yay!!!! that means the homily will be about vocations at least a little prolly... Yay!!!!

Grandpa says becoming a nun is a waste of time

Thanks! Hey, Sister Mary Imelda said that you wanted to visit either in the Spring or Summer...

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.

Ooooo... tough stuff there... I know my friend Melinda (Now Sister M. Faustina), her parents weren't even Catholic, so they were clueless about her vocation... But ridicule isn't really a problem if you can explain to them the importance and what Nuns actually do...

And yes, you can be both a Doctor and a Nun You can be almost any profession along with being the Bride of Christ

Chikki: Hi!

You might call up a faithful order of Sisters and ask them to give you info on religious orders that are for doctor nuns, or hospital nuns. There are quite a few

As for ridicule, I think we all go through that to a certain extent when we stick to the plan God has for our life. It's like the rosebush- it's beautiful but it has thorns. Just don't worry about it, and know we're praying for you.

I'd suggest asking a priest or nun how to confront your parents about your vocation and retreats, etc., as they all had to do that themselves at one point!

Ah! This is my sister's screen name. :signs out and re-makes post:

-Totus Tuus

Can I ask for some prayers? I've been very lax in my spiritual life lately, and it has been hurting me so much, I just need a few quick prayers! Thanks!

Prayers coming at ya!

Hi everyone,

I'm new to Phatmass, but I am discerning a vocation at the moment.

However, I have some bad news about the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart. My father ordered a book from them for me (My Way of Life - the Summa Simplified for Everyone: great!) and so they send us newsletters. Anyway, they're Feenyites and they've just gone into schism, though their website doesn't say anything about it. They're ordaining priests without permission from Rome, which puts them into schism.

I find this very sad, because I'm looking for a traditional order in communion with Rome. Does anyone here know of any with the Tridentine Mass and the Divine Office chanted?

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings in my first post, but I don't want any good Catholic future Brides of Christ ending up in schism. Let's all pray for healing in these divided times. Schism hurts!

St Catherine of Siena, pray for us!

HI! As someone who knows the Slaves well, let me clarify! Your Dad probably bought a book from the group that is up in NH. They are NOT in good standing with the Church and yes, I just learned that they want to ordain one of the "brothers" without permission, etc.
HOWEVER, the communities in Still River Ma, www.saintbenedict.com are in good standing with the Church and the communities have the support of the Bishop and have his permission for the Tridentine Mass, etc. You don't have to worry about the Still River communities.
Yes, they were founded by Fr. Leonard Feeney. He was reconciled to the Church in 1972 but it seems that while the Church has reconciled him a lot of Catholics keep him out! He died fully in the Church in 1978. I was with him the day before he died.
The excommunication was not for Doctrinal reasons but for Disobedience because he would not go to Rome to answer questions, etc. This excommunication is under investigation as to the validity of it.
A lot of traditionalists are "using" Fr. Feeney and putting things in his mouth that he never said!
Again, I'd encourage you to check out the Sisters at Still River. They are a wonderful group of sisters, so in love with Jesus and Mary!

Avemarisstella: Does her clarification make sense?
I wanted to tell you that there is an order of Carmelites in Buffalo, NY (and the same order extended to South Dakota in '97) who is in full communion with the Church, but lives by the Traditional rule of the Carmelites. They do all of their Liturgy (divine office and Mass) in Latin, and also have Tridentine Masses often. I was pen pals with a girl who entered the SD convent in '97, and she just wrote me a few weeks ago, sending a lot of information on their foundation and life. I would strongly suggest that you visit them! Or at least write to them. PM me if you'd like the information.

Mother Angelica's order is also very traditional

Also, the Oblates of Mary, Queen of Apostles down in PA
www.oblateofmary.com. They are contemplatives but aren't cloistered. They are monastics in the Benedictine Tradition.
The Carmel out in Valiprasio, NE also has the Tridentine Mass always with permission. They just built a new, beautiful monastery.

http://www.carmelitehermitage.com/RC_W_Latin.htm

Here is links to 3 orders like that

oooh why haven't i joined this thread before. i like it

thank you very much. i just love talking about vocations

Susan, I really don't want to cause arguments.
Unfortunately, I have lost the newsletter, so I can't clarify who it was, although I distinctly remember that the envelope said 'Saint Benedict Center'. Perhaps I jumped to the wrong conclusions and I certainly didn't mean to detract from what might be a great order. However, there are a lot of dissenters out there with great websites and they don't always give you all the facts.

Now, about Fr Feeney, the main www.catholicism.org site says that there's still a petition to Rome about rehabilitating Fr Feeney as a previous Successor of Peter rehabilitated St Joan of Arc. If he was reunited to the Church, why does he still need rehabilitation?
Also, do they deny baptism by blood and baptism by desire?
This site: http://www.marysremnant.org/Schism/ has them listed as dangerous. I read an EWTN article too:
http://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/EXTRECCL.HTM

I would really like to think of them as great, but I do find all of the above quite worrying, especially the fact that the newsletter declared that cooperating with Rome over ordinations would be compromising with Modernism. I really don't know what to think. It would seem that the issue is more complicated than it looked.

I hope this doesn't offend

I've looked at the Oblates - I do like the idea of joining them. I live on the other side of the world and still have a $25000 student loan, but if it is Our Lord's will, it might happen! There are some nice Dominicans in Australia too... and I love St Thomas.

God bless you all!

Dear Avemarisstlla,
Oh, goodness, your not causing an argument! I can assure you that the literature you received is from the "St. Benedict Center" in NH that is not in good standing with the Church. They never accepted Fr. Feeney's reconciliation and this rehabilitation thing is just their idea. They have really crossed the line with the ordination thing and I was very saddened by this further division but also not surprised.
Fr. Feeney never denied Baptism of Blood or Desire but these are theological categories and not Doctrines of the Church.
Yes, many sites and groups see the Communities that were founded by Fr. Feeney as in Schism and dangerous but I can assure you that the communities in Still River, who do hold to a more strict interpretation of the Doctrine of No Salvation Outside the Chuch are in full communion with Rome and have the full approval of their Bishop. The Tridentine Mass offered there is with the full approval of the Bishop. They don't do much of the Office, though :-(
I don't think your knocking them down. I don't blame you for being cautious. Since I know them I thought I should in charity clarify! The ones in NH broke off from the original communities in Still River and it causes a lot of confusion. It is sad.
It's the last day of the Unity Ocatave and a good day to also pray for Unity within the Church!
I've heard of the Dominicans in Australia that are really good. I'd look into them if you're from Down Under!
My prayers for your student loan!
God bless you!
Susan

Thanks Susan.
I do like the sound of total consecration to the Immaculate Heart and they look very solid to me. If only there were more schools about run by such sisters!
Really, in the midst of our Modernist society, I must say that I have a lot of sympathy for the ones that do go into schism. I don't support them for leaving the Church, but the times are tough and a lot do leave with good intentions. Perhaps in fifty years we can all be reconciled. Personally, I think union with SSPX and other traditionalist groups is much more likely than union with the Orthodox.
I'm glad someone else has heard of the Dominicans in Australia. I haven't yet had the guts to write to them. I'm still attracted to the Benedictine life too. It's strange: it has always been Benedictine or Dominican. I don't know which side will win!
Thanks for the prayers and God bless,

AMS

Hold fast, dear sisters in Christ, and we will overcome the Modernist society! God bless you!

remember, oh most gracious Virgin Mary...

Indeed, we will!

I'm just curious, what is the role of a religious sister?

How do they impact their faith community?

If your cloistered, how do you impact the faith community?

Will sisters, become the parish directors when the shortage of priests occurs more.

Why be a sister?

I'd like to see your insights upon these topics, just to see what your thoughts are.

Peace,

Eddie

I don't know the 'encyclopedia' answer to these questions, but I'll just tell you what I have gathered over my ten years of discernment.

what is the role of a religious sister?
The role of a religious sister is to offer her life for the good of others, through prayer and her apostolate (Perpetual Adoration, visiting the sick, bringing the Gospel message to the media, etc.).

How do they impact their faith community?
By imitating Christ. They are Christ to others.

If you're cloistered, how do you impact the faith community?
Your prayers leave a mark on humanity. As a cloistered nun, you die to the world, for the world.

Will sisters, become the parish directors when the shortage of priests occurs more.
NO. If you are asking if they will become priests, that is not possible. Only men can be priests. And the number of priests is increasing. You may come accross nuns who want to be priests in your life. DON'T SUPPORT THEM.

Why be a sister?
A sister is a bride of Christ. How could a girl refuse a marriage proposal from her Savior if He offered it?

I hope that helps a bit. I could expand if your questions were more specifice. I'd like to see an actual sister come on the boards and answer them, too. God bless

What is a role of a religious sister?
I think it's a life of service--to others that one encounters, to one's religious sisters, and to the Church. I think the number one role os a religious sister is to love Christ with her whole heart and then bring that love to others.

How do they impact their faith community?
Exactly what Totus Tuus said, they are a very visible (at least when they wear habits) witness of Christ's love to the world. Also, if they have an active apostolate, it's pretty clear how they serve (hospitals, retreats, schools, nursing homes, etc.). I know I have been blessed to work with the Missionaries of the Charity for the past 6 years, and I have seen Christ do so much in the kids, their families and the neighborhood.

If your cloistered, how do you impact the faith community? Prayer. Prayer can do some amazing things.

Will sisters, become the parish directors when the shortage of priests occurs more. I would like to say no, but it's already happening. Hopefully that movement will die out along with the "dead" orders!

Why be a sister? For all the reasons in my first and second answers--so that I can be more like Mary, love more like Christ and be at the service of humanity and the Church. Not to mention, as Sister Ave Maria of the Sister Servants said, "Jesus is the best boyfriend ever!"

Oh my gosh, that is SUCH a thing Sr. Ave Maria would say.

This is a really cool thread. I have been considering a vocation as a nun for a long time. A few roadblocks ahead for me though . One of them, my age. I am 36 and it seems many orders have age limits have age limits of 40 or younger. Also, I have some financial debts to clear up.

I do pray for vocations at the "out loud" prayer intentions at daily Mass including a "special intention" (that I find my path in life, God willing in the form of a religious vocation).

I hope everyone has a blessed day.

welcome! you're in our prayers

Thanks for answering my questions. It puts my view of people discerning to be nuns in a better grasp, since I understand people's views.

I was not implying that nuns owuld become priests, but parish directors, driectors who would do eucharist services, where hosts were already consecrated etc. In a neighboring town they have a parish director, it may be known as commisioned ministry.

this phorum is awesome. I am discerning a religious vocation. Dominican all the way baby!!!
and am in process of applying for entrance into the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia Congregation in Nashville, TN. click here to visit

But, I love this phorum.

Thanks so much for starting it.

I am also looking for a spiritual director. It's imperative that you have one during discernment
Be careful on the Internet; a lot of orders who are unorthodox mask themselves as orthodox to attract people, but they really are not. Hope that's not confusing... check out some of the links that have been suggested for discernment... FutureNun posted a really good one recently that you can find in one of her threads.
God bless:)

Lol nuns or excuse me nuns too be can get support from guys too.

dee_it4life ooohh i wanna be a domnican too. i know which one i.want to enter also. That is sooo exciting!

i dont know if anyone cares but this is the monostary i want to be in :
http://www.opsouth.org/opnunslufkin/
I just love it there. i grew up real close to it and would go to daily mass with the nuns.

Karin, that community looks absolutely beautiful!! The Dominican order is just wonderful! Make sure to keep us posted on how things are working out with your discernment with this community.

Here's the community I'm really looking into: http://www.nunocist.org. I can not wait to make a visit there!! It's only about 2-3 hours away from my home, too, so it shouldn't be too hard to spend time there. Please pray for me!

The Divine Office, chanted in Latin, is a true treasure of the Roman Church. May you be blessed in your discernment with that community, ForHimAlone!

And may the Lord guide each of you, sisters in Christ, in doing His will.

yeah i will you 2

The Cistercian nuns are a wonderful community. They are planning on building a REAL monastery on a piece of property that was given them. The big problem is MONEY!
I saw their video, too. Just lovely...

I talked to a nun today in msn im. it was soo exciting. I saved the conversation if y'all want to read it but i wont post it unless there is a request. It was truly an answer to prayer talking to her.

God Bless
Karin

There is the conversaation i had with the nun yesterday. It has me pretty excited.



ldominican@aol.com says:
+ J.M.J.D.: We just got your message, Karin. We were at Rosary and Office of None. My name is Sister Mary Imelda of the Holy Eucharist, O.P.. I am the Novice Mistress of the Dominican Monastery of the Heart of Jesus in southeastern Lousiana. We added you to our Buddy List because we saw your post in the thread about us in PhatMass and hoped that we might get a chance to talk to you.
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Are we correct in our understanding that you would very much like to be a Dominican Nun and may be interested in our Community?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
yeah
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ If you would like to receive our literature in the mail, please forward your postal address to our e-mail: Ldominican@aol.com. Our printer has been giving us some trouble lately, but we'd try to get that out to you ASAP. While you have us on the line, did you have any questions you would like to ask about us or something in particular you'd like to talk about regarding your vocation?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
uumm i dont know
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
I actually dont know that much about domincans i just fel that is where God is calling me
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ That's okay . Have you ever visited one of our monasteries before?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
i grew up near a dominican monostary and wne t to mass with the nuns on weekdays
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
when i was little
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Which monastery . . . where?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
Monostray of the infant Jesus in lufkin texas
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Oh, my! How AWESOME! That is actually the Monastery where our Foundress came from to make our foundation. She was also one of the Foundresses of our Monaster yin Lufkin! In fact, I was just talking to one of our Sisters over there last night!
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
really? wow!
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
One of my friends is in that Monastary
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Who? Maybe we know her?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
Sister Mary Rose
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
her name beforee was Victoria Carlin
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Oh, yes . . . the YOUNG one. Is she the one that rollerblades around the grounds, hehe? The Sisters wrote about one of their young Sisters doing that in a recent newsletter. Her full name is Sister Mary Rose of Joy if we remember correctly?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
yes i think so
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
yeah she said she rollerbladed
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ So do you still live in Texas then?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
yes near Dallas
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ How old are you?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
I am only 14
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
my birthday si soon though
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
it is kinda depressing sometimes when i think about how long i have to wait
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Yes, that is wonderful to be sure of your vocation at that age. Many of us were and entered asap after grad from hs. The biggest sacrifice is the waiting, but it is not to early to establish an official relationship with a Community you're interested in. In fact, one young correspondent of ours has been writing for 2 years, has been down for her interviews, sent in a preliminary application &
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ SHE JUST TURNED 15 HERSELF!
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
really? that is inspiring
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
how old do you have to be to eneter there?
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ According to Church Law, you have to be at least 17 (with a hs diploma). However, you may come before then to make an 'aspirancy' (pre-membership visit) for as long as 3 months . . . that means living inside the cloister WITH THE NUNS (the summer is the best time to do this for those still in school). There is an application for that as well because it implies serious interest of the girl.
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
oh that wouod be so wonderful
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Is that something that you think you might like to do?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
i am homeschooled so i could probably come anytime
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
but summer would probably be best
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Oh, that's awesome! Do you think your parents would let you? Do they know of and support your vocation?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
oh this is so exciting!
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
They know of my vocation and my mom is very supportive. i am sure she would let me she wants be to do stuff like this. of course i will have to talk to her but there is a very good chance
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ YAY !!!
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
yeah
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
!!
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
do y'all have a website i can look at?
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ We have a postulant scheduled to enter on Corpus Christi (end of May) - she is 18. We have another young woman coming in mid-June to make an aspirancy - she will be 18 this summer. Several others have expressed interest in applying for their visits this summer - so (fun,fun) looks like you'll have a lot of companions! DEO GRATIAS!
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
yeah how can i apply for this?
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Unfortunately, we are fairly new to the Internet and don't have a website up yet , but we presently have a volunteer collecting our info so he can design one for us. Hopefully, it will be soon. The best way you can get to know more about us is by receiving our packet in the mail, so you need to send us your address, okay?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
ok
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
i will e-mail it to you. my mom thinks it sounds awesome.
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
i just told her about it
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ There is an extensive application that we will send you to be filled out after you have had a chance to look over what we send. The first thing you have to do is: Write an actual snail mail letter requesting an application for the aspirancy and include in that why you think God may be calling you to be a Dominican Nun in our Community.
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
ok
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
so write y'all a letter?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
once i get your info packet in the mail?
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ I can tell you here that the first part of the application asks you to write an autobiography (mostly about the realization and development of your vocation to date).
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
you mean like my vocation story?
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Yes, that's correct - mostly that, incorporated into your life story and family background. Do you understand?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
i think so
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
so that is the first part of the application?
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ That's good. If you have time, you could start working on that because it miht take us a few days longer than we'd like to get the info to you due to the printer troubles I mentioned earlier. Yes, that is the first part of the application. You could send that in together with the letter requesting the rest of the application if you'd like. Yes, after you receive our packet.
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ *might (sorry, spelling)
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
oh ok
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
i think i get it
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Since you are homeschooled, I was wondering something. One of the young women coming this summer is already halfway through her freshman yr of college and she is only 17. Is there any chance that you are on that same schedule where you would finish your studies early - like at 16 or 17? If you did, we might be able to let you enter sooner.
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
well i have been planning on finishing high school around 16 because i am doing a two year high school course
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
i sent you an e-mail with my address
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Around what time (month and year) do you expect that to be?
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Yes, we just got the e-mail !
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
uumm i think september 06
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ And when is your birthday?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
but i might be able to get my associates degree before i finish highschool with a college near me who lets homeschoolers take free classes
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
if that is so it might be until i am 17
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ When will you turn 15 this year?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
april
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
i dont know if my mom would be very thrilled about me entering early but we can always pray about it and if its God's will then she will let me
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Okay, assuming you remain interested and we accept your application, you could make your aspirancy visit this summer and then be eligible to begin the postulancy as soon as you finish your hs courses (in Sept 06, or whenever).
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ How does that sound?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
awesome
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Good! So have any questions come into your mind during this IM that you would like to ask now?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
uumm
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
i can apply for the thing this summer as soon as i get that packet in the mail (assuming i still want too)?
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ YES!!!
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
ok and i will have to write and autobiographical paper?
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Yes, an autobiography is the first part of the application in addition to the separate letter requesting the official application to the aspirancy.
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
oh what should the letter say?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
does the aotobiography have to include my WHOLE life?
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Something like: I, ---, would like to request an application for an aspirancy visit at the Dominican Monastery of the Heart of Jesus, etc. and briefly why you think God may be calling you to this Community. I'll write down a clearer sample & send it with the packet.
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
thank you very much
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
Will i be able to talk to you again?
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Yes, your WHOLE life (all 15 years, hehe). It doesn't have to be long, but it can be.
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
oh ok
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Yes, you can ring whenever you see we're online. We have Vespers in a few minutes, so I'll have to be going. I do hope to speak with you again SOON though!
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
but if it isn't very well written ( like if i am not a very good writer) then it would be ok?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
oh ok
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
thanks for talking to me
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Usually, we do vocation work on the computer at night starting @7 p.m. It doesn't matter if the autobio is grammatically perfect, it is intended to allow us to get familiarize us with you as an individual and know where you're coming from and what your life experiences have been - mostly though we're evaluating the development of your vocation. Does that make sense to you?
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
yes
2ismyfavoritenumber says:

ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Okay, we'll be going then. It was so nice talking with you this afternoon!
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ May God bless you and Mary preserve your vocation!
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
Thank you so much it was very ispring
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
i cant wait to get that packet
ldominican@aol.com says:
+ Good-bye for now, but hopefully not for long . . . Yes, we'll send it out as soon as we can!
2ismyfavoritenumber says:
Good Bye