Full Version: Contacting A Community By Phone
Has anyone ever called a religious community by phone before? I have and I've felt nervous and awkward about it. Has anyone else felt the same way?
I certainly have! In fact a Mother Prioress from a Carmel called me yesterday (after they got my snail mail letter as they have no website or email) and when she asked more about me (though I sent a 3 page letter!), I felt like a dope and tongue-tied! After about talking for 10 mins she said she would discuss it with the community and call me back.
I always write letters and include my phone number and email address since I have had orders call me instead of write and others would surprise me and email. Some have email but no websites. But due to my situation of age 48, married/divorced/annulment/grown independent kids, I just feel like I have more to explain or talk about that I feel on my end I wouldn't be able to go into throughly enough, explain how I know my vocation is real and not just a fancy or something and other things like how I am called now and how I was in my early years and teens and didn't respond because I was a big twit, etc.
So yes, don't feel all alone in the "USS I-Feel-Like-A-Dope" boat when talking to a Mother, Novice Mistress or Vocation Mistress on the phone! I have never called one outright without writing a letter or email and them calling me and leaving me a message - even thought THEY initiated the phone call, me calling is nerve-wracking to me anyway!!!!!
When I visited the PCCs twice, I was nervous in the first 1/2 hr or less than I relaxed.....until the Mother Abbess wanted me to meet the whole Council! Then I wanted to hide in the turn or something!
I always write letters and include my phone number and email address since I have had orders call me instead of write and others would surprise me and email. Some have email but no websites. But due to my situation of age 48, married/divorced/annulment/grown independent kids, I just feel like I have more to explain or talk about that I feel on my end I wouldn't be able to go into throughly enough, explain how I know my vocation is real and not just a fancy or something and other things like how I am called now and how I was in my early years and teens and didn't respond because I was a big twit, etc.
So yes, don't feel all alone in the "USS I-Feel-Like-A-Dope" boat when talking to a Mother, Novice Mistress or Vocation Mistress on the phone! I have never called one outright without writing a letter or email and them calling me and leaving me a message - even thought THEY initiated the phone call, me calling is nerve-wracking to me anyway!!!!!
When I visited the PCCs twice, I was nervous in the first 1/2 hr or less than I relaxed.....until the Mother Abbess wanted me to meet the whole Council! Then I wanted to hide in the turn or something!
sure! i just called a vocation director the other day because i had been waiting on them to call me for a while and got impatient. they can get very busy, so you just gotta give them the benefit of the doubt.
it was a great conversation, and i look forward to contacting them again and even visiting. i wouldn't hesitate to call any community and say "what's up!" just keep in mind the time zone difference =P
just make the call, and don't worry about it! put it in God's hands. they know you can be nervous, so don't worry. like the priest in confession, they've been there and heard it all pretty much. it's a standard process they are fully aware of.
i guess it's easy for me because in the past few years i've spent a lot of time being active in the church, discerning, meeting and spending time with priests, brothers, and sisters. i've long since gotten over the intimidation factor and can pretty much freely speak to them about almost anything, just like any friend. seeing someone in a habit actually puts me at ease quicker because i know they have an extraordinary love for God. they are there to help and serve you, and usually have no ulterior motives, unlike someone you may meet on the street.
trust! take the initiative and it will make God smile! prayers and God bless!
it was a great conversation, and i look forward to contacting them again and even visiting. i wouldn't hesitate to call any community and say "what's up!" just keep in mind the time zone difference =P
just make the call, and don't worry about it! put it in God's hands. they know you can be nervous, so don't worry. like the priest in confession, they've been there and heard it all pretty much. it's a standard process they are fully aware of.
i guess it's easy for me because in the past few years i've spent a lot of time being active in the church, discerning, meeting and spending time with priests, brothers, and sisters. i've long since gotten over the intimidation factor and can pretty much freely speak to them about almost anything, just like any friend. seeing someone in a habit actually puts me at ease quicker because i know they have an extraordinary love for God. they are there to help and serve you, and usually have no ulterior motives, unlike someone you may meet on the street.
trust! take the initiative and it will make God smile! prayers and God bless!
QUOTE(Laudem Gloriae @ Jun 4 2008, 07:08 PM) 
I certainly have! In fact a Mother Prioress from a Carmel called me yesterday (after they got my snail mail letter as they have no website or email) and when she asked more about me (though I sent a 3 page letter!), I felt like a dope and tongue-tied! After about talking for 10 mins she said she would discuss it with the community and call me back.
I always write letters and include my phone number and email address since I have had orders call me instead of write and others would surprise me and email. Some have email but no websites. But due to my situation of age 48, married/divorced/annulment/grown independent kids, I just feel like I have more to explain or talk about that I feel on my end I wouldn't be able to go into throughly enough, explain how I know my vocation is real and not just a fancy or something and other things like how I am called now and how I was in my early years and teens and didn't respond because I was a big twit, etc.
So yes, don't feel all alone in the "USS I-Feel-Like-A-Dope" boat when talking to a Mother, Novice Mistress or Vocation Mistress on the phone! I have never called one outright without writing a letter or email and them calling me and leaving me a message - even thought THEY initiated the phone call, me calling is nerve-wracking to me anyway!!!!!
When I visited the PCCs twice, I was nervous in the first 1/2 hr or less than I relaxed.....until the Mother Abbess wanted me to meet the whole Council! Then I wanted to hide in the turn or something!
I always write letters and include my phone number and email address since I have had orders call me instead of write and others would surprise me and email. Some have email but no websites. But due to my situation of age 48, married/divorced/annulment/grown independent kids, I just feel like I have more to explain or talk about that I feel on my end I wouldn't be able to go into throughly enough, explain how I know my vocation is real and not just a fancy or something and other things like how I am called now and how I was in my early years and teens and didn't respond because I was a big twit, etc.
So yes, don't feel all alone in the "USS I-Feel-Like-A-Dope" boat when talking to a Mother, Novice Mistress or Vocation Mistress on the phone! I have never called one outright without writing a letter or email and them calling me and leaving me a message - even thought THEY initiated the phone call, me calling is nerve-wracking to me anyway!!!!!
When I visited the PCCs twice, I was nervous in the first 1/2 hr or less than I relaxed.....until the Mother Abbess wanted me to meet the whole Council! Then I wanted to hide in the turn or something!
Which PCCs did you visit? I am curious because I am discerning with two groups right now. Let me say that I am in the same boat as you...I'm 46. One has welcomed me with open arms...the other (which I was most interested in and had visited before) said they thought my age would prevent me from living the life. I sent them a letter in reply over a month ago, but haven't heard anything. I guess I'm wondering if I should send another letter or give them a call. What do you think.
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