Are You Considering the Religious Life?

St. Rita

Women:

Are You Considering The Religious Life?

Sources: Various

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Do You Suspect That God Might Be Calling You to the Religious Life?

Although everyone has a vocation in life (for most women, their vocation is marriage), God gives a higher calling to some women. Although God does not force anyone to respond to His calling, He may invite them in a variety of ways.

When one feels called, discovering whether or not one truly has a vocation to the religious life ("discernment") may or may not be a difficult process. Even if one does not have a vocation, the discernment process may benefit the candidate by helping her to learn more about herself.

Although God's choice of who to call is mysterious, there are some clear signs that one may or may not have a vocation. If you suspect that you might have a calling to the religious life, you should pray a great deal and engage in appropriate introspection. You should also seek guidance from the Church and follow the appropriate, required steps.

For your convenience, we have included a short list of some "positive" and "negative" signs as well as some "introspection questions" and "words of advice". We hope you might find them helpful.

God bless you!

"O Lord, grant unto Thy Church saintly priests and fervent religious." (Raccolta)

Some "Positive" And "Negative" Signs

First, let's start with the basics...

"Positive Signs" May Include...	"Negative Signs" May Include...
You have great love for the Lord.	You are lukewarm in your love for God.
You have a great love for others.	You find it difficult to love others.
You have a great zeal for Christ, the Church, and souls.	You have little zeal for Christ, the Church, and souls.
Your faith is very important to you.	Your faith is not all that important to you.
You love prayer.	You do not love prayer.
You love the Sacraments.	You do not love the Sacraments.
You are able to exercise self-control.	You are unable to exercise self-control.
You are certain that you can remain celibate/chaste until death.	You are certain that you could not remain celibate/chaste until death.

Other important qualities:

* You are not married (except where allowed).

* You have no physical or other impediments.

* You have good "people skills".

* You are emotionally stable.

* You have an appropriate level of intelligence.

* You are striving to live a virtuous life.

* You desire to serve others.

* You love the Blessed Virgin Mary.

* You are an orthodox, practicing Catholic.

* You are reliable.

* You are mature.

* You are psychologically stable.

* You are not homosexual.

* You have good manners.

* You have good hygiene and a neat physical appearance.

* You get along well with others.

* You are able to handle being alone.

* You have good conversational skills and speak English well (in English speaking countries).

* You are willing to talk about your faith.

* You have an appropriate level of education.

* You are willing to sacrifice material gain.

* You have received all appropriate Sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, Holy Eucharist).

* You feel an attraction to the religious life ("an attraction may be a sign, but it does not guarantee a vocation").

* You have a proper motive.

Some "Introspection Questions"

Next, consider pondering questions such as those below. It is important to be honest with yourself and to try to get to know yourself better. You should also pray for guidance before engaging in introspection.

Question

Why am I attracted to the religious life?

What attracts me to this life?

How strong is this attraction?

Do I really desire to serve God and others?

What brings me the most happiness / joy?

What are my strengths?

What are my weaknesses?

What are my goals?

What makes me think I might have a calling?

In what concrete ways have I manifested my desire to serve others?

In what concrete ways have I shown that I am able to sacrifice myself for God and others?

How long have I suspected I might have a vocation and what was the first indication?

What gifts do I have?

Do I really love prayer and the Sacraments?

Am I good with people?

Do I really know my faith well?

How do I handle "alone time"?

In what ways is my present life compatible with the religious life?

In what ways is my present life incompatible with the religious life?

How well do I handle stressful situations?

When do I feel most at peace?

In what areas of my life have I been most successful?

In what areas of my life have I been least successful?

What social skills do I have?

What social skills do I lack?

In what ways have I manifested my concern for others' souls?

What will be required of me to honor the necessary vows I must take?

Will it be possible for me to honor all required vows until death?

Do I think I would make a good religious?

Do others think I would make a good religious?

What specific behaviors have I demonstrated that support a call to the religious life?

How well do I get along with others? Do I get along well with all ages and classes and races of persons?

Do I have a proper motive? Am I trying to run away from something? Am I being pressured into it? Am I trying to please parents or others? Am I "on the rebound" from a romantic relationship? Am I considering the religious life because "nothing else has worked out"? Am I interested in the religious life because of the status or for financial reasons? Am I considering the religious life because I feel I "owe it" to God or because I promised God I would if He did something for me?

Have I considered other avenues of service in the Church besides the religious life (e.g. volunteer work)? If so, am I still interested in them? If not, what turned me away from them?

What is causing me to consider the religious life at this particular stage in my life?

Am I prepared for the great efforts and great sacrifices I will be called upon to make?

Do I desire this life?

Am I really prepared to make this life-long commitment?

Some Words of Advice

Finally, if you are considering the religious life, consider the following words of advice.

* Be sure to seek guidance from a trusted priest or spiritual director.

* Be sure to contact your parish / diocese for guidance and other assistance. You may also be able to contact communities directly, but be sure to follow the proper procedures.

* Take advantage of all appropriate resources the parish / diocese / religious community may have to offer. You may wish to also consider any online resources.

* Do not neglect daily prayer. In fact, pray as much as possible (especially ask for guidance and courage). Some helpful scriptural prayers may include: "Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Sam. 3:10) and "What shall I do, Lord?" (Acts 22:10). Also, be sure you 'listen' to God.

* Learn as much as possible about the life you are considering and about the communities you may be interested in. If possible, spend some time with members of the communities you are interested in (e.g. on retreats, events, etc.).

* Remember that just because you make inquiries or take steps towards the religious life, such actions do not commit you to this life.

* Be willing to follow God's will. Be careful not to put your will in place of God's.

* Always trust in God and in His love for you.

Also See:

Religious / Religious Life / Religious Institutes (Reflections)

Virgins / Virginity (Reflections)

Vows (Reflections)

More Reflections

The Religious Life For Women

Top Reasons Why Women Can't Be Priests

Misc. Priests / Vocations Facts

Prayers for Priests / Vocations

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