How Do I Know? (Discernment)
Discerning a vocation to religious life is a process, much like choosing a career or a marriage partner. There is no bolt of lightening or angelic apparition.
When discerning, we talk to someone we trust. You may try to meet Sisters. You continue your relationships, education or employment while exploring.
Women come to a Benedictine community to seek God. As Benedictines our priority is listening for God’s voice in community life and prayer. Our hearts open wider to the needs of others; we respond in service.
"There are as many ways to pray as there are moments in life. Sometimes we seek out a quiet spot to be alone. Sometimes we look for a friend and want to be together. Sometimes we like a book, sometimes we prefer music. Sometimes we want to sing out with hundreds, sometimes only whisper with a few. Sometimes we want to say it with a deep silence. In all these moments, we gradually make our lives more a prayer and we open our hands to be led by God even to places we would rather not go."
- Henri Nouwen
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What has attracted women to join a religious community? Many women speak of a yearning or an inner sense of call. The call can come in many different ways – almost as many ways as there are vocations. One sixth grade girl saw a picture of a Sister on a tractor and "knew she could live that life". A woman may desire to live in a community because she needs support to strengthen her prayer life, to maintain her commitment to serve God’s people, to hold on to values not prevalent in society. Seekers look for support and friendship among women who have similar values. I heard many examples: "Sisters seem really happy; there is a sense of family, belonging, connectedness, relationship; the Sisters are accessible".
A woman can be attracted to prayer and worship. Women told me that when they heard the Sisters singing Evening Prayer they felt this was where they wanted to be.
A woman may desire to serve others and want them to know of God’s love and mercy. She may want to serve God’s people, the Church, and God. She may be committed to peace and justice issues.
Each woman hears a personal call and responds. A spiritual director can be valuable when considering religious life; she/he help you clarify where you might best serve God. The spiritual director can also help sort out spiritual longings motivations, and distractions.
Contact the Vocations Minister