Consecrated Virginity

[the171]

Is anyone other than MM and me discerning this vocation?

[OnlySunshine]

Shana is discerning this vocation but hasn't posted in quite a while.

Edited March 14, 2013 by MaterMisericordiae

[FutureSister2009]

I have a question: is it possible to be a Consecrated Virgin and belong to a secular institute or Third Order?

[the171]

Yes to third order, not sure about SI.

[OnlySunshine]

I have a question: is it possible to be a Consecrated Virgin and belong to a secular institute or Third Order?

 

I am sure that membership in a Third Order is allowed.  I'd like to belong to either the Franciscans or Augustinians (most likely, the Franciscans).

In a 1971 response from the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship, it was affirmed that

women in secular institutes might use the Rite. The reply does not discuss the potential

incongruity between the public nature of the consecration of virgins and the leaven imagery typical of

secular institutes. There is the similarity of consecrated persons living in the midst of the world

and there is diversity of practice among secular institutes regarding the practice of discretion.

Nevertheless, this appears to be a question which merits further reflection.

 

In a word, this is a distinct vocation. Women throughout the world experience and respond

to this specific call with its various elements: a witness to the Church as spouse of Christ, a life

of consecrated virginity, a life of prayer and service in the Church, lived with neither the support

and the obligations of a religious community, nor the regular contacts which flow from

belonging to a secular institute. These must be strong and dedicated women, mature in their singleness

of purpose.

 

 

http://consecratedvirgins.org/usacv/sites/default/files/documents/VocRes/holland.pdf

[OnlySunshine]

I loved this interview with Nicole Bettini who was consecrated as a virgin on November 15, 2007.  She was my age as well.  :)

 

http://www.10000vocations.org/newsdetail.aspx?id=2

[Tufsoles]

I did discern this wonderful Vocation for many years. From 19 to about 23/24 ish. I kept having this calling for marriage but hopefully I will find the man god wants me to be with.

[FutureSister2009]

After really studying what a Consecrated Virgin is, I've become more open to the possibility. Then I thought about how interesting it would be if a guy asked me out and then I had to explain to him that I was a Consecrated Virgin. I don't know how I would explain that.

[Guest Allie]

After really studying what a Consecrated Virgin is, I've become more open to the possibility. Then I thought about how interesting it would be if a guy asked me out and then I had to explain to him that I was a Consecrated Virgin. I don't know how I would explain that.

 

You are too funny. :saint2:

[the171]

After really studying what a Consecrated Virgin is, I've become more open to the possibility. Then I thought about how interesting it would be if a guy asked me out and then I had to explain to him that I was a Consecrated Virgin. I don't know how I would explain that.

The vocation is to be lived in such a way that people know who you are. That's why they wear wedding rings.

[FutureSister2009]

The vocation is to be lived in such a way that people know who you are. That's why they wear wedding rings.

 

That is true, the wedding ring should be a big giveaway.

[OnlySunshine]

Hopefully, after Easter is over, I will be able to meet with my pastor and get some spiritual guidance from him as to what I should do.  I don't know if I should wait to present my petition to the Bishop or if I should do it now since I've been discerning Consecrated Life for over 5 years.  I'm thinking I should wait but I want his opinion.  My mom wondered why I wanted to get my pastor involved but he is necessary since I'll be a C.V. in his parish.  Plus, he knows the most about my discernment so far.  :)

Edited March 22, 2013 by MaterMisericordiae

[abrideofChrist]

That is true, the wedding ring should be a big giveaway.

 

Definitely.  Some people I've known have noticed my ring and asked if I got married.  Most of the time I just tell them that I'm "like a Catholic nun" and don't go into the whole consecrated virginity part, particularly if they are not Catholic themselves.  If they are Catholic, I use my judgement to determine whether to go more in depth about my vocation. 

[abrideofChrist]

Hopefully, after Easter is over, I will be able to meet with my pastor and get some spiritual guidance from him as to what I should do.  I don't know if I should wait to present my petition to the Bishop or if I should do it now since I've been discerning Consecrated Life for over 5 years.  I'm thinking I should wait but I want his opinion.  My mom wondered why I wanted to get my pastor involved but he is necessary since I'll be a C.V. in his parish.  Plus, he knows the most about my discernment so far.  :)

 

Some virgins have found it helpful to have allies in their pastors.  I, for example, discussed my hopes to have the Bl. Sacrament reserved at home once consecrated with the priests in my area, who agreed to help if I needed them to say Mass, etc.  Pastors can also help cut through diocesan red tape.  On the flip side, if they do not appreciate the vocation, they can do damage as well in chancery if they choose to.
 

[OnlySunshine]

Some virgins have found it helpful to have allies in their pastors.  I, for example, discussed my hopes to have the Bl. Sacrament reserved at home once consecrated with the priests in my area, who agreed to help if I needed them to say Mass, etc.  Pastors can also help cut through diocesan red tape.  On the flip side, if they do not appreciate the vocation, they can do damage as well in chancery if they choose to.
 

 

I feel blessed to have a pastor who cares a great deal for vocations.  He has already helped me in the past when I was discerning with the religious order in our parish -- even going so far as to pay for my psychological evaluation!  We have 2 seminarians at present (and 1 ordained priest who was from our parish) and he is always trying to promote vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.  There is one young man who is, almost certainly, preparing himself for the seminary.  He's too young just yet, being 15 or 16, but my pastor has him be an altar server quite a bit.  I have no doubt that he'll help me with this.  The tricky part is getting a meeting since our associate pastor is leaving soon for another parish.  :(

Edited March 22, 2013 by MaterMisericordiae

[freedomreigns]

I am interested in discerning a secular institute.  I am still in school though and I think they usually really want you to be in a stable job first.  Is this similar for Consecrated Virgins?  

[abrideofChrist]

I am interested in discerning a secular institute.  I am still in school though and I think they usually really want you to be in a stable job first.  Is this similar for Consecrated Virgins?  

 

What Secular Institutes and bishops (for Consecrated Virginity) are looking for is maturity and the ability to successfully live the vocation in the world.  Most college students (and even some grad students) simply have not been exposed to the responsibilities of living on their own, keeping a solid prayer life in a secular environment, and thriving in the world.  This is why you will not see a typical bishop accept a virgin for consecration when she is an undergrad student.  It's simply not wise in 99.99% of the cases.  The Rite specifies that she gives assurance by her way of life in persevering in the vocation.  Well, that's a bit hard to judge when a woman has been a student all her life.  I might as well add that in this case, a very solid Catholic college environment can be more of a hindrance than a help in the discernment of the bishop because it is an artificial environment or a "bubble" if you will, and not indicative of future lifestyle of the student.

[Catholicterp7]

I am now. (See Home is Where the Heart Is? thread if you want the whole story.) I've considered it on and off but always got stuck at the community life but now I'm finally really open to it for real. 

[OnlySunshine]

I am now. (See Home is Where the Heart Is? thread if you want the whole story.) I've considered it on and off but always got stuck at the community life but now I'm finally really open to it for real. 

 

I know exactly what you mean.  I think that was holding me back, too.  I'd love to live in a community with like-minded Sisters but that just doesn't seem to be working.  It's like I was ignoring the vocation of Consecrated Virginity because I wanted to live in a community, which is wrong.  I'll have a community -- my parish!  The more I read about Consecrated Virginity, the more I feel the pull to it, though there are some times where I wonder if I didn't give religious life enough of a chance.  But I've discerned religious life for 5 years and almost every community said the same thing so I need to listen to what God is asking of me.  :)
 

[MarysLittleFlower]

After really studying what a Consecrated Virgin is, I've become more open to the possibility. Then I thought about how interesting it would be if a guy asked me out and then I had to explain to him that I was a Consecrated Virgin. I don't know how I would explain that.

indeed..... :P can you wear a ring as a CV? (like some nuns do)