Humph........

[Little Flower]

Anybody else feel jealous when somebody else leaves for the convent? A couple of my friends' cousin (I've met her and talked with her mom but I don't really know her) left yesterday, and she is entering the Carmelites in Nebraska. I wish I could enter religious life now. I don't really know where I would go, but I just really want to GO NOW!!!!!!!!!! if i had to make a decision today though I think I would enter the Summit Dominicans. Except for the fact that im 16. Sooooo, I've heard that some orders have programs or something where you can finish high school while you live with them. Is that true? Has anybody heard of any? Cuz i would LOVE!!!!!!!!!! to do that. not sure my parents would be so hot about it though. lol

[OnlySunshine]

I have heard of some orders that do this sort of thing where they have a boarding school. One order that jumps to mind is the Trinitarians of Mary in California. They have a boarding house and the girls live a pre-convent, monastic life while finishing their studies. Unfortunately, their website is not working at this present time.

[OnlySunshine]

Also, the Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of Apostles accept young candidates starting at 16, but I'm not sure how that works. It seems awfully young to be entering and you would most likely not finish high school. You'd probably have to drop out.

[HopefulBride]

Yeah I totally have holy jealousy of those who are entering now.

[Pax_et bonum]

I know you don't want to hear this, I was in the same boat not too long ago, but don't be so eager to have these last couple years of childhood over. It goes by fast enough. Enjoy high school, deepen relationships, get involved with extracurriculars, go out of your comfort zone. I'm at peace as a senior; next year will come when it comes and bring what it brings--religious life, college, NET, who knows? Keep discerning, but don't forget to live now.

[InPersonaChriste]

But taking this trail will prepare you better for religious life. I am young as well, and I have problems with being patient. But Jesus has asked us to suffer and wait right now. If he has called you himself, it will happen.

[krissylou]

One of my friends is a Sister who "entered" at 14 or 15 -- her community had a boarding school for aspirants up until the 80s. So she wasn't really a postulant until after graduation, but when she talks about entering the community she talks about coming at 15 or so. (I know several sisters who did their senior year at the boarding school. She's the only one I know who entered that early.)

So when she made her first profession, at 21, she'd already spent about a third of her life in the convent.

And she is in her late 40s now, very happy in her vocation, no regrets about being a Sister -- but does say that she missed out on a lot by entering so early. I don't get the sense that she would recommend such early entrances.

[FutureSister2009]

Oh yes this is MY thread! I'm surprised I didn't start a thread like this a long time ago! I know how sinful it is to be soooo jealous but the jealousy is actually eating me alive. I'm trying do hard to be happy here and some things here are fun I will admit but deep down I'm just not happy. My mind is on the Convent 24/7 but I do pay attention in class, especially Theology. I haven't really made it known yet that I want to enter into Religious Life but I'm waiting for the right moment.

[faithcecelia]

Seriously girls, don't wish your lives away. If and when the time is right, you will enter - but let it be in God's time not yours. The life of obedience is a hard one to accept, but the time you need to wait is good practise! And poverty of spirit is far harder to live with than material poverty. The rest of your lives may well be in religious life, but unless you can not only accept doing something you don't like but also absolutely embracing it then you won't last long in any community!

[JulianofLdn]

Detachment. Not just detachment to material things, but to all your own wishes, hopes, fears, dreams. Live the best life you can, every day of your life: that's the greatest thing you can do for God.

There's something I like to say to myself every morning, on my way to work. Thomas Merton wrote it, and it's beautiful because it's simple and true:

'Celebrate today, because this day will never come again.'

[TheresaThoma]

I would add remember the Lord wants you exactly where you are and He has plans for you that you cannot imagine(I know that sounds cliche but it is true). I know how hard it is to wait, I want to enter now too but I know it is not my time. I still have His work to do outside of the convent and that must be finished first. Earlier in my discernment I never would have thought I would be doing what I'm doing now. Ask God to show you what He wants from you in the here and now.
One thing I remind myself of when I am having a rough time is, I woke up this morning that means God has something that He wants me to do today. My task is to listen and figure out what it is and do it. It may be something I consider really small but because it was His Will it matters.

[FutureSister2009]

I can see a little bit of why God wants me here like for instance my end goal to get through the year is to go to London which is something I've always wanted to do. And I'm trying to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of doing things I've never done before like the big blood drive for instance or going to the Eastern State Penitentiary. I see those things as something I want to do before I enter into the Convent. But at the same time, everything feels so slow right now. It's been over two weeks since I moved here and once I kick into full gear, I think it will go faster and I want it to

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='FutureSister2009' timestamp='1315321747' post='2301090']
I can see a little bit of why God wants me here like for instance my end goal to get through the year is to go to London which is something I've always wanted to do. And I'm trying to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of doing things I've never done before like the big blood drive for instance or going to the Eastern State Penitentiary. I see those things as something I want to do before I enter into the Convent. But at the same time, everything feels so slow right now. It's been over two weeks since I moved here and once I kick into full gear, I think it will go faster and I want it to
[/quote]

Just a question...why do you want to go to the Eastern State Penitentiary? If I remember correctly, the Ghost Hunters visited there a few years ago (I used to be a fan of the show but grew out of it when a Confessor told me to stop watching since I was becoming obsessed). I only watch it for the entertainment value now since I know there is no such thing as ghosts. Most of the time they are demons who want to trick us into believing that haunted houses exist. I'm not trying to be a stickler, but do be careful about immersing interest in the subject. People can get obsessed pretty quickly.

[i<3franciscans]

[quote name='Little Flower' timestamp='1315191636' post='2300311']
Anybody else feel jealous when somebody else leaves for the convent? A couple of my friends' cousin (I've met her and talked with her mom but I don't really know her) left yesterday, and she is entering the Carmelites in Nebraska. I wish I could enter religious life now. I don't really know where I would go, but I just really want to GO NOW!!!!!!!!!! if i had to make a decision today though I think I would enter the Summit Dominicans. Except for the fact that im 16. Sooooo, I've heard that some orders have programs or something where you can finish high school while you live with them. Is that true? Has anybody heard of any? Cuz i would LOVE!!!!!!!!!! to do that. not sure my parents would be so hot about it though. lol
[/quote]
I totally understand how you feel! But honestly after joining phatmass and being around such GREAT people, I realized just how long I do have to wait. (For the record... I am 16 too *gasp*) I really was wishing everyday way and now I look back and realize, I must have been REALLY annoying to all my friends. haha.
And yes, I have heard of such schools. I know of someone who left one because it was just to strict for her. They pre-read all your letters and give you limited phone access and such. I don't think it would bug me too much except for the whole pre-read letter thing..... but I have realized now that i want to live my life because I only have two years before college!! (Wow I must sound REALLY young to a lot of you PMers right now. )
But when it comes down to it I CAN'T WAIT TO BE A FRANCISCAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (just as a side note... I know for most it takes years of traveling and visiting to find the right order, but Jesus has TOLD me himself that He wishes for me to be a CFR. SO you don't need to go off topic and tell me that I should look around and wait. Honestly I wasn't too happy about it when he told me and I am still scared but I met them a few weeks ago for the first time...... and I will finish this in the Franciscans thread. )
SO, I will pray for your patience! I would love to talk!!!!!!! Drop me a line sometime.

Peace!
i<3f.

[LaPetiteSoeur]

While I wish and hope to enter the convent, as I am called there, I love where I am now.

My university is fantastic, and I'm learning so much that will help me in religious life. I just got back from a class where we were trying to figure out how to fix the gaps in the healthcare system and how to solve problems that lead to poverty. So although I'm called to be a French teacher, this will help me serve others, too!

Here, at university, I have a chance to be a living witness to my faith. My methodist friend thinks it's pretty cool what the Catholic Church teaches about poverty and its emphasis on service.

And in case I ever forget my calling (which I can't really), the NDs keep cropping up in my dreams (which is strange! But cool )

While some days all I want is to be in the convent, I know it will occur IN GOD'S TIME. I'm where I'm supposed to be RIGHT NOW, and that's comforting enough. I can't wish my life away until I enter the convent. I live each day, serving Christ in others, same as I'll do in religious life.

[FutureSister2009]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1315333983' post='2301157']

Just a question...why do you want to go to the Eastern State Penitentiary? If I remember correctly, the Ghost Hunters visited there a few years ago (I used to be a fan of the show but grew out of it when a Confessor told me to stop watching since I was becoming obsessed). I only watch it for the entertainment value now since I know there is no such thing as ghosts. Most of the time they are demons who want to trick us into believing that haunted houses exist. I'm not trying to be a stickler, but do be careful about immersing interest in the subject. People can get obsessed pretty quickly.
[/quote]

I want to go because I've never done anything like that in my life. I don't do well with "haunted" stuff so I'm going to face my fears and be rebellious. That's something I would like to do before my entrance into Religious Life. It's just for fun. Who knows? I may end up chickening out at the last second. But I would be proud of myself for actually going through with it if I do it.

[das8949]

Well, there are so many different things about going through formation. I am sure it may be less stringent than when I entered, but we did not have time for ourselves. There was not music or TV, or sitting in a living room and noone pops out for take out or to a movie.

Every minute of our day was structured for 3 years and for discipline we did things at odd times like go to chapel at 8:10 or eat at 12:17 and we were summoned by bells at all times. On Christmas morning we got to sleep in to 6:30 AM

We had to go and ask our ND for any toiletries we may need tooth brushes, tooth paste, any special items or meds one might need. Our toothpaste were cut open with razor blades and handed back to us;

we had to do Examen publicly where we would bow down confess to our fellow sisters any sins we committed against them throught our thoughts words or deeds.



This was Sisters of Notre Dame and in no way a cloistered community but we did not talk except in certain areas and times. We did not have personal books, our letters were read before and after. There were no phone calls.

Our novitiate was set up with 6 to a room with sheets around our bed aand night stand We had a bow for water for washing face and brushing teeth in the morning. The only time we were there was bedtime and there was no talking allowed.

I assure you it is not like you are all of a sudden a member of the Cleavers or the Nelson's - There are people who clash; who do not like one another;

there are rules that you do not agree with,but obedience does not permit discussion. It is nonstop work and some recreation.

There are no vending machines and sodas are a rarity for community days.

You must remember that the ONE thing that you have in common with the others Sisters is your LOVE for GOD


I am rambling on like this to try and get a couple of you to wake up and appreciate the time you have now to prepare yourself, to mature emotionally. I believe that if God wanted you in a convent right now you would be in one. Discernment is suppossed to end in a solid fiat to God saying I understand this IS WHAT YOU WANT OF ME and I sign my name on a blank piece of paper on the bottom rt hand side letting GOD fill it all in as you deem.


I apologize to anyone whom I may have offended in advance. I have already been told by one person that they hated me and I can take it.

[Lisa]

Darlene: Thanks for helping to keep all of us grounded. It is easy to think about religious life as all happiness and sunshine, but like any vocation, it's going to be [b]hard[/b]. I will, for one, probably struggle with not questioning/voicing my opinion at times. This was a helpful reminder to be using this time of waiting fruitfully and not being so infatuated that we lose the reality of religious life. Having that realism will hopefully make the transition less of a shock when (if) we do enter.

[quote]
Discernment is suppossed to end in a solid fiat to God saying I understand this IS WHAT YOU WANT OF ME and I sign my name on a blank piece of paper on the bottom right hand side letting GOD fill it all in as you deem.
[/quote]
This is fantastic.

[LaPetiteSoeur]

[quote name='FutureSister2009' timestamp='1315407832' post='2301584']

I want to go because I've never done anything like that in my life. I don't do well with "haunted" stuff so I'm going to face my fears and be rebellious. That's something I would like to do before my entrance into Religious Life. It's just for fun. Who knows? I may end up chickening out at the last second. But I would be proud of myself for actually going through with it if I do it.
[/quote]

The Dominicans of Bethany (France) have the apostolate of visiting the imprisoned. If you haven't seen it, you should really watch "Dead Man Walking." The language is salty and there are a few (I think? It's been a year) questionable scenes, but the witness by Sr. Helen is so true. I STILL can't believe Louisiana STILL has the death penalty, and it's such a Catholic state!

It is a corporal work of mercy (is it corporal? or the other one?), so you're doing good!

[faithcecelia]

[quote name='DarleneSteinemann' timestamp='1315421874' post='2301698']
Well, there are so many different things about going through formation. I am sure it may be less stringent than when I entered, but we did not have time for ourselves. There was not music or TV, or sitting in a living room and noone pops out for take out or to a movie.

Every minute of our day was structured for 3 years and for discipline we did things at odd times like go to chapel at 8:10 or eat at 12:17 and we were summoned by bells at all times. On Christmas morning we got to sleep in to 6:30 AM

We had to go and ask our ND for any toiletries we may need tooth brushes, tooth paste, any special items or meds one might need. Our toothpaste were cut open with razor blades and handed back to us;

we had to do Examen publicly where we would bow down confess to our fellow sisters any sins we committed against them throught our thoughts words or deeds.



This was Sisters of Notre Dame and in no way a cloistered community but we did not talk except in certain areas and times. We did not have personal books, our letters were read before and after. There were no phone calls.

Our novitiate was set up with 6 to a room with sheets around our bed aand night stand We had a bow for water for washing face and brushing teeth in the morning. The only time we were there was bedtime and there was no talking allowed.

I assure you it is not like you are all of a sudden a member of the Cleavers or the Nelson's - There are people who clash; who do not like one another;

there are rules that you do not agree with,but obedience does not permit discussion. It is nonstop work and some recreation.

There are no vending machines and sodas are a rarity for community days.

You must remember that the ONE thing that you have in common with the others Sisters is your LOVE for GOD


I am rambling on like this to try and get a couple of you to wake up and appreciate the time you have now to prepare yourself, to mature emotionally. I believe that if God wanted you in a convent right now you would be in one. Discernment is suppossed to end in a solid fiat to God saying I understand this IS WHAT YOU WANT OF ME and I sign my name on a blank piece of paper on the bottom rt hand side letting GOD fill it all in as you deem.


I apologize to anyone whom I may have offended in advance. I have already been told by one person that they hated me and I can take it.
[/quote]


Darlene, so much of this could be describing Carmel even today! I think it is so easy to get carried away looking at happy smiley posed photos, and to see sisters at special events, and to forget that that is not the norm. Sisters get tired, they get sick, they get PMS! They have different values and upbringings and opinions. Personally, on a human level, my idea of hell would be living with 20 other women for the rest of my life!!! od gives the grace to live a vocation, but sometimes it does take years to gain the strength of character needed to live it.