Bam.

[savvy]

[quote]1. How did you 100% absolutely sure know that you were meant for religious life?[/quote]

There is no flashing neon sign. I was constantly looking for one. I still do.

The most important thing is a) are you are peace with this decision, b) is this where you see yourself fully alive, c)what communities/circles make you joyful.

[quote]2. What are some good spiritual direction-ish books to read? (I'm still challenged in finding an SD and everything I read makes me want want want religious life)[/quote]

Story of a Soul. There's also a prayer book, I read with 5 min prayers call "The Miracle Hour" by Linda Schubert. It really helps.

Is there a priest you can talk you for SD?

[quote]3. How in the Sam Hill do I tell my mom without her killing me?![/quote]

If I were you, I would wait until something was finalized.

[MargaretTeresa]

Savvy, my priest doesn't have time to be my SD. He told me to contact Memphis. I contacted Memphis who told me to contact a sister who told me to contact someone else... and then they never got back to me. I'll try again in January, I suppose.

[Little Flower]

[quote name='InPersonaChriste' timestamp='1324319882' post='2353779']
You will never know 100% if God is calling you, that's why it is called an *ahem* "leap of faith"

[i]The wisdom of the world is foolishness with God. The soul has to proceed rather by unknowing than knowing. -John of the Cross[/i]

As for religious books,
Read the rules of the orders you are most drawn to,
The bible is essential,
and I really like this book called; All Shall Be Well-Jane Cavolina and [i][b]Matthew Bunson[/b][/i]
[/quote]

He's my dad's friend! No joke!

[TheresaThoma]

[quote name='MargaretTeresa' timestamp='1324353526' post='2354174']
Savvy, my priest doesn't have time to be my SD. He told me to contact Memphis. I contacted Memphis who told me to contact a sister who told me to contact someone else... and then they never got back to me. I'll try again in January, I suppose.
[/quote]
If you know someone who has a SD you might ask them for a recommendation. My one friend has a wonderful SD and she asked him for me if he or anyone he knew are taking on new directees. I'm still waiting to hear back but I figure that is a good place to start and you probably won't get "shuffled around".

[Feankie]

I have recommended [i]lectio divina [/i]to some of my directees. Putting yourself into a Scripture passage and meditating on it can open a lot of doors and "make the lightbulb come on" for many individuals.

[FutureSister2009]

This is how I've been feeling too!

[savvy]

[quote]Savvy, my priest doesn't have time to be my SD. He told me to contact Memphis. I contacted Memphis who told me to contact a sister who told me to contact someone else... and then they never got back to me. I'll try again in January, I suppose. [/quote]

A sister I know recommended a priest, because she said, "he wouldn't be biased". LOL

[Strictlyinkblot]

I know its pricey and not a substitute for a spiritual director but the Benedictine nuns in Hendred offer on line retreats www.onlineretreats.org

Edited December 20, 2011 by Strictlyinkblot

[HopefulBride]

[b]1. How did you 100% absolutely sure know that you were meant for religious life?[/b]
To tell you the truth I don't know 100% for sure that I am called to religious life. As many folks have already said you won't know till final vows. I know that right now my call is religious life. I know that it is RL rather than marriage because I very much appreciate the call to marriage and find it beautiful. In fact a part of me longs for it. However, I know that what would bring me the most joy is living my life and serving the Lord as a Religious. Though there are times that I am saddened when I think about not having children and not being married, I find comfort in knowing that the Lord is keeping me unattached that I may love all of His children. I am grateful to have been able to work with the Youth group and the PK3 students these past years because it affirms the fact that I am called to love in a very big and unspecific way way (hope that makes sense)

[b]2. What are some good spiritual direction-ish books to read? (I'm still challenged in finding an SD and everything I read makes me want want want religious life)[/b]
My SD recommended "introduction to the devout life" by St. Francis de Sales and it was the best recommendation ever. It opened the door to me growing in prayer and striving to live out my faith and that really helped me gain clarity as I began my discernment. I would also suggest the way of perfection.

[b]3. How in the Sam Hill do I tell my mom without her killing me?![/b]
My parents are Catholic and telling them was still hard for me, even though I knew they would be supportive. I discerned in secret for about a year before telling my sister and then the week before making my first visit (I was going to be gone for 3 weeks so they would have otherwise noticed my absence) I told both my parents real quickly (on my way out the door) Just pray about it and when you feel the time is right, tell them. I had started giving my mom some hints because I could handle it and I knew she could too. My father on the other hand I just blurted it out. You know your parents and you know how they will receive the news let the Lord show you the best way to deliver it to each of them. Don't pressure yourself too much.

You're in my prayers.

Edited December 20, 2011 by HopefulBride