see if it could be returned to its owner??? not sure how I have it but its been a long time.
The refurbished mother house is very nice. I retired from the fire dept in march 08.
Thank you for your time
Semper Fi
Garry

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:46:16 +0000

Absolutely, Sue. I'll send you and email shortly. Do check out my page How to Become a Catholic Nun for some discernment ideas.

By: Sue

Sue — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 07:03:17 +0000

Julie,
Your blogs are great,and informative.I try to look at least daily to make sure I’m not mising anything. Can you email me some info on IHM order. Also some good discernment books would help.I’d sure appreciate it!! If possible I’d love having your email address for some things harder for me to say or talk about at this time.Thanks for all the great info thus far.

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:45:30 +0000

Thank you for writing Dita/Callie. I love the quote from Saint Catherine! I’ll add it to my revolving quotes widget!

By: Dita

Dita — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:08:31 +0000

If you have gotten to a point where money, buying clothes, dying hair, cutting hair, watching T.V. and so forth have become pointless. These are all empty things, but the Sacred Heart of Jesus and what we truly thirst for Jesus and His Love. Is this the stirring of a nun within my soul? I know you do not know me, but there is something giving your life to the Lord that must be free, to say yes I left the world and am waiting for something way bigger than all this.

May God Bless Sister Julie!

“when who you are meant to be, you will set the whole world ablaze”- Catherine of Siena

Peace and joy,
CALLIE

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:55:58 +0000

Hi Bibiana, Of course nuns can also practice medicine. Sometimes women join when they are already doctors; other times the congregation asks the nun to study and take on that ministry.

While there is no rule against being a nun and a doctor, some religious communities may not include medicine as part of their mission. If a woman joined that community, it may be with the understanding that she would give up medicine and take on a ministry that is part of that community’s mission. When a person is thinking of joining a community, these are important things to discern and discuss with the vocation director.

By: Bibiana

Bibiana — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:47:31 +0000

Hi- I was wondering if it was possible for a nun to also practice medicine? For instance, if you want to become an anesthetist and a nun, can you do both and does the church allow y ou to use your profession say in a Catholic setting?

Thank you,

Bibiana

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:56:47 +0000

Thank you so much for writing, Carole. It’s lovely to meet you. I hope you’ll visit again. I don’t have an enewsletter yet, but you can subscribe to my blog posts and receive them via email if you’d like. In the sidebar on my blog (to the right) you’ll see a section that says “SUBSCRIBE NOW” … you can enter your email address there, then confirm it and you’ll get my posts via email. Thanks so much for reading, for your support and encouragement. Sister Julie

By: carole

carole — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:10:45 +0000

dear sister julie,my name is carole ,good morning ,i love your website and try and see how you are doing once a week ,i have been a catholic ,sine june 12 2007 ,and ,as i said to my husband dave ,i lovinling married you ,20 years ago [ps i am 56 years old ]had my children [david 38]ann33 [stepmother to mat38 and so wonderfully became a cathoilic, what more can i ask for in life[we livein anglesey ,north wales uk ,by the way ]and you have been on our prayer list ever since we saw your website in a sunday newspaper ,and may the lord bless you every day ,thank you sister .i think you are so lovely ,and so real in your replies that you give ,i would like your newsletter ,but,we are with aol ,and i havent learnt how to copy and paste into browswer yet ,so ,when i have ,i am so looking forward to seeing your e mails,or is there any other way we can do it,please sister? thank you sister and god bless you lol carole and dave croft keep up your wonderful work ,we are only learners on the computer have a lovely day sister

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:18:05 +0000

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!!!

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:50:50 +0000

Dear Mike, So glad you found my blog. There are surprisingly a number of us Vieira’s out there, the most famous of course being our Meredith!

I am pleased to meet you too and would love to hear more about your journey. Blessings to you, Mike. Sister Julie

By: Michael Vieira

Michael Vieira — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:12:32 +0000

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

By: deerose

deerose — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:21:09 +0000

Sr. Julie and others:

I was scrolling through this thread and found that the subject of art and prayer arose. This topic has always intrigued me as I am an amateur artist myself and find a sense of aesthetics/beauty to be an important part of my own spirituality. Creating art can also be a contemplative sort of activity for me.

I have read some about the prayer/art of writing icons in the Eastern traditions. I am also familiar with the mandala. But how do others pray with art, while making art, etc.? I’d be interested in learning about any specific practices/websites/books anyone might be aware of.

Thanks.

dee

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:59:21 +0000

Dear Meghan, I’m honored that your nana sent you to my blog. It is pretty awesome being a nun. It is beyond my wildest dreams. I had some idea of religious life (granted a lot of it was a romantic and therefore unrealistic image) before I joined, but never dreamed it would so fulfill me and allow me to flourish as a person. Falling into God’s call for your life does this to you — whether it be marriage and parenthood or religious life or a vocation of lay leadership in the church or saving rainforests across the globe. Anyways, I too love God and am humbled to be part of this great adventure of religious life.

Your ability and love of drawing is a gift from God — something you shoul persue no matter where your life’s calling takes you. I know many nuns who prayer through their art and use art as a way to minister to and with other people.

I encourage you to get to know sisters — talk to a local community — go there for Mass or for a retreat day or retreat weekend. Many communities have time set aside for people to talk with others who are discerning religious life. It depends on what religious community you are intersted in as to what the lifestyle is like. Cloistered communities and active religious communities have different ways of living and proclaiming the Gospel. What kind of way of living for God attracts you? Do you fel attracted to a life of quiet and solitude in community? Do you desire to work for and with the poor? do you want to work internationally? Search your heart and see what attracts you.

Different communities have different customs regarding visiting with family. In my community, I am free to visit with my family where they are (when I can afford to travel — time and money are considerations) or they can visit me where I am on mission in Chicago or at my motherhouse in Monroe, Michigan. My community and my ministry are central in my life. My community is like my immediate family and they are my primary relationships. At the same time, my family is very important to me and I’m there for them as they are for me.

Hope this helps, Meghan. Let me know how you are doing and what your thoughts are. And know that my prayers are with you.
Sister Julie

By: meghan robinson

meghan robinson — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:36:44 +0000

hi again,

sorry i forgot to ask something , how much do you get to see your family and can they visit you at the monastory .

By: meghan robinson

meghan robinson — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:35:13 +0000

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 (-:

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:23:04 +0000

No, you’re not a traitor … don’t think I could resist bagpipes either. Every Remembering Day in Saint Mike’s square we’d pray and have a bag piper, no matter how cold or wet a November Day it was.

As a matter of fact I am now on Facebook! It’s hard to keep up since I have my blog and now Twitter too. But come by and “friend” me. There are a bunch of Julie Vieira’s (I’ve made friends with 2 of them!) But you’ll see the little icon of myself.

By: Samantha

Samantha — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:53:10 +0000

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.

By: Rafael

Rafael — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:13:33 +0000

I was hoping you’d still wear a habit.

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:10:02 +0000

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!

By: Samantha

Samantha — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:23:41 +0000

Hi Sister, I just realized that you wrote that you went to St. Michaels College in Toronto…I went to U of T as well, but I lived at Innis a few blocks away. When were you there? I was there from 1999-2001. Anyway, just thought that was cool! Yeay U of T!! (I ended up graduating from Queen’s but oh well.)

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:28:40 +0000

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

By: angel

angel — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:48:37 +0000

Dear sister, I need advice. I don’t get whay people are againsts goths so much? They say t we worship Satan but there who are goths who are Chrsitan and worship God. THey hate homocide and rape and Hiltr isn’t htier icon. There’s a site that spews words about thes and spews out hate about people with disablitles. I have a ddisbaltie. There’s goth meta lgroups who are crsita and will somtimes write songs about God. Goths don’t worship Statn. There’s even Christan metal. Isn’t Jesus and God trying to teach to hate less people so how these Christans who claim to be Christan spew out hate. Just becuase you’re gothic, doesn’t mea nyou’re deprssed. thy’re happy goth people about there. Also I’m trying to be more patient and hate less people but people are testing my pateince. Amy lee is a gothic person but she doesn’t cut herslef I’m considering going goth and yet I fear I’ll be prejuicded agianst. I feel I can’t be myself. I’m als o tryi to find my idenity. I’m turning to different people including God, Jesus, and Mary. what should Ido? please help me. I’m so lost and confused.

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:32:01 +0000

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.

By: Teresa Maurer

Teresa Maurer — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 03:55:51 +0000

I am an Oblate (soon to be fully professed) and I read that Oblates have the right to wear the habit. Is this true or not. No one can give me the same answer. My next step is to contact Our Father General to find out. May God continue to bless you in your work.

By: Harry McSorley

Harry McSorley — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 04:03:50 +0000

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!

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:15:02 +0000

Many thanks, Annelie.

By: Annelie Coleman

Annelie Coleman — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:03:01 +0000

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

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 14:52:32 +0000

Thanks, Deborah … I’d be glad to list you in my “Blogs by Catholic Nuns”. I like to keep the list up-to-date and accurate so I list only those blogs that are updated regularly. Blessings to you on your jubilee! Sister J

By: deborahsc

deborahsc — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 23:56:24 +0000

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

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:50:28 +0000

I found the nun in question and will email you soon. Sister j

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 02:20:23 +0000

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

By: Kevin King

Kevin King — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:46:36 +0000

Hello Sister Julie. I attended St. Felicitas in Chicago from 1965-1967. Sister Donna Marie was my third grade teacher during the 1965-1966 school year. Do you have any idea what became of her?

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:10:31 +0000

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)

By: Natalie Alicia

Natalie Alicia — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 06:12:23 +0000

Dear Sister:

I have always wondered about how it would feel to be a nun, reading your blog i have found it very insightful. however there is still a question that remains in my mind and that is, being a catholic nun are you allowed to visit other religious temples such as mosques and hindu temples. what is your view about other religions. This may sound like an ignorant question but is something that has intrigued me a lot. I hope to hear from you soon.

Yours Faithfully,

Natalie Alicia C.

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 01:21:32 +0000

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

By: Mary

Mary — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 00:48:17 +0000

Dear Sister Julie

I’ve just found your blog, while searching on Google for information on the life of Mother Celine, as I was watching the mass live on EWTN. Congratulations on this web blog. This is a great way way for bringing us all together in Christ. Thank you for this great opportunity to share the Good News of our Faith. I have just started blogging and still learning.

God Bless you
Mary

By: Sandi Partyka

Sandi Partyka — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:59:41 +0000

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!

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 19:55:07 +0000

Thanks for the link, Gab. I haven’t seen that video before. It’s so good to see people using Internet technology to spread the Word of God and inspire people. Sister J

By: Gab

Gab — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 20:55:58 +0000

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

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:34:41 +0000

Hi Wanda, Thanks for the message. I know there are orders that accept women over 45. If you are looking for a community in your diocese, contact the diocesan vocation director. Sometimes communities go on a case by case basis even though the norm is to have a cut-off age around 40-45. If you are interested in an active/apostolic community check out my IHM community in Monroe, Michigan. Sister Mary Bea Keeley is our vocation/membership person. You can contact her by going to the IHM web site. I'm also going to post a query to the sisters who read this blog to see if they have recommendations. Check back! Blessings to you, Wanda. Sister Julie

By: Maggie

Maggie — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 20:10:59 +0000

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

By: Wanda

Wanda — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 01:47:05 +0000

Hello Sister Julie! I am interested in knowing more about becoming a nun, but I am afraid it’s too late for me. I am 49 years old and so far, the cut-off age is 40-45. Are there any orders out there that would consider me as a candidate? Please let me know. Thank you and God bless you.

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:44:22 +0000

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

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:39:02 +0000

Dear Melena, Thank you for visiting! The minimum age for entering a religious community may vary but typically it is around 18 years of age. Some communities may require that you have a college degree and/or professional work experience so of course that takes some time. Even if a woman is not old enough or ready to enter a community, she can still get to know the community and learn about their life and mission. Having a spiritual director or someone to discuss and discern this with would be a good thing. Blessings to you, Melena.

By: Beth Conrad

Beth Conrad — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:41:44 +0000

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.

By: Melena

Melena — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:16:13 +0000

sister Julie,

This was my fist time visiting your website,I enjoyed it an it is very interesting, your website was very intresting,thankyou for the wonderful work that you are doing for the communite, i really enjoyed reading your website,i just have one question how old does a person have to be to join? this will be not be my last time to visit, it was a very interesting website.Thankyou for your site and your time,God Bless!

By: deerose

deerose — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:58:36 +0000

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

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:31:16 +0000

Dear A.M,
Thank you for your comment and for telling me about yourself. I am pleased that you have encountered God as your friend and are getting to know him. I have done some study of Islam and have read parts of the Quran, but don’t know it in depth. In answer to your question, I am a Christian first because I was baptized into the Christian community because of the faith of my mother and my father and my family. As I matured and was able to make choices about my faith and my life, I reaffirmed my commitment to the Christian faith and I continue to live out of that faith by the grace of God. Because I am a Christian, I believe that God spoke definitively in the person of Jesus Christ and that through him salvation is made possible for all of creation. Even though I am a Christian, I have a great respect for the prophet Mohammad and for Muslims. I am grateful that you have shared a bit of your journey with me and I wish you well.
Peace to you. Sister Julie

By: a.m

a.m — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:17:12 +0000

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

By: Mick

Mick — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 11:25:57 +0000

Sister Julie,

This is my first visit to your blog. It won’t be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It reminds me of the blessed Ursaline Sisters that provided guidance during my early years. They are remembered with fondness.

By: Toni

Toni — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:44:26 +0000

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

By: Ann

Ann — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 10:09:52 +0000

Sister Julie,

I have only recently found your site. It’s great to come across one that’s so well established and I think the ‘ ask Sister’ service you provide is a helpful one in today’s often confusing world. I haven’t had the chance to read the archive yet but I am delighted to have discovered your voice.

By: RedheadedCyclone

RedheadedCyclone — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 01:59:19 +0000

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…

By: Ann

Ann — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:28:17 +0000

I came across this site through Judith’s meme which I think originated with Gabrielle. It will take a long time to read through your posts, but I’m delighted to have found a blogging nun – I don’t think there are any in Ireland but maybe I’m wrong.

By: Sr. Mary Louise

Sr. Mary Louise — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 22:42:31 +0000

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!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 11:03:09 +0000

Sister Julie,
I stumbled across your site after reading about it in Catholic Digest. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing so much. Truly a gift. Looking forward to exploring your site and the links as I continue my own discernment process as to what God has in store for me…could be religious life!

By: Lesley-Anne

Lesley-Anne — Tue, 15 May 2007 08:05:40 +0000

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!