Full Version: Future Nun Support Group
its not weird future nun! I am 15 and pretty sure of my vocation to be a nun. Plus look at Saint Therese of the child Jesus she entered at 15! Yeah i have known for a while i want to be a nun so... maybe it is weird and we are all weird together. oh and welcome to the group
Not at all, future nun! I've been sure that God wants me to enter the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist for over a year, starting in the spring of my Sophomore year of highschool!
Well I think I'm the weirdest in this group. I've wanted to be a nun since I was seven.....
I have a neice who is 13 and she has known her vocation since she could talk...of course she might have known before that and just couldn't express it 
tee hee!
tee hee!
I first experienced being called when I was around 8, but I didn't really truly want to embrace my vocation until 22.
I want to thank everyone for their advice and wecoming me to the group thank you very much. We're just a wierd bunch all together.
God Bless,
Sara
God Bless,
Sara
yes very weird. tee hee
My mother keeps furthering the date of my final entrance in the Monastery. ggrr ok. Just pray for me please.
God bless and Mary Keep
Karin
God bless and Mary Keep
Karin
This is for your entrance as an aspirant or for good?
for good not for my aspirancy
In that case, perhaps once you return home from the aspirancy and your mother sees your zeal and excitement to enter, she will not be too eager to keep you at home as long. Don't worry right now- so much can change between now and then
thanks i know i shouldnt worry but it is a bit bothersome
Awww, I understand your desire to enter the monastery as soon as possible. Just hang in there and keep praying for your mother. It's very hard for a parent to give their daughter away to the religious life, especially the cloistered life. Just know that your Beloved will get you to that monastery when He wills it, and nothing is going to stop Him from bringing you to His house!! 
thank you so much that makes me feel better.
QUOTE(ForHimAlone @ Jun 12 2005, 08:11 PM)
Well, I just had my parents watch the video the Cistercian nuns sent me about their monastery. I wanted my parents to be able to see what exactly I would be visiting in a week. My dad feels that the cloistered life is pointless and unchristian because it takes a woman away from her family. He also says that the Church has a dire need for active vocations, and that the times have changed so that the cloistered life is not needed anymore. In response to my replies, he said that an active vocation is a much better sacrifice and more beneficial for the Church and the world.
My sisters in Christ, if you have any responses to these objections that you feel would help my father, please let me know. I need your help. I wish I could express what I feel and know of the contemplative life, but I'm having difficulties. I can just see the pain on my father's face when he thinks about it. He's up in his room right now, and I'm sure he's going to be thinking about it mournfully for some time.
Please say a prayer if you can. Peace to all of you. May God bless and preserve you on your vocation journeys.
[right][snapback]609964[/snapback][/right]
My sisters in Christ, if you have any responses to these objections that you feel would help my father, please let me know. I need your help. I wish I could express what I feel and know of the contemplative life, but I'm having difficulties. I can just see the pain on my father's face when he thinks about it. He's up in his room right now, and I'm sure he's going to be thinking about it mournfully for some time.
Please say a prayer if you can. Peace to all of you. May God bless and preserve you on your vocation journeys.
[right][snapback]609964[/snapback][/right]
Yeah, my parents want me to go into an active or mixed life because they don't want me to "waste my talents" and they think I wouldn't be doing anything helpful in the cloistered contemplative life. I see it as being a stay-at-home mom. I believe that kids are better for having their moms stay with them at home while they're growing, so how is that any different from a nun whose job it is to mother all the souls in the world? And of course, I think it's safe to say that stay-at-home moms have it pretty rough, too.
my mom really wants me to enter an active order too.
Yeah, I haven't yet TOLD my parents. I don'tknow how they'll react when I say I ant to join a cloistered community on the other side of the world!!!!!
Since talking to Sister Mary Imelda.....maybe I'll end up in Louisiana!!!!!
Since talking to Sister Mary Imelda.....maybe I'll end up in Louisiana!!!!!
QUOTE(FiatLux1860 @ Jun 18 2005, 11:36 AM)
Yeah, my parents want me to go into an active or mixed life because they don't want me to "waste my talents" and they think I wouldn't be doing anything helpful in the cloistered contemplative life. I see it as being a stay-at-home mom. I believe that kids are better for having their moms stay with them at home while they're growing, so how is that any different from a nun whose job it is to mother all the souls in the world? And of course, I think it's safe to say that stay-at-home moms have it pretty rough, too.
[right][snapback]615248[/snapback][/right]
[right][snapback]615248[/snapback][/right]
Actually this is how my mom described my order to my dad. She said that it was a bunch of women who are like housewives, but they are married to Christ. They keep up the house and their job is to provide hospitality and catechesis to the people who come to them (and take care of cool priests).
QUOTE(memtherose @ Jun 18 2005, 04:02 PM)
Yeah, I haven't yet TOLD my parents. I don'tknow how they'll react when I say I ant to join a cloistered community on the other side of the world!!!!!
Since talking to Sister Mary Imelda.....maybe I'll end up in Louisiana!!!!!
[right][snapback]615508[/snapback][/right]
Since talking to Sister Mary Imelda.....maybe I'll end up in Louisiana!!!!!
[right][snapback]615508[/snapback][/right]
I thought it would be so hard to tell my parents. I'd been discerning my vocation since I was 5, but I didn't work up the courage to tell them until about 2 weeks ago (I'm now 16). They actually took it fairly well, and were pretty calm about it, considering I told them that I didn't feel like I needed to go to college and that I wanted to be a cloistered contemplative. They keep telling me reasons why I shouldn't do it, and it breaks my heart to know that they don't understand that God is so much better than all the other things I could have. But I think they'll come around though.
QUOTE(FiatLux1860 @ Jun 18 2005, 04:54 PM)
I thought it would be so hard to tell my parents. I'd been discerning my vocation since I was 5, but I didn't work up the courage to tell them until about 2 weeks ago (I'm now 16). They actually took it fairly well, and were pretty calm about it, considering I told them that I didn't feel like I needed to go to college and that I wanted to be a cloistered contemplative. They keep telling me reasons why I shouldn't do it, and it breaks my heart to know that they don't understand that God is so much better than all the other things I could have. But I think they'll come around though.
[right][snapback]615559[/snapback][/right]
[right][snapback]615559[/snapback][/right]
It took me weeks to work up the courage to tell my parents I was even CONSIDERING a religious vocation, but their response was... ok. I didn't exactly expect them to jump for joy (My dad and brother are Methodist and my mom's a recent convert to Catholicism), but I hoped they'd support me. They still aren't thrilled about the idea, but (even though we're not the closest family) they're trying to help me figure out what God wants me to do with my life... even if it means just letting me go off and figure things out on my own.
In the words of a very wise person, "Show them what it's like to be in love."
They won't be able to deny your evident love for Christ, and they'll realize that what you're seeking is what will make you truly happy!
I think it would be easier if it meant I wouldn't leave the country. Here I am, wanting to leave either Jan '06 (but maybe '07) to go to the other side of the world. I'm scared my parents will be like...join the Benedictines, or Carmelites, coz they are IN NZ, compared with both The Dominicans (Lockport) or the Poor Clares (the Netherlands...)
Ah well, if its Gods Will, it'll work out!!!
btw im 18 in dec, this yr.
Ah well, if its Gods Will, it'll work out!!!
btw im 18 in dec, this yr.
yeah people are always telling me I need life expierience and I would be more useful to the Monastery if I went to college. or they always say if you have a vocation now you will still have it in ten years. what do you say to that? Like yes i have a vocation now and i need to go asap but they dont understand the NEED. they think it would make no difference if i waited and I am just being impatient and I am young so I dont understand things. Yeah memtherose my mom is freaking out me just thinking about another state she would probably like completely flip if I told her about another country. Prayers for that. Love you all.
Karin
Karin
"life experience" doesn't make sense to me. Your life experience is exactly what God has called you to in your vocation up until the point that you enter, and that life experience continues into your life at the monastery. If God hasn't called you to work or school before your entrance, then people should not tell you that you will be more useful one way or another. The main factor is time... I mean, you will be giving all of the life that is available to you by entering as soon as you are able to enter. You are using precious time by gaining "life experience"- and wasting it- if that is not what God has called you to. Anyway, I'm not trying to nag on the people who support the whole "life experience" thing, but I've seen it work beautifully both ways.
Yeah, my sister told me the other day "If God has waited for you this long, He can stand to wait a little bit longer, and if yours is a true vocation, then it'll still be there when you get out of college." But the point is...I don't WANT to keep Him waiting. Also, if it's a true vocation, and I just end up going into the convent after college anyway, then what would be the point of my going to college in the first place?! I know of a particular person who waited too long and then had kids, and then wasn't able to go into the convent when she wanted. Besides, I found this really really good quote that makes me think I should go into the convent right away so that the graces I earn can be given to souls in need right away.
"Labour without stopping; do all the good works you can while you still have the time." -St. John of God
"Labour without stopping; do all the good works you can while you still have the time." -St. John of God
When the angel Gabriel asked Mary if she would be the mother of Shrist she didn't say let me get back to you in a few years, she said Yes right then and there.
oh thats a good one thank you ^
I am so excited in two days I get to sleep in the same house as Jesus haha so excited. tee hee
^ I am so excited in two days I get to sleep in the same house as Jesus haha so excited. tee hee
QUOTE(karin @ Jun 20 2005, 11:50 AM)
oh thats a good one thank you ^
I am so excited in two days I get to sleep in the same house as Jesus haha so excited. tee hee
[right][snapback]616767[/snapback][/right]
^ I am so excited in two days I get to sleep in the same house as Jesus haha so excited. tee hee
[right][snapback]616767[/snapback][/right]
You are soooo blessed! Good luck, and I hope you find what it is Our Lord wants you to have!
me too thank you! I cant wait for tomorrow cause then i get to pack which will be even more exciteing. This place I am visiting is where everyone wants me to go! Except i dont feel called there at all i am mostly doing this for my mom. though i am happy to go i just dont feel called there. Because it is so much closer than where I feel called. I am hoping to see one of my friends who is a sister there. soooo excited thank you for your prayers y'all. you know what my grandpa said to be the other day? He was like yeah I dont really know that mcuh about what nuns do (not Catholic) and you probably dont eitehr you think it will be fun like the flying nun or something and that it will be easy. I was like hhmmm
It is such a blessing to read your mails... Know I am here to pray for you all. Visit at http://www.iol.ie/~anchorhold......I am a Life-professed Nun living away from my Order as an Anchoress alone in Ireland.. our Mother House is in Canada... Here in Ireland, religious life is dying.... Yet well within living memory, Orders here accepted girls at 15. If you have heard of Sr Briege McKenna, now in the US. And others. I visit a Poor Clare Monastery every few weeks; their Abbess and many of them entered at 18 and we talk a lot about vocations. Modern ideas are that girls should see "life"; why? We all relinquish that " world" to be Jesus's Bride... what need then? Stay pure and whole as you are seeking to do. Have you read "In this House of Brede"? One girl there goes through what you are going through.... And opposing you will make you more determined. Suppose it is not finally right for you? Better learn that young then. And no experience or gift is ever wasted in Jesus.. bless you all and always prayers here... Karin; enjoy it!!!
thank you very much. oh I would like to read that book. Right now I am reading The way of perfection which was assigned to me by my SD but maybe after.
I am so excited I am going tomorrow to visit the Monastery I need to start packing soon. Pray for a safe trip for me please. God Bless and Mary Keep
Karin
I am so excited I am going tomorrow to visit the Monastery I need to start packing soon. Pray for a safe trip for me please. God Bless and Mary Keep
Karin
ForHimAlone,
I know how you are feeling, hun. Some of my family members say the same thing. If you can, get a hold of the little book the Lockport Dominicans send out...I think it is called "A life for the World." They give a very, very beautiful explanation of the value (actually necessity) of the cloistered nun in the life of the Church. PM me if you want a copy.
The cloistered sister is called to live Christ's most important "work"...His death on the Cross. He could no longer preach, teach, or heal, only pray and suffer. His bride is called to do the same, bound to Him by the nails of the three vows, having gained the motherhood of Mary at the foot of the cross to pour out her life for souls who are her children.
I know how you are feeling, hun. Some of my family members say the same thing. If you can, get a hold of the little book the Lockport Dominicans send out...I think it is called "A life for the World." They give a very, very beautiful explanation of the value (actually necessity) of the cloistered nun in the life of the Church. PM me if you want a copy.
The cloistered sister is called to live Christ's most important "work"...His death on the Cross. He could no longer preach, teach, or heal, only pray and suffer. His bride is called to do the same, bound to Him by the nails of the three vows, having gained the motherhood of Mary at the foot of the cross to pour out her life for souls who are her children.
Thank you all for your replies! I am currently reading In This House of Brede... excellent novel. I find very much encouragement in Cecily's story. I have also read the Dominican book, as well. Thank you for those suggestions!
I am off to the Cistercians tomorrow for a three-day visit. Please remember me in your prayers. I will be praying for you!!
I am off to the Cistercians tomorrow for a three-day visit. Please remember me in your prayers. I will be praying for you!!
Years ago I found a card that I think will help you a little bit. It said "The task ahead of you is not as great as the power behind you."
Pour your heart out to God. He loves you. He will help you.
I am looking at becoming a nun, my situation is a little different given my age. I am older. I too am being ridiculed and told I would be wasting my time/life.
Given my life experience I do not let the comments affect me. Ultimately the only person I will answer to about how I lived my life is God.
I commend you on the love you have for your parents.
I know this will sound harsh and I am sorry but you will reach a point in your discernment where you may have to choose between God and the people in your life.
Many years ago I met a young lady who came from a LARGE family. They disowned her when she entered the convent. She was "a smile" from head to toe. Her answer was the day she entered she said,"I put my family in Jesus hands and I told him these are your new relatives, they need work." I LOVED HER SENSE OF HUMOR AND HER FAITH. It wasn't easy but she did it. Just as you will be able to when the time comes.
Pour your heart out to God. He loves you. He will help you.
I am looking at becoming a nun, my situation is a little different given my age. I am older. I too am being ridiculed and told I would be wasting my time/life.
Given my life experience I do not let the comments affect me. Ultimately the only person I will answer to about how I lived my life is God.
I commend you on the love you have for your parents.
I know this will sound harsh and I am sorry but you will reach a point in your discernment where you may have to choose between God and the people in your life.
Many years ago I met a young lady who came from a LARGE family. They disowned her when she entered the convent. She was "a smile" from head to toe. Her answer was the day she entered she said,"I put my family in Jesus hands and I told him these are your new relatives, they need work." I LOVED HER SENSE OF HUMOR AND HER FAITH. It wasn't easy but she did it. Just as you will be able to when the time comes.
QUOTE(chikki @ Jan 18 2005, 05:46 PM)
hey...
i need some advice and a couple answers to questions.....
how do i stay strong and loyal to Jesus in the face of ridicule from my brother? or from anybody for that matter? i have not told anyone of my serious serious thoughts of becoming a nun except a priest (in confidence), because of my fear of ridicule from others...
....and also, is it possible to be a doctor AND be a nun? being a doctor is definitely my calling, but is it possible to be both? and, last question, how do i confidently ask my parents to go on retreats and stuff without being worried about their opinions (they arent religious) and how do i get their support? ok, sorry so many questions...been on my mind for like, 3 yrs now.
[right][snapback]495195[/snapback][/right]
i need some advice and a couple answers to questions.....
how do i stay strong and loyal to Jesus in the face of ridicule from my brother? or from anybody for that matter? i have not told anyone of my serious serious thoughts of becoming a nun except a priest (in confidence), because of my fear of ridicule from others...
....and also, is it possible to be a doctor AND be a nun? being a doctor is definitely my calling, but is it possible to be both? and, last question, how do i confidently ask my parents to go on retreats and stuff without being worried about their opinions (they arent religious) and how do i get their support? ok, sorry so many questions...been on my mind for like, 3 yrs now.[right][snapback]495195[/snapback][/right]
I am back from my visit to the monastery! Oh the nuns sing the divine office I LOVE it. it is so pretty. The trip kinda affirmed yes this is what I am called... You know the dominican way of life. But I am not called to that monastery (Monastery of the Infant Jesus) I dont think. the nuns I spoke with were so encouraging even though they knew I was more interested in lockport and it was just so wonderful. *sighs contendly* it was so great well. i dont want to bore you with all this so i willl stop. I love you all my sisters in Christ
Karin
Karin
Not boring, Karin; wonderful and yes, the sung Office is lovely, especially with Nuns. I have tapes of Stanbook Abbey and they are .....words fail......Blessings this day......
I just got from my my Cistercian visit yesterday! Oh, it was incredible!! I felt so much peace there, and it would not surprise me one bit if that's when I end up entering!! The Cistercians life is so Liturgy-centered, and they chant the Divine Office in the Latin Cistercian chant. It's so pretty. I was able to meet in the parlor with the Vocations Directress for several hours during my trip, and I met with the majority of the community during the evenings in the parlor. (There's 13 nuns right now.) I just felt like I was finally coming home. This trip definitely provided a lot of confirmation, and nothing would make me happier than to live my life as a Cistercian.
Thanks to all of you who prayed for me! I could really tell that someone was praying for me throughout my visit!
The Cistercians life is so Liturgy-centered, and they chant the Divine Office in the Latin Cistercian chant. It's so pretty. I was able to meet in the parlor with the Vocations Directress for several hours during my trip, and I met with the majority of the community during the evenings in the parlor. (There's 13 nuns right now.) I just felt like I was finally coming home. This trip definitely provided a lot of confirmation, and nothing would make me happier than to live my life as a Cistercian.Thanks to all of you who prayed for me! I could really tell that someone was praying for me throughout my visit!
oh my that is so exciting i bet you are called here. like the nuns were telling me that one of the signs you know you are in the right place is that you feel like you are home because every Monastery is like a different family. Oh i am so glad you had a good time.
Well guys I think I might have to be one of those people who makes their parents mad when they enter and I think my mom is going to make we wait until 18. Which makes me ever so sad. It is so strange when I first told her she was so supportive and now she says she wants me to be a nun but her actions dont show it. aarggh has anyone else parents been like that?
Well guys I think I might have to be one of those people who makes their parents mad when they enter and I think my mom is going to make we wait until 18. Which makes me ever so sad. It is so strange when I first told her she was so supportive and now she says she wants me to be a nun but her actions dont show it. aarggh has anyone else parents been like that?
I hear you, Karin. The Cistercian Vocation Directress told me that I could be able to enter the monastery at 18, God-willing. That is such a blessing, and I was so relieved to know that because the entrance age is usually 21. I just don't feel called to go to college. However, my parents really REALLY want me to at least go to college first. If the Lord wants me to be in a monastery at 18, then I'm going to run there joyfully, but I'm afraid there will be a large argument with the parents!
I don't know if this would work.......could you go to college for just one (or two) years?
Thats what I'll do if parents say I have to go....
Thats what I'll do if parents say I have to go....
well are you sure that you wont get any college while you are in there? In some monasterys you actually take courses from the monastery sorta like home schooling
Well, I'm not exactly sure how things go at the monastery education-wise. The Cistercians place great importance on the formation of the mind through study and classes take place daily within the monastery walls.
I have no idea what's going to happen. I'm just going to let Jesus lead so I don't get lost! That would be scary to enter right after high school, but if it is God's will, I'm sure He'll provide the necessary grace.
I have no idea what's going to happen. I'm just going to let Jesus lead so I don't get lost!
That would be scary to enter right after high school, but if it is God's will, I'm sure He'll provide the necessary grace.
awww I'm SO glad both of you had such wonderful visits! Our Bridegroom makes everything work out sooo beautifully!
ForHimAlone, have you ever read the life of Mother Mary Berchman (Cistercian)? I'm (re)reading her story right now, and it almost always brings me very near tears.
ForHimAlone, have you ever read the life of Mother Mary Berchman (Cistercian)? I'm (re)reading her story right now, and it almost always brings me very near tears.
QUOTE(daugher-of-Mary @ Jun 27 2005, 12:46 PM)
ForHimAlone, have you ever read the life of Mother Mary Berchman (Cistercian)? I'm (re)reading her story right now, and it almost always brings me very near tears.
[right][snapback]625319[/snapback][/right]
[right][snapback]625319[/snapback][/right]
No, I haven't. What is it called? I would be very interested to look into it!!
Mother Mary Regina really sees a huge obstacle in my mother... my mom called the Monastery a few weeks ago, and Mother Abbess wants me to visit again to discuss this... and my vocation is under the patronage of St. Anthony now Anyone know a St. Anthony novena?
Anyone know a St. Anthony novena?
QUOTE(FutureNunJMJ @ Jun 27 2005, 07:26 PM)
Mother Mary Regina really sees a huge obstacle in my mother... my mom called the Monastery a few weeks ago, and Mother Abbess wants me to visit again to discuss this... and my vocation is under the patronage of St. Anthony now Anyone know a St. Anthony novena?
[right][snapback]625700[/snapback][/right]
Anyone know a St. Anthony novena?[right][snapback]625700[/snapback][/right]
Hey missy,
I found it on ETWN website.....You will be in my prayers!
http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/novena/anthony.htm
In Jesus, Our Blesed Mother and Joseph,
S. Brooks
QUOTE(Marieteresa @ Jun 27 2005, 06:39 PM)
Hey missy,
I found it on ETWN website.....You will be in my prayers!
http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/novena/anthony.htm
In Jesus, Our Blesed Mother and Joseph,
S. Brooks
[right][snapback]625714[/snapback][/right]
I found it on ETWN website.....You will be in my prayers!
http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/novena/anthony.htm
In Jesus, Our Blesed Mother and Joseph,
S. Brooks
[right][snapback]625714[/snapback][/right]
May God reward you! Thank you very much!
oh speaking of saints... My vocation is under the patronage of Therese any one know any Saint Therese novena's i hadnt thought of it before but it is a brilliant Idea.
My vocation is under the patronage of St. Joseph. St. Teresa, St. Therese, and St. Faustina are all major influences, though!
I guess you could say mine is under the patronage of Sts. Catherine of Siena and Margaret Mary.
Well, I never really had decided on a patron of my Vocation, though I have asked various Saints to pray for my vocation though, but Mother Mary Regina wrote me saying that she is entrusting my vocation with Saint Anthony. I've been thinking a lot about him too, so I think GOd is helping me out some
I've been thinking a lot about him too, so I think GOd is helping me out some
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.