What Is A Vocation?

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The Feast of the Presentation we celebrate on February 2nd is also World Day of Consecrated Life.  On this day, we give thanks to God for those many men and women who heard the voice of God to give up everything and to follow the poor, obedient and chaste Jesus.  On this day, we ask God to hear the prayers of those who are still searching for Him and wondering if He is calling them to this particular vocation.


The story of Samuel and Eli in the Old Testament is an example of a vocation call.  Vocation is a word that is mostly associated with religious calling.  When one asks, "do you have a vocation?", it is very often understood in the context of "are you being called to be a Sister or Priest?"  But vocation is more than just being a Sister or Priest.  It is a particular call, to a particular lifestyle, to do a particular work.  So one can have a vocation to religious life, priestly life, or the married state.  Does this surprise you?  Did you ever think that being married is a vocation?

God created us all with a purpose in mind.  You didn't really think that you were just placed in this world for no other reason  than to exist, did you?  No. God has great plans for you and I.

Discernment is another word that gets thrown around.  If God created us for a purpose, and if we each have a place in the world, how do we find it?  How do we know the will of God in our life?  The process of finding this out, of understanding the will of God for us, is called discernment.  Simply put, it is asking the question "God, what do you want of me?"

This brings us back to the story of Samuel and many other men and women in the Bible.  In Samuel's case, this is how it happened.  Hannah was a woman who prayed hard for a child. When her prayers were answered, and she was given a boy, she promised God that he would be dedicated to His service when the time comes.  She named him Samuel and when the time came for his mother Hannah to fulfill her promise to God, she brought Samuel to the temple and presented him to the high priest, Eli.  One night, as Eli and Samuel were asleep, young Samuel heard a voice calling him, "Samuel, Samuel."  He got up and went to Eli thinking that the priest had called him.  But Eli said, "No. I didn't call you. Go back to bed."  The voice came on again with the same call, and this happened two more times.  Each time Samuel got up and Eli told him to go back to bed.  On the third time, Samuel went to Eli and said, "Did you call me. Here I am!"  Eli, with the intuition of someone who knew the ways of God advised Samuel to go back to bed and when he hears the voice again, he should respond with "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening!"  This, the child Samuel did, and God finally revealed to him his vocation of prophet.

The story of any religious vocation is always a personal one.  God calls each of us by name and no two stories are exactly alike.  Each person has different life experiences which form our image of God and how we relate to Him.  Our personalities are different and they contribute a lot to how we perceive the different realities which form our life stories.  If you listen to vocation stories, you will understand what I mean, because the differences are striking.  Some are called from a very early age- they knew very early on that they want to spend their life serving God.  Others are called late in life.  Others became religious with ease.  Others became religious 'kicking and screaming", as the saying goes, because they would not have thought of becoming one but felt an irresistible force from within them.

Despite the differences there are also some similarities.  For example, one may feel a strong attraction to a religious sister or priest.  They are attracted to the life of total belonging to God, of doing God's work, and a strong desire to give of themselves to serving other people.  Although one enjoys the amusements and pleasures the world gives, there is a sense of longing, a sense of emptiness that is not filled and satisfied by these earthly goods.  There is a strong pull to live the devotional and sacramental life, a high esteem for the celibate life and an inner attraction for the virtue of chastity.  Why is this so?  Because the life of celibacy and continence is not given to all but only to those who are chosen by God.  When one is chosen for this life, God gives the corresponding grace.

Religious discernment is difficult and maybe painful to some because we may not want to hear what God has to say.  The first step to do is to find that inner silence, that sacred space,  to hear God speaking in the silence of our heart, and to have the openness to listen through the words of Scriptures and in spiritual direction.  Like Samuel, we say "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening!"- and really mean it!

The Mystery of His Love

I am one of those people grateful for the gift of this video! A religious vocation is ultimately all about God- His initiative- of calling a soul to share in the mystery of a love that challenges and transcends.  One is asked to participate in the sense of giving one's will and uniting it with God's.  Like Mary, at her Annunciation, God asks the question and Mary answered, "let it be done to me according to your word."  To be called by God is not so much a matter of doing great things for Him.  To be called by God is to allow great things to be done in me.  It is a mystery because it cannot be explained in human words- not even by the one who is called.  In the final analysis, a religious vocation is not just about doing good- great- works.  One does not have to enter religious life for that.  It is not even of saving one's soul- because religious life is not a requirement for salvation.  So why did God call me and not someone else with more gifts and talents to give, and more virtues to boast of?  The answer for me can be found in the Gospel of Saint Mark 3:13, "And He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him."

Thank you, Jesus, for wanting me to serve You and to be with You in this holy vocation.  Make me worthy of Your great gift of Love!

Jesus Is Still Calling!

It is hard to "sell" religious life or the priesthood these days because of the unfortunate scandals present in the life of the Church.  Answering a religious call is hard enough with regards oppositions from the family and the detachments one must have to pursue it.  But when society constantly bombards one with criticisms and deprecating remarks, it becomes even more of a challenge. Radical discipleship will always be a stumbling block in the view of many, even devout Catholics.  One can serve God outside of religious life, right?  Why enter a convent or seminary?  Why leave families and friends?  The simple answer is Jesus words, "You did not choose Me, I chose you."  In His plan, He desires to set aside people who will be totally dedicated to continuing His mission of suffering and ministry.  God calls and all we do is answer.  It is unfortunate that the holiness of this vocation is tainted with the weaknesses of the human beings called to it.  But we must fix our eyes on the Person who is making the call.  The call to holiness is even greater now than ever.  Jesus is still calling and for those who are called, there is no other choice but to answer.

What You Need to Hear When DIscerning?

My idea of discernment is searching for the truth. The truth can be painful in that it can shatter dreams and sweep away illusions. I believe that the role of guiding someone to make clear a vocation can be given by God to whomever He chooses. A spiritual director is ideal but is not the only way. I did not have a spiritual director until I entered religious life. My vocation was revealed to me through an event and nurtured by the nuns. God can call any one at any age and the young has more openness than one who is older. This is a generalization of course and there are always exceptions. But it is necessary, whomever is given the task to advise someone, to speak the truth. Words of encouragement should be true and not just to make the person feel good about the "dream". If there are obvious impediments to a vocation, whether on the part of the person or the Order in particular, these should be made clear. That can be painful to some but it is part of truth. So those who are truly searching for the truth about God's will must be prepared to accept what might go against their own will or preferences.

Religious Life is Alive!

Some say Religious life is dying, I say just the opposite.  Religious Orders and Communities can go extinct but Religious life, because it is the work of the Spirit and part of the holiness of the Church, will continue until Jesus comes back to earth.  It is bold for me to say these words especially in the face of a vocational "crisis" in the Church today.  But my words are backed by studies conducted most recently by CARA (Center For Applied Research in the Apostolate.)
What is more true to say is that the face of Religious life is changing.   Studies show that candidates entering religious life are more well educated, lived a full life of work and voluntary ministries and more tradition- oriented.  They place more emphasis on community life, prayer and spirituality more than they do with work and ministry.  They come seeking for God as lived in the institute's members and their relationship with each other.  They seek for a deeper life of prayer found in the Eucharistic celebrations, praying the liturgy of the hours, Marian devotions and other devotional practices.  These new members look for an authentic living out of the ideals of Religious life which may have been sacrificed in the name of the  apostolate and ministry.  They seek for the joys and good examples of the institute's members.  Though some may argue that religious life is not "all about praying all day," but "works done for God" (kind of like "your work is your prayer" mentality), recent trends show that religious communities exhibiting the basics of religious life (prayer, community, habits, traditional devotions, fidelity to the Magisterium, fraternal love and joy in living) draw more young people to enter.  So, I have high hopes for religious life!  I think the Spirit is very much alive and is reshaping the face of religious vocation in the Church.  I think that after this storm, religious life in the US will come out stronger and more purified, if we listen closely to what the Spirit is saying NOW!

How To Attract Vocations?

I subscribe to Catholic Answer Forum and every so often I come up with interesting topics that really generate a lot of questions and responses. One of these topics was about vocation. My talking point was: Is there a shortage of vocation in this country?

Someone offered this point:
"As someone who worked with vocations in the 80's and now is somewhat involved in my parish now. I don't think that there is a vocation crisis per se, I agree there is a shortage here in the U.S. ,however I believe it is more of a pendulum effect. Emerging countries like Asia and Africa will have a larger number of vocations just as Ireland did after the famine and how the U.S. did for so many years. I think as our younger people rediscover their religious roots we will slowly find an increase in vocations. As someone who has worked in vocations before and hopes to do some good [now] ... A few things I would like to see done to promote more vocations both to the priesthood but also to religious life is more outreach. In my mind it is not enough to speak about vocations one or two weekends a year at Mass. We need active programs to show young people that it is "okay" to want to enter religious life. I think also that perhaps more programs need to be formed to help those with vocations who have debt. [I had started a thread earlier about successful vocations programs .. it listed some wonderful programs in various diocese....] One other thought is ........ In my (second) discernment process I found it interesting that for a woman seeking religious life.. there are few discernment groups or retreats available... It is almost as though you need to know beforehand the community or rule you wish to follow........ Sr Helena what are your thoughts????"



I thought we were on for a fruitful discussion! I gave her this response:
"I also believe that God still continues to call individuals to follow him in religious life now as in past ages. But it certainly boils down to "are people listening?" And if they say they are, "what are they hearing?". you have to agree that ever since the 60's with its trail of "new self discoveries", and new found "freedoms", organized religion has taken a back-seat. The notion of total obedience (giving up my freedom of choice), poverty (giving up all the modernizations), chastity and celibacy (not having sex and not having a family) is so against the culture of our times. There is also a problem with Catechesis or knowledge of the Catholic Faith. It amazes me to find out that even those who are products of Catholic schooling are so deficient in the basic knowledge of our Catholic practices and why Catholics believe in the things they believe in. Now having said all that, working for vocation would mean bearing in mind the kind of Catholic generation we are dealing with here. We should have programs yes, and especially programs about Catholic Faith, at local levels to increase Faith Catechesis I believe this is happening now with all these Faith Core groups in parishes and universities. I think the value of witness from Religious cannot be overestimated. Young people look for concrete realities not ideas. They gravitate to what they can see, hear and touch. In the USA, with our pluralistic ideas of religious life, we often confuse them more than help these discerners. You don't have to take my word for it, but the biggest discussion groups on the forums are often about religious habits or lack of it. Modern generation needs to see the reality, not just read about it. Religious also has the obligation to "walk the walk and talk the talk." In other words, be authentic. Young people are very acutely sensitive to how religious live the way they say they live. Are they really true to what they "advertise" themselves to be? If you say the community is a contemplative community, do they really pray? Pray together? If we claim to be in love with Jesus, do we really treat and relate to each other in community like we love each other in Jesus? Young people these days often come from problematic family situations and they are looking for the family values they lack and the love they need. Networking and support systems are also needed these days. It's a different world of instant replies and instant connections. One does not have to cross state lines to reach someone. So being present in the media is a tool for reaching out and for making the love of Jesus available to young people who engage the world in this way. In the end, all our human means will be fruitless if God does not bless our efforts. The words of Jesus "Pray to the Harvest Master.." is still as valid today as 2000 years ago. We have to continue to beg and pray that he sends us men and women who will be open to his invitation. But unless those he had already called, be true to the gift he has first given them, that gift will be taken away and given to another."

The Challenge of Religious Life

Religious life is a difficult life. The difficulties specific to it is the fact that people of different personalities, educational background, spirituality and level of maturity, chose to live together to answer a call. You choose who you marry, you can quit a job if you don't like it, or remain in the world as a single person with your own plans and endeavors. But not in religious life. But it is a CHOSEN life. One chooses to be a religious. Everybody is here with the same goal- to follow God and grow in holiness- but the problem however lies in the fact that everybody sees holiness in different ways, relates to God in different ways and lives the Gospel invitation in different ways.
Everybody who entered religious life had some kind of unrealistic expectations in varying degrees. Just like marriage, you grow into the relationship with God and your Sisters. If one is faithful to prayer, God gives you the understanding and purifies your vision. One continually grows in religious life, not just during postulancy and novitiate. Formation is a lifelong process. The fruit of a good discernment is to be able to accept the fact that one enters the convent or monastery in order to be tried in virtue. If this is not one's goal, there will be plenty of opportunities in the world for holiness and ministry.

Holy Poverty

I'm a college student, and I'm wondering whether I have a religious vocation. I know that my favorite thing is Mass and prayer! I go to Mass everyday and spend a couple of hours praying every day, and I would love to increase that significantly. I'm trying to be patient with myself right now because I've only recently returned to the Church after a long absence (caused largely by a poor understanding of the Church as a child). I would LOVE to have kids, but I honestly don't see myself happy in the marriage vocation without children, which makes me think I may not be called in that direction. I also fear that I'm imagining this pull I feel toward religious life.

I do have a couple of questions, Sister.

1. How do rules of poverty work in most communities? Do you have "spending money"? Are you allowed to be given gifts? Is there money available for visiting family sometimes?

2. I've always felt so jealous that priests can go to seminary and learn so much about Catholicism! I know that whether I'm a religious or a lay person, I want to study as much about the faith as possible. I think the Dominicans are known for this. Do you know any other orders particularly known for the education of their sisters?

3. Do you have any advice about what I should be doing now? I pray about this a lot, and I've looked up religious communities online. Is there anything else?

Thank you so much, Sister!

Answer:

The vow of poverty is practiced differently in different communities. It is also dependent whether the religious is bound by solemn or simple vows. Solemn vows oblige members professing them not to own or keep a patrimony (inheritance etc.). Simple vows allow patrimonies as long as it is not administered by the religious her/himself but designates a guardian to manage this for her/him. Simple vows allow religious to use material items with permission but not allowed to own them. I profess simple vows and so I have permission to use a computer, a car, or radio. they belong to the community for all its member's use. I cannot claim anything as my own. In reality, simple and solemn vows differ mostly in canonical restrictions more than in practice. We do have a monthly stipend to buy personal care items, stamps, cards, etc. The amount is decided by each community. Gifts given to one religious technically belong to the Community. If one wants to keep it, permission by the local superior must be obtained. Expenses incurred by the individual religious is shouldered by the Community. the idea of financial dependence is inherent in the vows.

Since Vatican II, more and more opportunities for human and personal growth are made available to Religious. Studies in areas of theology, psychosocial fields and healthcare are highly encouraged not only for the benefit of the Community's ministry but also for the Sister's own growth. The extent of study will depend on the Community's ministry and finances.

If you have Orders you found on-line which attract you, you should pay them a visit or make contact with them. Bring down the theory to practice! Narrow down your search and ask questions. Know what you are looking for. Pray everyday to the Holy Spirit to enlighten you. And most of all, do everything without any pressure or urgency of finding. Sometimes we get caught up in the adventure of searching, we don't see it even when it's staring us in the face! Do not be afraid to try once you find it. Religious life is a very long process. You don't become a Sister or Nun once the convent gate is closed behind you. Once you take the first steps, God will do the rest. Do not be afraid.

The Call

As a Religious Sister, I often find myself answering questions posed to me by some inquiring minds. “Why did you become a Sister?” “Did you not want to get married?” “Don’t you like children?” “Why do you wear a habit?” “What do you do in the convent?” “How often do you pray?”
Or some seemingly hostile questions like, “Why are you wasting your life?” “Who is the Pope anyway?” “What is wrong with you?”


I guess some of these questions were fueled by a real desire to know the motivation behind such a choice of life . I guess others were just plain curious . Others may have found some kind of mystique about this lifestyle. And still others might have romanticized it. Whatever the reason, I often find these moments energizing and annoying at the same time. It is energizing because this gives me the opportunity to share the goodness of God and the many ways He has worked in my life. I can tell them about the power of grace and how it empowers a person to choose difficult things. I can tell them that Religious Life is first and foremost an invitation from God. Just like any invitation, one is free to accept or reject it , without penalty. It is pure gift. But it is a gift that is no other gift because inside the package is our true source of happiness. Religious life is not all peaches and cream. On this side of eternity, we are all called to live out the dying and rising of Jesus. This particular life is a direct pursuit of this imitation of Jesus. Religious consecration is the intense choice to live out our consecration at Baptism. We are all consecrated to God at Baptism and religious consecration is a continuation of that consecration. It is a particular call to a particular lifestyle. It therefore needs a lot prayer, consultations with persons familiar with guiding souls and plenty of humility to allow oneself to be guided. It calls for openness and courage to take a ‘leap of faith.” It entails going through doubts and anxieties because we are used to being sure about our plans and endeavors. We do not mind investing ourselves in a project that is clear and yields potential benefits , with clear shape and form. “Religious life is so uncertain” someone protested. “What if I find I don’t have a vocation after giving up my job, my house, my bank account, my car? What then?”
All the things I had to “give up” do not really amount to anything compared to what God has given me in return even in this imperfect life. There are also stages one has to undertake before fully entering this religious state. And when that time of final decision comes, the sacrifice is made bearable by the joy that the Spirit of God gives. Only those who experienced this joy can fully understand it because it cannot be put to words. These inquiries can also be annoying because in some cases you can detect a malicious intent in someone who just wants to start an argument. No explanation can satisfy them because they have already made up their minds and are not really interested.

What is God asking of you? Have you thought about it? One is not always called to a religious state, does not have to be, for him or her to do something beautiful for God. But we are all called to something noble and great. We are created for a purpose. Our life is a big adventure to discover this purpose of our existence. Those that find it are the happiest of people because they realize that they matter and they can make a difference. Those who do not find it go about the world dissatisfied and confused because they do not know where they are going. They think power and wealth are the answers and these become ends in themselves.

Religious life is a daily giving and renewing of the covenant I made with God. Problems and difficulties come with Community living. Prayers do get dry and the spring of consolations eventually dry up. But God cannot be outdone in generosity. When He chooses to close a door, it is only because He is opening a window. There are difficulties in any kind of life. In the long run we are all called to prove our commitment , either to marriage, job, family life or religious life, by the DAILY fidelity, DAILY struggles and DAILY "YES." It is no different in Religious life. A Sister did not say "yes" only at the day of Religious Profession, but she renews it (or should renew it) daily, at every moment, by the help of God's grace.

We are called to something greater than ourselves.

Too Young

I'm going to introduce my self a little bit first.
I'm 17 and have known that I'm going to be a nun for five years, in January 2008 I went on the March for Life in Washington DC and that's when I found that I'm called to join the Sisters of Life in New York City. One of the things that I would really like to have is people not telling me that I'm too young or that I should wait a while before I make a final choice. Also I just want my peers and older friends to let me be who I am and be fine with that. 

I know what you mean. I was twenty when I went serious with Religious life and entered at 23. Although 23 is not 17, still I had the same reaction you do. My parents were very much against it. I was so impatient that if it was a man I fell in love with, I would have eloped! But sometimes waiting is good for many reasons. It tests your resolve, it makes you grow in virtues, it tests you, it also gives you time to acquire whatever educational pursuits you may need to have to better serve God, especially if the Community you are entering will benefit from it. It is all for the good. On the other hand, if we don't fix our eyes on the goal and do not live according to the expectations befitting our deepest desire, one can lose a religious vocation. So I guess, simply put, live in the world for as long as God wills it, but live your life deeply aware of your desire to give yourself to Him in religious life. When the bride is ready, God will take her. I remember this very vividly when I couldn't enter the time I wanted. I went to the Chapel of the monastery in tears and told Our Lord, "I guess I'm not good enough for you yet. The bride is not ready. Your will be done. But I will return and keep myself for You." And God gave me the grace to keep my promise. 

Holy Obedience

If I may comment on Obedience: The spirit of Vatican II, and in Perfecta Caritatis, dialogue between the Superior and the individual Sister, which I think is good and proper, is encouraged. In the Rule of Carmel, a Prioress is defined as "first among the many," which is different from the notion of an Abbott or Abbess. As such, consultation is frequent in my Community. But dialogue is only a means to an end. It is not an end in itself. It fosters openness and confident participation in the life of community. But the final authority rests on the local Superior. If I may quote from "Starting Afresh from Christ- the Consecrated Life in the Third Milennium": - "A personal and confident participation in the community's life and mission is required of all its members. Even if, in the end, according to proper law, it is the task of authority to make choices and decisions, daily living in community requires a participation which allows for the exercise of dialogue and discernment. Each individual, then, and the whole community can work out their own life with the plan of God, together carrying out God's Will. Co-responsibility and participation are also exercised even in various types of councils at various levels, in order to ensure the constant presence of the Lord who enlightens and guides."- page 18 "The Task of Superiors"
Now I agree that this was taken to extremes by some so that Religious life is reduced to democratic living. Religious life is not a democracy. We don't (or should not) operate by popular votes or majority votes.  Sometimes a dialogue has become a crutch for Superiors not assuming full responsibility and accountability  for decisions to be made, and members of community have used this idea as an excuse to pursue their own wills. "I have permission to this .."  Even though permission was given because the Superior does not want to fail in charity.  But healthy and mature dialogues make community living fruitful and productive both collectively and personally. This is one genius of Vatican II that has been misunderstood, manipulated and abused.

When Is the Right Time?

Discernment is a wonderful and necessary process. I'm talking about all kinds of discernment: lay and religious vocations, marriage, single life, career, etc. But when does discernment end and "leap in faith" begins? One can be discerning forever and not really find what they are looking for! When ideals are too high, one may end up not satisfied with anything. Information is good but when is it enough? Sometimes the challenge of searching can become an end in itself. Answering a vocation, especially religious vocation, will always mean taking risks. Life is an adventure.

There's A Reason

It is a painful experience to have lived religious life only to find out later that it wasn't for you.  I have known women who joined a religious community, and for one reason or other, left it.  One may recover quickly as far as settling back in the world.  But the pain and feeling of rejection continue for a long time.  I am always reminded of the words of the prophet Jeremiah, "You duped me, O God, and I let myself be duped."  Isn't that the feeling one gets?  A person gives up everything- material security, friends and family, future plans- to enter a life of promise, only to be told later on that it wasn't for them.  No wonder people react with anger, disillusionment and turning their backs on God. 
There are no easy answers.   
Religious life is a risk because love is a risk. A couple thinks they are in-love only to find out years later that it could not go on for some reason or other. No one can predict with certainty that one is going to be faithful forever, even after Final Vows. I know of many final vow Sisters who left after being in religious life for years. Love, whether in religious life or married life, is renewed everyday.  It is sustained by God's grace alone. Jesus Christ risked it all when He came. "He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (prologue of St. John). Religious life is the greatest adventure of all.  But despite all that, God knows what is good for us.  The Psalmist says, "It is God who gives each his place... the lot marked out for me is my delight."  It's not the end of the world.  God has need of souls who love Him.  God grants only what is good for us.  It's not always easy to see but it becomes clearer with time.

How Do You Tell Your Parents?

When you are young and anxious about everything telling your parents you want to become a Sister or Nun is difficult.  I imagine it is the same with young men as well.  How do you break the news to your parents?  I don't think there is one good answer.  There are many factors involved which can influence the result.  For example, Are your parents religious?  Are they dependent on you?  Are you an only child?  How long have they known of your interest?  There can be as many answers as there are families.  I will tell you though how my parents reacted when I broke the news.
The short answer is ANGRY!  My family is Catholic but my father is not very religious.  He goes to Mass and do the different Catholic devotions but he also had dreams for his children.  Because I am the oldest of seven children, he had high hopes pinned on me.  When I told them of my desire to join a convent after graduating from nursing school, my father was so upset that it created so much tension in the house.  It became so bad that my mother was always crying and begged me to forget about it for a while and just do as my father pleased.  My father threatened that if my mother gave me her blessings, it would be the end of our family!  That certainly sounds dramatic and if it didn't happen to me I would have concluded that this statement is overblown!  But it did happen this way.  As it turned out, Mother Prioress realized how upsetting everything was for my parents at the time that she decided not to take me in until 5 years later!  I was so terribly upset and went to the Chapel crying.  I have been a Religious now for 16 years and my father certainly has accepted it now and seems to be happy with my choice.
Although the years of waiting were painful for me, they were also precious because God used them to strengthen my vocation and to prepare me for life in the convent.  I learned that if we trust God and do our part to take care of our religious vocation, God will bring it to fruition and He grants us our deepest desires.
So going back to my question of how to tell one's parents?  I think that we have to take courage and face the problem head on.  God will take care of preparing them and will ordain the right time for us.  Parents definitely need prayers being it more difficult for them to accept it.  The person called is graced with joy and holy impatience but often times parents do not have this grace.  That is why it is more difficult for them.  They feel the separation, and in their opinion, the separation is forever even though that is not often the case.  My father objected vehemently because it was a strictly cloistered Carmelite community.  But in God's time and as ordained by Him, my father is now happy with my religious life and vocation.  God has ordained everything and I never regret my consecrating myself to Him as a Carmelite Sister!

Religious Consecration

I frequently visit and join in the discussions on Catholic Answer Forum.  I opened a thread where others, other than myself, could post their own questions.  This was one of the questions asked by someone who might be discerning a call to religious life:

Poster:
I have tried to ask my question before...and a few kind people have answered, but I was hoping for a few religious or theologically trained persons to have some input and so far, none...Not that I don't appreciate the responses I have received...I just was hoping for an "expert."

Is it true that all souls will be consecrated souls in heaven and that some souls are chosen to live that reality already on earth? (The kind of life we will all live in heaven?) Or will there still be a difference in heaven between those who are consecrated and those who aren't in heaven? Secondly, do religious vows leave an indelible mark on the soul?

It can be a little frustrating to see that people who are being argumentative or unkind on the forums get responses much more quickly than this little, polite question of mine. 


My Answer:
I would like to premise my remarks by saying that I am not a theologian and my words are not absolute. There will be other more qualified people here on CAF who can better answer your questions. But I think I may have some answers to offer.

Your first two questions: Is it true that all souls will be consecrated souls in heaven and that some souls are chosen to live that reality already on earth?

The fact of the matter is that we were all consecrated to God the day we were baptized. The sacrament of baptism is necessary for entrance to heaven. Souls who make it to heaven are consecrated by virtue of their baptism here on earth. Religious life or the Consecrated life is a state of life where the consecration effected in baptism is lived out intensely and more intimately. In other words, those called to religious life are called to manifest the life of full intimacy and union with Christ even when still on earth. I like to borrow Elizabeth of the Trinity's words of "living heaven on earth." This is the main purpose of religious life- to make visible here on earth the life we are promised in heaven. This is what the Church calls "eschatological reality", It is a life characterized by the public profession of vows, in a stable life approved and recognized by the Church. It is a particular calling, a vocation, not given to all Just like St. Paul's analogy of different members of the one body, religious life is one form or "style" of living out one's baptismal consecration. In the final judgment, we will be judged according to how faithful we had been to our baptismal and religious consecration while still in the flesh.

Secondly, do religious vows leave an indelible mark on the soul? I do not believe so. The "indelible mark" you are referring to pertain to the Sacraments- more specifically to the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders. Religious Vows are not part of the sacraments. They are Evangelical Counsels. They are voluntarily embraced for the sake of the Kingdom. We have to remember that religious life is not part of the sacramental life of the Church (comprising of the seven sacraments.) On the other hand it is "sacramental" because it points to Christ and when lived to the full, unites us perfectly with Christ.

Poster:
Sr. Helena- Thank you for taking the time to respond. I really liked what you said about religious "living heaven on earth!"

I am a little confused by some conversations I have had recently...I am not called to the religious life, pretty certainly...although I have dear friends who are. Someone recently "informed" me that because religious life is a higher calling that religious who are faithful to God will necessarily be closer to God in heaven than a lay person who is faithful to God. That is one reason I wondered if there is a "difference" once we get to heaven, or if that is just something that some people think in regards to their own possible vocation. Do you have any thoughts about that? It is a little childish but I think it would be quite "unfair" for the religious to first of all be "closer" on earth and then "closer" for all of eternity. A little pride to overcome on my part, admittedly, but just wondered if it is true or not in the first place. Am I just missing something here?

Thanks again for your kindness!
God Bless you!

My Answer:
I don't believe that union with God has anything to do with the "station" which He had placed us. Holiness has more to do with conforming our will to the will of God, wherever we find ourselves by God's providence. Religious life is a perfect state, although Religious are far from being perfect. The consecrated life, by the profession of the vows, is the life of Jesus himself, it is perfect. But a Religious does not automatically become perfect just because a person chooses to embrace it. Choosing it is just the beginning. Living our consecration to the full is a work of a lifetime. In our Lady's apparition in Fatima, she showed the children a vision of hell, and sadly the children saw Priests and Religious in that place. We all have to face the tribunal of God and will have to give an account of our stewardship. Religious would have more to answer for because all the "tools" of holiness are given us- the Eucharist, life of prayer, silence, solitude, opportunities for sacrifices and total service to others, Confession, ,retreats and many more- these all comprise the religious life and are more readily accessible to religious than an ordinary person living and working in the world, saddled by multiple concerns and responsibilities. Jesus said, "to those who are given more, much will be required." But to answer your question- all you have to do is look at the variety of canonized Saints we have and see how different they all are in states of life. We become holy by loving God above all things and our neighbors as God love them. To do that we strive to forget ourselves, conform our wills to God's will, and be transformed by His grace. We rise after we fall.  That is how I see it.

Ministerial Choice

Here's one question, which I think many potential vocations might be thinking about.

--How much does choice have to do with the type of 'work' one ends up doing? (Awkward phrasing)

A long time ago the attitude towards type of work reflected what the Missionaries of Charity still practice--you should be able to accept doing any type of work anywhere in the world.

Some applicants may prefer (and be more suited for) one type of apostolate rather than another, within an institute, but know that the institute has a variety of apostolates.

Does preference play any role at all? 

My Answer: 
There is an understanding in Religious life that one embraces it with an attitude of self-giving and abandonment to the Will of God as manifested in the will of one's Religious Superior. The whole purpose of embracing the life of the vows is to be stripped of one's will and preferences for the love of God (and this is an important qualifier) so that one gains the freedom of the spirit to follow wherever God's will leads us.

But having said that, I must also add that in my Community at least (I can only speak for mine), a spirit of dialogue and consultations is normal. Consideration is given to the Sister's talents and abilities and consideration also as to where she can serve God and the elderly best. Now, it will happen that the needs of the Congregation will dictate a different approach. Taking myself as an example, my Community has always used my training as a nurse in all of my assignments. But in my recent change of position, my Community is asking me to function in a role I was not trained for or had no previous experience in. This is where the Vow of Obedience comes in. In other words, yes, leadership looks at your potentials but are not always bound by them. This is where religious ministry differs from a regular job. Religious life always look out for the common good, not just oneself. We constantly remember that one does not become a Sister / Brother just to do good works. As Mother Teresa used to say," we (religious) are not called to be successful but to be faithful." The actions of a religious are not her own. By freely embracing the vows, we surrender our will to the will of another. If a Community goes by the practice of what I had just described, well and good, thanks be to God, but it doesn't have to. That's why religious life is a vocation. Not everybody can accept this attitude. God cannot use us effectively if we do not venture out to paths unknown and untried.

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Vocation Directors

Most vocation director agree with the idea of stepping on the other side in order to confirm ones calling, they'll never say YES and NO. It is a favorable risk though. But what can you say to those who never tried but have decided their vocation? Would you say it's harmful? Is the sense of peace really true?

 

In my opinion, Vocation Director is only a guide along the maze of discerning a religious calling. He/She is not or should not be there as a recruitment manager. It is a temptation to unconsciously "force" a person to think they have a vocation to religious life (and worse still a vocation to the director's own congregation.) And so I agree that after discerning WITH the person the Will of God for that person, the director should step aside and allow the person to make her / his own decision. Hopefully, by the integrity and authenticity with which a vocation director lives his / her own religious life, one would be attracted to her witness and attract the person discerning to the director's own congregation.

Is this a "favorable risk?" I would not call it entirely a risk. Religious life from the outset is a "leap of faith." The will of God is shrouded in the unknown and the uncertain. it is a paradox because unless one enters into it, one never really finds its certainty. Hopefully when one decides to enter religious life, it is not just for a "try out." It does happen that after the leap of faith, one finds out later that religious life is not the life intended by God for them. The experience is still part and parcel of the bigger picture of God's will for that person. When one sincerely follows the Will of God, AS ONE UNDERSTANDS IT, God works everything for the good in the end. (Romans 8:28).

A Vocation Dilemma

I have a question, I want well wanted to be ordained a Catholic Priest for two reasons well three one there are not enough priests two I want to serve God by working in a parish three I want that mark on my soul. I don't wnat to be in a religious order ( I'm way way to extroverted) and I don't feel the call to anything else. I don't feel called to the laity except for maybe being an organist. There are three areas where we need people in the church, Priests Nuns and organists. I feel guilty that I don't want to take the vow of poverty, scale down my collections most certainly but absolute poverty no thanks. I have a question what advice can you give me? my discernment is really a laughing stock and I am at whit's end, I am not married and don't see any prospects in that direction anytime soon, My wanting to be a priest is not enough to become one and may be the wrong reason for going after being a priest and I don't want to be a Brother nor a Deacon. I think I have the wrong attitude as all or nothing at all. If I became a Deacon I couldn't get married so with that may as well go all the way and be a priest. I am sure that is wrong, and Deacons are wonderful and we have one that celebrates a Eucharistic service I thank God for him. I don't want to be a Brother either. Could my attitude of what "I" want be holding my discernment back? I am so confused so out of sorts that I am scared as to what my future holds. I don't know if you ever done this or seen it done, but take a laser pointer and have a cat chase it,, it is the funniest thing you ever seen. The cat goes nuts over the red dot and chases it and can make him spin and chase it up the walls and everywhere, That is how I think God treats me sometimes, Just gets a blast at watching me chase my tail at that red dot. I am almost 40 single and worried I will be alone the rest of my life and not amount to anything but a bag of dreams never attained and sitting alone asking what if or if only. Need advice. God bless.

Hmm.. It is a great dilemma. I'm sure those more qualified than I am will contribute later but just want to share my thoughts on this.

1. ) A spiritual director can be a great help to help you put things in perspective. Discernment can be very confusing by oneself because we can get caught up in our own questions and answers. Start with your parish priest.

2.) I don't think I agree with your reason for considering being a Priest. Priesthood, any religious vocation for that matter, is not just trying to fill a void in the Church. It is not a job or position to be filled in. It is not a career either. It is first of all a particular calling to serve in a particular way. There has to be a call from God first, then we respond. "You did not choose Me, I chose you" says Jesus. After considering if you have the vocation to Priesthood, you would then have to consider heavily if God is calling you to the diocesan priesthood or priesthood in a religious Order.

3.) When one embraces Religious life, one embraces the three evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience. Some Congregations have a fourth vow of hospitality or stability for examples. The practice of the vows differ among religious orders. For example, Carmelites' poverty is different from a Franciscans practice of poverty, and so forth. These differences are spelled out in the Congregation's Constitutions. If you don't think you are willing to be under any one of these vows, maybe that is an indication that you are not called to the religious life.

4.) You are right in suggesting that one's attitude plays a huge and important part in religious vocation. The first virtue necessary for a fruitful discernment is an attitude of openness and willingness to be led. This can be frightening because we are used to being in control of our lives. If you really want to know, open your mind and your heart to all possibilities. Setting limits and parameters will only make you more frustrated and confused.

I will keep you in prayers and hope you find the path God wants you to take. Try to be at peace with the certainty that you were created for a purpose and that you are here for a definite reason. Love God now in the state Providence has placed you, frequent the Sacraments as much as you can, and give yourself in service to others wherever you find yourself. We are all called to do these things. 

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Is Jesus Calling You?

As a Religious Sister, I often find myself answering questions posed to me by some inquiring minds. “Why did you become a Sister?” “Did you not want to get married?” “Don’t you like children?” “Why do you wear a habit?” “What do you do in the convent?” “How often do you pray?”
Or some seemingly hostile questions like, “Why are you wasting your life?” “Who is the Pope anyway?” “What is wrong with you?”

Are You Scared of Religious Life?

 
In an effort to engage young people about religious life, I wandered into Catholic Answers site on catholic forum and discussions. I was hesitant at first, hearing so much about internet problems, but I have to say I find the exposure refreshing and challenging. Refreshing because I get to interact with so many young people with all their youthful concerns ,and challenging because they really know their questions and eager to know more about their faith.