I'm hoping that some of you have had to deal with this. I'm a quiet, reserved person a good deal of the time,not one of those lucky extroverts who connect with ease. This hasn't been a problem professionally or even in my personal life but now that I'm entering a community whose ministry involves mucho sharing I'm a little scared.

In the postulancy a great deal of effort is put into catechetics--which I am looking forward to--and one assists the sisters in missons, including--when appropriate-- sharing about the call of one's own vocation.

Look: Even here it has been hard for me to share. I'd just rather listen.

I talked with Mother about it and she didn't see a problem since I'm willing to do whatever I'm asked and they'll teach me how to do it--and in community the shyness thing doesn't kick in. And I want so much for everyone to Love the Lord and know His Divine Mercy.

I guess I thought maybe I could cook, clean and do stuff at the convent (write grants etc) to support the other sisters' ministry. When I said that to Mother she laughed for a long time.

I know some of you will think I'm a twit...but there it is. Any ideas/help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Piamaria

Shyness is just something you will have to deal with and grow a little with. I used to not like to do public speaking, but since I wanted to teach, well, guess what, have to. And the more I did it, the easier it has become. In fact, I don't think a thing about it these days.
When one enters religious life you have to kind of forget self and live in community. Your superiors will be making a lot of the decision in your life, hopefully with your input. It worries me that you really don't know what you will be doing once you enter. Have you spent time with these sisters, I mean a month or more aspirancy? Have you worked side by side with them in their work to try out the apostolate.
You said Mother laughed at you a long time when you spoke about your hopes for your life work. Was she being condescending? Was she kind? Kind of worries me a bit.
Prayers heading your way. And don't worry about shyness, we all had it! You will be surprised what you can do.

Oh she was wonderful. It was kind laughter. Laughing with me not at me. In my work life I do quite a bit of public speaking. It's the more personal stuff I'm concerned about. I want to understand how other people get comfortable sharing their experience appropriately.

The community is a new community. Almost everyone helps with the missions. The apostolate focuses on catechetical education and then other education. I can teach if they ask me to. I taught music during college and grad school. You see, It doesn't much matter to me what I'm asked to do, I love the spirit and practice of the community. And Jesus has called me to them.

I know where you're coming from. There is always some risk (and fear of being misunderstood) in opening up about interior things, and I think for certain temperaments that is why shyness is part of their personality. It's a natural thing. It is good to pray to the Holy Spirit before speaking, and then whatever you say, don't be shy about it; just leave it in His hands. It's healthy to practice overcoming your shyness in such a healthy way, and I'm sure the community itself boasts sisters who have been in your position before!
Let us pray for one another because I am often shy as well. God bless!

Pia, if you are able to get up and teach in front of a class, you are more than halfway toward your objective of speaking to others in your apostolate. Perhaps its the more personal nature of faith sharing that triggers your cautiousness in front of people?
As with any skill, the more you exercise it, the more natural it becomes. I find it helpful to employ the KISS rule (Keep It Simple S_____d) when I have to speak publicly from a personal level.
We all live through awkward moments when we have to speak in public, and if you have one or two, well, your audience most likely will not remember them anyway. Trust me.... .

If the Lord has called you to that community and that apostolate, then He will give you the graces to do the work you are asked to do, whether it be merely sweeping the floors or giving talks. Perhaps instead of becoming self-conscious and shy when you have to share your vocation story, think about allowing God to speak through you and just get out of the way of the Holy Spirit!

Pia, the others have given you such wonderful advice, and I agree with what both Lauren and Magnificat said, if it's truly the will of god that he's calling you there, then he will also provide the grace and just trust completely in him and let the holy spirit speak through you, and be patient with yourself too, and your sisters are there to help you too, and you never know by sharing your vocation story adn journey, might help someone else answer the call and/or persevere on the call adn most of all draw others closer to our lord!

Pia....If you can teach and speak in public you are not shy. Just follow the Lord in the Community which you have chosen....I know that He will guide and help you along your journey.

Something I experienced when I switched majors from Law to Physics:

If you're in the right place, you will be so much more at ease that it'll "seep" through in your other activities.

Don't worry.

Dear Pham,

Thanks for all the good advice and support. I had to do a brief trip for work so have not had time to reply. I have come to realize that I sometimes hold myself apart. Perhaps the call to a non-cloisterd community came because that is not what the Lord is asking of me. I'm praying especialy for Lauren and my other "shy sisters" that we "open our mouths in wisdom with the law of kindness on our tongues."

Piamaria