If God is calling you to join the religious life as a nun, you need to research and pray.The nuns are an admirable group of women.Below are tips on how to answer this call if you think it's right for you.
Step 1: Be alone.
We assume you have to be a Catholic and a woman, but also be single.If you are married, the Catholic church will recognize the marriage as null and void.The church sees widows as single.You will receive a ring when you become a nun.You might not have another relationship that distracts you from God's call.
Step 2: The age requirements need to be met.
Most nuns were out of high school or college when I was younger.Anything goes from 18 to your 40s.Older women will be accepted in certain circumstances.Most religious communities encourage their members to attend college.It is not necessary to have at least a bachelor's degree.Professional experience is also a plus.
Step 3: Let your kids grow up.
Children need to leave home if you have them.You can't have dependents when you enter.Nuns have children who are fully grown.
Step 4: You should be in good financial and physical standing.
It is to be debt-free and healthy.Candidates that can devote themselves to God are preferred by most institutions.Don't let debt stop you.If you want to join a community, you should talk to your director.They might be able to help.
Step 5: Talk to nuns.
The more mentors you can get, the better.You will gain a better understanding of what it's like to be a nun and the different communities and lifestyles you could soon be part of.If you don't have access to a group, you can look for information from your priest or someone in your church community.There are three types of religious communities to choose from.The communities that aremplative focus on prayer.Their lifestyles are more contemplative than apostolic ones.The traditional apostolic communities work in education and healthcare.There are many nuns who help at hospitals and other healthcare facilities.Non-traditional communities work with the homeless, inmates, and people with HIV/AIDS.
Step 6: The Internet is a good place to research.
Convents are stepping it up even though they are the last place on the edge of technology.Some of them have songs to download and read.Vision Vocation Network is a network based in Chicago.The magazine is called Vision.Vision Vocation Match can help people find communities that are right for them.It's similar to online dating for to-be- sisters and brothers to find the right home.Catholics on Call is based out of Chicago and holds retreats and workshops to meet and network with other prospective candidates and seasoned experts on the sisterly scene.The Sisters of Life are not in New York City.If you're curious about what you see on the site, the vocation director will respond directly to your email.Hundreds of people do it each year.A Nun's Life is about women in the thinking stages of becoming a nun.Spelling out the process, requirements, and details of a nun's life is a good job.
Step 7: You can attend a religious weekend at a Mother House.
You'll start hearing about events you can attend once you've started networking in person and online.You have no obligation to any organization at this juncture.You can get your feet wet by going to the retreats.The Institute on Religious Life can help you find a congregation or order of sisters that may be what you are looking for -- they have information on the work, personal and community prayer and daily living schedule in for dozens of communities.A person can use an online assessment to find out what congregation of sisters they are best suited to visit.
Step 8: You can contact a specific community.
You should contact the communities you like once you've done your research.Each one has a different purpose and size.It is likely that one will fit you the best.Feel free to contact more than one.It's part of the process.Talk to the nun if you know her.Contact the vocation director if you don't know any members.Her information can be found on their website, but if that's not an option, contact your diocese.The Vision Network has a lot of information when it comes to communities and their directors.If you're at a loss, do a little digging.
Step 9: Work with a director.
Or a couple or a few.You'll start participating in more activities once you contact the head of a community you're considering joining.You don't have to do anything, you're still feeling it.You will explore the campus, take part in retreats, learn about the hang outs, and help in community events.If you vibe with the sisters community, you'll meet them.
Step 10: You can dedicate yourself to a community.
They'll take it away from you if you express your serious interest and you already have the vocation director on your side.You will discuss how to meet the vocation board.From here, it's all downhill.The pre-candicacy process can take up to three years.This is a long time commitment and should be taken seriously.Bow out if you're unsure.
Step 11: Start the process of becoming a candidate.
This could be called the pre-novitiate or postulancy.You will live on the campus, work with the other sisters, but still manage your own expenses, which is why you had to be in good financial standing initially.To join their community, you have to write a letter of interest.When both parties see fit, the process usually lasts 6 months to 2 years.
Step 12: The novitiate should be entered.
You will be a member of the community, but not permanently committed.You are considered a "Novice" at this point.The law requires this to be a one-year period.The reason for the time requirement is to make sure you're doing the right thing.The second year is usually reserved for education and community work.You can rejoin the lay community or take your vows at the end of this phase.After taking your public vows, some sisters ask a novice to choose a Saint's name, but not all.You can keep yourBaptismal name.
Step 13: Take your first vows.
For 5 to 9 years, a Religious sister can take only temporary vows that are renewed each year until final profession, though many don't use the maximum period of time.You may have your hair cut here.If you weren't dedicated before, you are now.You will receive a black veil, a new name, and a full-length scapular after you pledge your fidelity to the Lord.
Step 14: Take your final vows.
It's time for you to make your permanent vow to the church.A wonderfully elaborate process will be held where you will receive a ring and other adornments to show the world your promise.Thank you!Your life is waiting.There are exceptions to the rule.The Jesuits' first vows are their final vows and the Sisters of Charity only ever tookrenewable vows.
Step 15: It is necessary to meet the requirements.
A woman needs to meet a number of requirements in order to become a bhikkhuni.She must be free of debt and not pregnant or nursing if she has a child.
Step 16: There is a training location.
They vary in size from small to large and can be found in rural areas as well as in cities.You should express your interest in training there once you've found one that's right for you.Most communities will have you train for a few weeks.
Step 17: The pre-postulancy stage is where you enter.
Upon completion of your initial training, you may be asked to return if you enjoyed your time at the monastery.The eight Buddhist precepts will be undertaken during this time.There are five lay practitioners, plus three more known as the upasika vows.You don't have to shave your head at this point.You will be wearing white or black clothing.This stage usually takes a few weeks.She must not harm any human or non-human life, and she must abstain from all sexual activity.
Step 18: Become a candidate.
Since you will have abandoned your home for the life of a nun, this means homeless one.You have to shave your head, wear white robes and uphold the 8 precepts.Depending on your situation, this usually takes six months to several years.You are still a lay person.Some expenses will be shared with other women in the same position, but you are allowed to handle money and support yourself.Try to practice meditation.The "Brahma Viharas" of Loving Kindness (Metta), Joy of Appreciation (Mudita), Compassion (Karuna) and Equanimity are important meditations to develop.
Step 19: To become a samanera or novice is a graduate.
This is where you begin your life as a monk.When it comes to this stage, different communities have different requirements.Before the pabbajja begins, some countries will place prospective members on a trial period.You have to do the ten novice precepts, which include not using money.You could be banned from driving.An elder member will be given to become your personal teacher.
Step 20: Take the Bhikkuni vows.
Higher ordination is what this is.You can request to become a Bhikkhuni with the permission of your teacher.You will get 20 people to witness your ordination with 311 precepts.
Step 21: Become an Elder or Theri.
You will begin teaching and taking on your own students after 10 years.Within that time, you can travel as much as you please, work with different mentors, or stay with your original teacher.You will be a Mahatheri or Great Elder after 20 years.