Orders Open To Those With Mental/emotional Weakness?

[Mary Magdalene]

[quote name='laetitia crucis' timestamp='1278198641' post='2137499']
I think I've heard the [url="http://www.rsmofalma.org/"]Religious Sisters of Mercy[/url] in Alma, Michigan are open about accepting people with a history of mental/emotional illness/weakness. However, I could be wrong... [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/think_head.gif[/img] Perhaps others on here with have more insight.
[/quote]


Yes, the Religious Sisters of Mercy in Alma, Michigan are open and accepting of people with a history of mental or emotional problems. They have trained psychologists and psychiatrists within the order. So, those sisters who may need extra support have it .

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='Mary Magdalene' timestamp='1299908199' post='2220275']
Yes, the Religious Sisters of Mercy in Alma, Michigan are open and accepting of people with a history of mental or emotional problems. They have trained psychologists and psychiatrists within the order. So, those sisters who may need extra support have it .
[/quote]


Mary Magdalene,
Do you know if they allow women to continue taking psychiatric medicine when they enter? This is a question that has been plaguing me for several months since I gave up discerning religious life. The thought is at the forefront of my mind again and I don't know if I should contact them again or not...

[Mary Magdalene]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1299910710' post='2220282']
Mary Magdalene,
Do you know if they allow women to continue taking psychiatric medicine when they enter? This is a question that has been plaguing me for several months since I gave up discerning religious life. The thought is at the forefront of my mind again and I don't know if I should contact them again or not...
[/quote]


Yes, from what I have been told by some of the sisters they allow women to continue on their medication, depending on what type though. I would suggest contacting them and discussing that with them. They are extremely merciful and compassionate and take into consideration a lot of factors. They also have the means to help those sisters who may need to see a psychiatrist or psychologist.

I'll be praying for you, don't give up discerning religious life, you never know what the Lord has planned for you

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='Mary Magdalene' timestamp='1299913005' post='2220284']
Yes, from what I have been told by some of the sisters they allow women to continue on their medication, depending on what type though. I would suggest contacting them and discussing that with them. They are extremely merciful and compassionate and take into consideration a lot of factors. They also have the means to help those sisters who may need to see a psychiatrist or psychologist.

I'll be praying for you, don't give up discerning religious life, you never know what the Lord has planned for you
[/quote]

It may take some time before I'm able to work up the courage to contact them again. I tried last year, but couldn't go through with it because I was too chicken. Now that I've all but given up on religious life, I'm feeling a bit selfish. The idea of being a Sister has been a desire of mine for a few years, but I thought it was impossible due to my depression. Now I am really starting to wonder if God isn't trying to get my attention again somehow. I shall pray about this for a while and see if my heart is really in it or if this isn't flighty zeal again.

Sometimes I wish God would manifest Himself in a burning bush and tell me what to do just like He did for Moses. Why is discernment so hard?

Edited March 12, 2011 by MaterMisericordiae

[Mary Magdalene]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1299914530' post='2220286']
It may take some time before I'm able to work up the courage to contact them again. I tried last year, but couldn't go through with it because I was too chicken. Now that I've all but given up on religious life, I'm feeling a bit selfish. The idea of being a Sister has been a desire of mine for a few years, but I thought it was impossible due to my depression. Now I am really starting to wonder if God isn't trying to get my attention again somehow. I shall pray about this for a while and see if my heart is really in it or if this isn't flighty zeal again.

Sometimes I wish God would manifest Himself in a burning bush and tell me what to do just like He did for Moses. Why is discernment so hard?
[/quote]


Discernment is difficult , I found that myself as well before I made a decision as to which order. Many orders are very picky and wont let people in if they have suffered a mental illness or some sort of emotional problem. The door was shut to me whilst discerning with a certain order, but I've come to understand why... Some orders due to their way of life just wouldn't be suitable to certain types of people and also they just don't have the means to cater for someone who would need certain attention/counselling or medications.

But with prayer and patience the door will open when the right order comes along!

I like what you said about the burning bush, I used to get really frustrated and want something like that to happen. But my spiritual director told "your not going to get struck down by lightning if thats what your waiting for!"

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='Mary Magdalene' timestamp='1299915233' post='2220289']
Discernment is difficult , I found that myself as well before I made a decision as to which order. Many orders are very picky and wont let people in if they have suffered a mental illness or some sort of emotional problem. The door was shut to me whilst discerning with a certain order, but I've come to understand why... Some orders due to their way of life just wouldn't be suitable to certain types of people and also they just don't have the means to cater for someone who would need certain attention/counselling or medications.

But with prayer and patience the door will open when the right order comes along!

I like what you said about the burning bush, I used to get really frustrated and want something like that to happen. But my spiritual director told "your not going to get struck down by lightning if thats what your waiting for!"
[/quote]

I think I really need to make an appointment with my parish priest to talk to him about my discernment. Unfortunately, I don't have a spiritual director who I can go to, but I trust my priest and think he might be able to help. Honestly, the desire has always remained in my heart since the time I started discerning until now--even though I gave up discerning religious life. The RSMs are a lovely community--I've always thought so and if by chance Christ impressed upon my heart to make a Come and See retreat with them, I would be willing to do it, but I won't be ready to commit for a while. I still would like to at least finish up my Associates degree before doing that again since it's almost finished. I'm getting ahead of myself, though...

Please pray for me. I think I'm going to start a novena to St. Joseph even though I am a few days late.

[Mary Magdalene]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1299915659' post='2220291']
I think I really need to make an appointment with my parish priest to talk to him about my discernment. Unfortunately, I don't have a spiritual director who I can go to, but I trust my priest and think he might be able to help. Honestly, the desire has always remained in my heart since the time I started discerning until now--even though I gave up discerning religious life. The RSMs are a lovely community--I've always thought so and if by chance Christ impressed upon my heart to make a Come and See retreat with them, I would be willing to do it, but I won't be ready to commit for a while. I still would like to at least finish up my Associates degree before doing that again since it's almost finished. I'm getting ahead of myself, though...

Please pray for me. I think I'm going to start a novena to St. Joseph even though I am a few days late.
[/quote]


You will most definitely be in my prayers. All the best with your degree. And its never too late to start the novena to St Joseph. Just keep talking to someone about your discernment and pray, the Lord is always listening.

[Cherie]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1299915659' post='2220291']Please pray for me. I think I'm going to start a novena to St. Joseph even though I am a few days late.
[/quote]

I will pray a prayer to St. Joseph specifically for you everyday when I pray the LOTH.

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='Mary Magdalene' timestamp='1299918357' post='2220293']
You will most definitely be in my prayers. All the best with your degree. And its never too late to start the novena to St Joseph. Just keep talking to someone about your discernment and pray, the Lord is always listening.
[/quote]

Thank you so much, MM (lol, we have same initials!). I really appreciate the help and support.


[quote name='CherieMadame' timestamp='1299949301' post='2220317']
I will pray a prayer to St. Joseph specifically for you everyday when I pray the LOTH.
[/quote]

God bless, Cherie. You know I always appreciate your prayers.

Things went surprisingly well today. I was shopping around with my mom and we were talking and all of a sudden, I blurted out that I found a group of Sisters who may be willing to work with people with depression. She was VERY supportive! She and I are very close but I was worried about telling her that I'm looking again because I didn't want to confuse or upset her. However, I want to obey God over the confusion and do His will. She very much agreed that He appears to be telling me something. I am going to talk to the priest tomorrow before Mass and see if we can get together for a meeting sometime this week. Pray everything goes OK!

[Chamomile]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1299960927' post='2220340']
Things went surprisingly well today. I was shopping around with my mom and we were talking and all of a sudden, I blurted out that I found a group of Sisters who may be willing to work with people with depression. She was VERY supportive! She and I are very close but I was worried about telling her that I'm looking again because I didn't want to confuse or upset her. However, I want to obey God over the confusion and do His will. She very much agreed that He appears to be telling me something. I am going to talk to the priest tomorrow before Mass and see if we can get together for a meeting sometime this week. Pray everything goes OK!
[/quote]



I'll remember you in my prayers, too

Take your time, though. I actually wanted to post a story on this thread in reference to something JoyfulLife had posted earlier about God's timing and waiting but hadn't gotten a chance yet. So here it is as a reminder to be patient (not necessarily directed at you, MM, but for anyone who's discerning), even if it seems God is starting to do something new, exciting, and different in your life!

I randomly turned on the radio to the local Christian music station (I sometimes like to hear something a little more upbeat than Gregorian Chant...). And the DJ started telling a story. She said that her family was recently moving, and as they were boxing things up and removing them from the house, their dog was obviously becoming a little bit upset and worried.

If you've been around dogs much, you know this look. And it got worse as they started to empty the house more and more until there was practically nothing in it. She said he kept looking at them like, "Where are you going? Are you going to forget me?! DON'T FORGET ABOUT ME!!!"

He was the very last "thing" they took out of the house... and when she finally put the leash on him to take him to the car, he was super-excited and so happy to go! But up until that time, he had seen everything he was familiar with suddenly disappear, and it seemed to him that he wasn't going where those things were. But as the DJ explained, she didn't want him to get lost or hurt or be tripped over, etc. They had to wait until it was the best time to take him with them.

And so she made the comparison between God's timing with us and her family's timing with their dog - sometimes we see things changing all around us, or people doing really exciting things (like the other people on VS entering communities), and we feel like we're going to get left out. But there's a reason we need to wait. God won't forget about us; He just wants to make sure everything is good before he puts our leashes on


[size="1"]I know that story is kinda cheesey but I thought it was cute... probably because God knows I'm a sucker for animals![/size]

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='Chamomile' timestamp='1299964980' post='2220360']
I'll remember you in my prayers, too

Take your time, though. I actually wanted to post a story on this thread in reference to something JoyfulLife had posted earlier about God's timing and waiting but hadn't gotten a chance yet. So here it is as a reminder to be patient (not necessarily directed at you, MM, but for anyone who's discerning), even if it seems God is starting to do something new, exciting, and different in your life!

I randomly turned on the radio to the local Christian music station (I sometimes like to hear something a little more upbeat than Gregorian Chant...). And the DJ started telling a story. She said that her family was recently moving, and as they were boxing things up and removing them from the house, their dog was obviously becoming a little bit upset and worried.

If you've been around dogs much, you know this look. And it got worse as they started to empty the house more and more until there was practically nothing in it. She said he kept looking at them like, "Where are you going? Are you going to forget me?! DON'T FORGET ABOUT ME!!!"

He was the very last "thing" they took out of the house... and when she finally put the leash on him to take him to the car, he was super-excited and so happy to go! But up until that time, he had seen everything he was familiar with suddenly disappear, and it seemed to him that he wasn't going where those things were. But as the DJ explained, she didn't want him to get lost or hurt or be tripped over, etc. They had to wait until it was the best time to take him with them.

And so she made the comparison between God's timing with us and her family's timing with their dog - sometimes we see things changing all around us, or people doing really exciting things (like the other people on VS entering communities), and we feel like we're going to get left out. But there's a reason we need to wait. God won't forget about us; He just wants to make sure everything is good before he puts our leashes on


[size="1"]I know that story is kinda cheesey but I thought it was cute... probably because God knows I'm a sucker for animals![/size]
[/quote]


I really appreciate your prayers. I've made up my mind to finish my degree because of the amount of time I've been working on it and I have a great desire to finally finish my education after all these years. I doubt, even if I found out I was called to the RSMs, that I would enter sooner than 1 or 2 years. I'm in no rush at all. That's really want to speak to my priest about--to make sure that my will is in alignment with His.

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='Chamomile' timestamp='1299964980' post='2220360']
I'll remember you in my prayers, too

Take your time, though. I actually wanted to post a story on this thread in reference to something JoyfulLife had posted earlier about God's timing and waiting but hadn't gotten a chance yet. So here it is as a reminder to be patient (not necessarily directed at you, MM, but for anyone who's discerning), even if it seems God is starting to do something new, exciting, and different in your life!

I randomly turned on the radio to the local Christian music station (I sometimes like to hear something a little more upbeat than Gregorian Chant...). And the DJ started telling a story. She said that her family was recently moving, and as they were boxing things up and removing them from the house, their dog was obviously becoming a little bit upset and worried.

If you've been around dogs much, you know this look. And it got worse as they started to empty the house more and more until there was practically nothing in it. She said he kept looking at them like, "Where are you going? Are you going to forget me?! DON'T FORGET ABOUT ME!!!"

He was the very last "thing" they took out of the house... and when she finally put the leash on him to take him to the car, he was super-excited and so happy to go! But up until that time, he had seen everything he was familiar with suddenly disappear, and it seemed to him that he wasn't going where those things were. But as the DJ explained, she didn't want him to get lost or hurt or be tripped over, etc. They had to wait until it was the best time to take him with them.

And so she made the comparison between God's timing with us and her family's timing with their dog - sometimes we see things changing all around us, or people doing really exciting things (like the other people on VS entering communities), and we feel like we're going to get left out. But there's a reason we need to wait. God won't forget about us; He just wants to make sure everything is good before he puts our leashes on


[size="1"]I know that story is kinda cheesey but I thought it was cute... probably because God knows I'm a sucker for animals![/size]
[/quote]

I really appreciate your prayers. I've made up my mind to finish my degree because of the amount of time I've been working on it and I have a great desire to finally finish my education after all these years. I doubt, even if I found out I was called to the RSMs, that I would enter sooner than 1 or 2 years. I'm in no rush at all. That's really want to speak to my priest about--to make sure that my will is in alignment with His.

[Indwelling Trinity]

[size="4"]This is a beautiful thread.... Sometimes God rends in order to heal that which was broken. I know of many sisters in many different communities who are thriving fully as beautiful religious who have had emotional difficulties in the past and many who are on continual medications also.

Their beauty is so evident in their humility in accepting the crosses that God has chosen to give them. They are holy women, even brilliant women who continue to put one foot in front of the other seeking the kingdom of God, so steadfast is their love for Him. In their own past brokenness they have learned mercy for others and in so doing have become healing a presence and grace for others, instruments with whom God can use freely for they have accepted their own truth before Him.

If God is truly calling you to religious life, don't fear your struggles, try to embrace them lovingly and know in His own time he will bring you to just the place and community he wants for you so that you may continue to grow into the beautiful person he has called you to be for Him.

I have lived with such women in the past and have been touched deeply by them and the gift that they are not only to me and others, but also awed by the depths of their holiness in seeing what great things God has done with and in them. In our weaknesses God strength is shown forth.

Ironically it is those religious who have not learned to accept their own brokenness and frailties with humility and grace that seem to be often at a greater loss. For many rely on their own strength rather on God and in so doing, the deeper gifts of God's grace and mercy seems to elude them.

In my own religious life, i too have known time of deep brokenness and i can tell you that through it i have come to know The God of mercy much more intimately than if I had never suffered such things. And yes these things do heal and we become strong again; but not with a strength of our own but with the strength of a Loving and merciful God who comforts us in all our affliction so that we too may in turn give comfort others.

In embracing the cross we come to know the suffering Jesus intimately dwelling in the depth of our souls so powerfully, that we are astounded at his nearness whispering gently, " will you comfort me?" And with a silent and almost imperceptible voice the loving heart whispers "yes." And in those moments the cross is at once transformed into the triumph of resurrection, not only in consoling him in his own desire for our love, but in the healing that takes place in the deepest recesses of our souls calling us ever more deeply into that unity with Him who dwells within.

This is the science of the cross that calls us to intimate loving union with God and ultimately resurrection in Him as a new creature living to give witness to His power and triumph over all, living to reflect the reality that God IS. Sometimes it takes a long long time for this to happen, but when it does it is so powerful that no words suffice and silence only can adequately express that which is so simple yet profound. What power there is in that little word "yes;" that silent "fiat" of Mary, which uttered in time now resounds through all eternity; the "yes" which brought forth the Son of God, the Divine redeemeryet Even greater the "Yes" of her Son the Incarnate word who reconciled all things by embracing that very same cross. And so too, God continually invites us to to share in that same mystery so that we too may become transformed into the image and likeness of He who is love and in turn with him lift a broken world up to God asking His mercy and and healing presence on all. What intimacy God calls us too! What happiness to contemplate such mystery of God with us.

Have no fears for the future, because even if we cannot see one single step in front of us as to what God is doing in our lives, rest assured he does... all we have to do is to however feebly we can, continue to say "yes" to his will and he will bring us to safe shelter, gently carrying us home. And then no matter where the road leads, we will be firmly rooted in HIM and in that rootedness find our true abode. Isn't that the whole point of a true vocation?

I hold each of you gently in prayer and i ask that you too remember me in your own good prayer.


[/size]

Edited March 13, 2011 by Indwelling Trinity

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='Indwelling Trinity' timestamp='1300001144' post='2220437']
[size="4"]This is a beautiful thread.... Sometimes God rends in order to heal that which was broken. I know of many sisters in many different communities who are thriving fully as beautiful religious who have had emotional difficulties in the past and many who are on continual medications also.

Their beauty is so evident in their humility in accepting the crosses that God has chosen to give them. They are holy women, even brilliant women who continue to put one foot in front of the other seeking the kingdom of God, so steadfast is their love for Him. In their own past brokenness they have learned mercy for others and in so doing have become healing a presence and grace for others, instruments with whom God can use freely for they have accepted their own truth before Him.

If God is truly calling you to religious life, don't fear your struggles, try to embrace them lovingly and know in His own time he will bring you to just the place and community he wants for you so that you may continue to grow into the beautiful person he has called you to be for Him.

I have lived with such women in the past and have been touched deeply by them and the gift that they are not only to me and others, but also awed by the depths of their holiness in seeing what great things God has done with and in them. In our weaknesses God strength is shown forth.

Ironically it is those religious who have not learned to accept their own brokenness and frailties with humility and grace that seem to be often at a greater loss. For many rely on their own strength rather on God and in so doing, the deeper gifts of God's grace and mercy seems to elude them.

In my own religious life, i too have known time of deep brokenness and i can tell you that through it i have come to know The God of mercy much more intimately than if I had never suffered such things. And yes these things do heal and we become strong again; but not with a strength of our own but with the strength of a Loving and merciful God who comforts us in all our affliction so that we too may in turn give comfort others.

In embracing the cross we come to know the suffering Jesus intimately dwelling in the depth of our souls so powerfully, that we are astounded at his nearness whispering gently, " will you comfort me?" And with a silent and almost imperceptible voice the loving heart whispers "yes." And in those moments the cross is at once transformed into the triumph of resurrection, not only in consoling him in his own desire for our love, but in the healing that takes place in the deepest recesses of our souls calling us ever more deeply into that unity with Him who dwells within.

This is the science of the cross that calls us to intimate loving union with God and ultimately resurrection in Him as a new creature living to give witness to His power and triumph over all, living to reflect the reality that God IS. Sometimes it takes a long long time for this to happen, but when it does it is so powerful that no words suffice and silence only can adequately express that which is so simple yet profound. What power there is in that little word "yes;" that silent "fiat" or Mary which uttered in time now resounds through all eternity; the "yes" which brought forth the Son of God, the Divine redeemer. Even greater the "Yes" of her Son the Incarnate word who reconciled all things by embracing that very same cross. And so too, God continually invites us to to share in that same mystery so that we too may become transformed into the image and likeness of He who is love and in turn with him lift a broken world up to God asking His mercy and love on all. What intimacy God calls us too! What happiness to contemplate such mystery of God with us.

Have no fears for the future, because even if we cannot see one step in front of us as to what God is doing in our lives, rest assured he does... all we have to do is to however feebly we can, continue to say "yes" to his will and he will bring us to safe shelter, gently carrying us home. And then no matter where the road leads, we will be firmly rooted in HIM and in that rootedness find our true abode. Isn't that the whole point of a true vocation?

I hold each of you gently in prayer and i ask that you too remember me in your own good prayer.


[/size]
[/quote]

What a beautiful reflection. My best friend told me, before she entered religious life, that she believed what St. Teresa of Avila said, "We often find that those who have endured the greatest trials have walked closest with Christ." I know, in my own struggles with depression, I've had to learn surrender and total reliance on God's mercy and love for me to overcome the darkness that seemed to settle into my life. The event that tipped the balance was having to learn how to "let go and let God" when a friend of mine died in a very tragic car accident at the age of 16 (I was 16 as well). That was almost 12 years ago and, in that time, I've really learned some valuable lessons, more so in spending time with Christ in the Eucharist than with psychologists. Finding that peace and understanding that death is not forever, I came to understand the mystery of God's love. That's when I fell in love with Him so completely and I eventually understood that giving myself up to Him would be the greatest gift I could give for all that He has done for me. It will never be enough, but I desire to show Him how much I love Him in an act of surrendering to His will. If He calls me again to be His bride, I know it will be difficult, but I cannot refuse the Lover of my soul. Whatever plans I have for myself will be set aside for the good of God's kingdom. My best friend always encouraged me, and it is through her example of being broken, healed, and becoming a religious that gives me hope for the future.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [i][b]Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.[/b][/i]"--Matthew 6:25-34

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."--Jeremiah 29:11-13

[Chamomile]

Amen to the beautiful words in the two previous posts

I think we'll find out that many, many Saints struggled with these issues... and that those who were in religious life probably endured them before entering and after entering. They just didn't have the same names we give them (and to some degree, they might have had a deeper understanding of God's healing power and mercy than we do in this current age).

And just look at the number of views this thread has gotten - now almost to 1,300! So obviously people are struggling with this now or are at least wondering what those issues mean in the larger picture of eternity and doing God's will.

[Yaatee]

I guess that my approach would be to try to find a community that I was attracted to, to correspond with them, to visit if possible, and to establish a relationship with them. If there was a mutual attraction between you and the community and you felt suitable to and attracted to its works--then and only then to tell the vocation director about your previous medical problems.

Consider what happens if you date someone. You meet him (usually a him ), you talk, meet casually, go out on dates casually or in groups, and then start to date. You talk about your mutual interests and backgrounds, testing the waters--do you like him? Is he suitable? --and if things get more serious, talk about 'issues' you've had in the past. You don't state it first thing.

Communities, who may have had difficulties in the past with candidates with mental issues, are going to be wary, of course. Not necessarily after they get to know you. I think that you should give yourself and them a chance.

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='Yaatee' timestamp='1300128827' post='2220690']
I guess that my approach would be to try to find a community that I was attracted to, to correspond with them, to visit if possible, and to establish a relationship with them. If there was a mutual attraction between you and the community and you felt suitable to and attracted to its works--then and only then to tell the vocation director about your previous medical problems.

Consider what happens if you date someone. You meet him (usually a him ), you talk, meet casually, go out on dates casually or in groups, and then start to date. You talk about your mutual interests and backgrounds, testing the waters--do you like him? Is he suitable? --and if things get more serious, talk about 'issues' you've had in the past. You don't state it first thing.

Communities, who may have had difficulties in the past with candidates with mental issues, are going to be wary, of course. Not necessarily after they get to know you. I think that you should give yourself and them a chance.
[/quote]

Unfortunately, this doesn't count for all religious orders. I got very serious about one in particular and just as I was going to ask for an application, the Superior asked me if I had any health problems. I was on retreat with the order when she asked this. Of course, I couldn't lie and I told her about my history. Even though I built up a reputation with them, they said that they were unable to admit candidates with a previous history of depression. I chalked it up to the fact that God was not calling me there, but it hurt nonetheless.

I understand that religious orders, vowing a life of poverty, cannot afford to buy their members medication. I don't have issue with that at all. I believe if God is indeed calling me to religious life, He will find a way. It's all about trust. It doesn't mean that there won't be hurts and disappointments. It means that you must keep trying, which I still have to learn. I think the only reason I gave up was because of the negative responses. I'm not saying I have a religious vocation, but if I end up entering an order, it will be because God kept persisting even though I thought it was impossible.

[Yaatee]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1300131129' post='2220693']
Unfortunately, this doesn't count for all religious orders. I got very serious about one in particular and just as I was going to ask for an application, the Superior asked me if I had any health problems. I was on retreat with the order when she asked this. Of course, I couldn't lie and I told her about my history. Even though I built up a reputation with them, they said that they were unable to admit candidates with a previous history of depression. I chalked it up to the fact that God was not calling me there, but it hurt nonetheless.

I understand that religious orders, vowing a life of poverty, cannot afford to buy their members medication. I don't have issue with that at all. I believe if God is indeed calling me to religious life, He will find a way. It's all about trust. It doesn't mean that there won't be hurts and disappointments. It means that you must keep trying, which I still have to learn. I think the only reason I gave up was because of the negative responses. I'm not saying I have a religious vocation, but if I end up entering an order, it will be because God kept persisting even though I thought it was impossible.
[/quote]

Of course, this approach wouldn't work for [i]all[/i] religious orders. But it may work with some and that list may include one that you are interested in. I think that the operative words are their getting to know [i]you. [/i]You may know a lot about them but it may not be visa versa.[i] [/i] I think that a gradual approach[i] [/i]with an emphasis on mutual familiarity could be more fruitful than inquiring in the first letter if the community accepts people with a mental history. [i]
[/i]
Finding out that a community won't consider someone with a history of mental illness says something about that community. Mental difficulties are much more frequently diagnosed these days and can be successfully treated. In the past , they were just as prevalent, but were unrecognized.
[i]
[/i]

[Yaatee]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1300131129' post='2220693']
Unfortunately, this doesn't count for all religious orders. I got very serious about one in particular and just as I was going to ask for an application, the Superior asked me if I had any health problems. I was on retreat with the order when she asked this. Of course, I couldn't lie and I told her about my history. Even though I built up a reputation with them, they said that they were unable to admit candidates with a previous history of depression. I chalked it up to the fact that God was not calling me there, but it hurt nonetheless.

I understand that religious orders, vowing a life of poverty, cannot afford to buy their members medication. I don't have issue with that at all. I believe if God is indeed calling me to religious life, He will find a way. It's all about trust. It doesn't mean that there won't be hurts and disappointments. It means that you must keep trying, which I still have to learn. I think the only reason I gave up was because of the negative responses. I'm not saying I have a religious vocation, but if I end up entering an order, it will be because God kept persisting even though I thought it was impossible.
[/quote]

Of course, this approach wouldn't work for [i]all[/i] religious orders. But it may work with some and that list may include one that you are interested in. I think that the operative words are their getting to know [i]you. [/i]You may know a lot about them but it may not be visa versa.[i] [/i] I think that a gradual approach[i] [/i]with an emphasis on mutual familiarity could be more fruitful than inquiring in the first letter if the community accepts people with a mental history. [i]
[/i]
Finding out that a community won't consider someone with a history of mental illness says something about that community. Mental difficulties are much more frequently diagnosed these days and can be successfully treated. In the past, they were just as prevalent, but were unrecognized.
[i]
[/i]

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='Yaatee' timestamp='1300157772' post='2220790']
Of course, this approach wouldn't work for [i]all[/i] religious orders. But it may work with some and that list may include one that you are interested in. I think that the operative words are their getting to know [i]you. [/i]You may know a lot about them but it may not be visa versa.[i] [/i] I think that a gradual approach[i] [/i]with an emphasis on mutual familiarity could be more fruitful than inquiring in the first letter if the community accepts people with a mental history. [i]
[/i]
Finding out that a community won't consider someone with a history of mental illness says something about that community. Mental difficulties are much more frequently diagnosed these days and can be successfully treated. In the past, they were just as prevalent, but were unrecognized.
[i]
[/i]
[/quote]


I think it's important not to hold entrance requirements against the community. It is very difficult for a community that vows poverty to afford multiple doctor's visits unless they have insurance donated to them by a benefactor, and even then, many are unwilling to take an entrant on that may pose a risk to the community. There are some that are better prepared to handle such persons than others. I do agree, though, that mental illnesses are more commonly diagnosed these days. Depression is very common. However, communities have either had bad experiences or some just don't have the experience or resources.

I think it's very commendable that orders like the Religious Sisters of Mercy, who have medical experience, would be willing to accept candidates with illnesses. I've heard of a few others like the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus (the order I was involved with), Sister Servants of the Eternal Word, and some Visitation communities. I even knew of a cloistered Carmelite monastery whose Prioress was open to accepting me even if I needed to take medication, though I don't know if that option is still available because the Prioress is different.

I do agree that it is not a good idea to tell the community right off. The most important thing to remember is to "hope for the best, but expect the worst."