Late/older or disabled vocations

[passionheart]

[quote name='Deborah' post='1017060' date='Jul 4 2006, 10:04 AM']
That is really interesting. I wrote to them, but the Prioress wrote back to tell me that they have decided to concentrate on 'younger' vocations. I am not certain, of course, but it sounds to me like they are no longer interested if you are over 40.
[/quote]

Deborah,

Believe me, I am been there as well. Don't give up because if God is truly calling you there must be a place for you. I have shed a lot of bitter tears and I did give up hope but finally a door opened!!!

If you want to talk PM

DonnaMarie

Edited July 4, 2006 by passionheart

[Deborah]

[quote name='Gemma' post='1013676' date='Jun 28 2006, 06:29 AM']
It's not Tyburn--that's in England. Tyringham is in Massachusetts.

[url="http://www.vistyr.org/"]Tyringham Visitation[/url]

Blessings,
Gemma
[/quote]

Not only that, but they aren't even Visitandines!


[quote name='josefamaria' post='1017101' date='Jul 4 2006, 11:05 AM']
Deborah: here are some Orders that supposedly still accepts late vocations [url="http://www.cmswr.org/member_communities/SMP.htm"]http://www.cmswr.org/member_communities/SMP.htm[/url] [url="http://www.osbcanyontx.org/began.html"]http://www.osbcanyontx.org/began.html[/url] [url="http://www.soltsisters.org/index.htm"]http://www.soltsisters.org/index.htm[/url]
[/quote]
Thank you so very much Josefamaria! However, I also am drawn to the Visitation Sisters in Tyringham like a moth to the flame! I will be going back for a much longer visit in October. They are all so wonderful. Tyringham is the only place I have ever been on this earth (and I have travelled the globe a few times and lived in Europe, Asia, and Central America) where I was totally and completely at peace.....where my heart no longer ached.....it is my stopping place.

The main reason I looked at other Orders was because my Pastor more or less insisted on it. I explained the difficulties (I had been searching for the past nine years), but he would hear none of it.

[Deborah]

[quote name='passionheart' post='1017209' date='Jul 4 2006, 05:53 PM']
Deborah,

Believe me, I am been there as well. Don't give up because if God is truly calling you there must be a place for you. I have shed a lot of bitter tears and I did give up hope but finally a door opened!!!

If you want to talk PM

DonnaMarie
[/quote]
Donna Marie,

I have used PM to send you a message. I look forward to your reply! Where did the door open for you?

Deborah

[quote name='Mercy's Child' post='1017104' date='Jul 4 2006, 11:08 AM']
Deborah,

The Benedictine community in Tickfaw, LA accepts vocations up to age 50.

Pax,

Dare
[/quote]

Thank you! You might want to see some of my replies below. It is somewhat helpful to know that I am not the only one and that there are others kind and generous enough to offer guidance and encouragement!

[Guest Perpetualove]

I just found this Dominican Monastery wesbite today. They take women up to 45, but they seem so lovely and open, I wouldn't be surprised if they would even extend it over that should the circumstances be right. They look so HAPPY!

[url="http://www.op.org/maryqueen/"]http://www.op.org/maryqueen/[/url]

I have realized that it is NEVER wrong to just ask....and guess what?! I am WELL UNDER the age limit, and yet, I ask anyway!!! Why? Because I don't want to be in a community that discriminates...if God can surprise our current Holy Father with a new vocation - when he least expected it - right at the edge of retirement...and he had the courage to say YES... : who are the communities to deny others the opportunity to answer the call of God?!

Good luck, and know that God must have something just delightful in store in you...he is full of wonderful surprises, and in saying YES, I can only imagine the shower of blessings you will be graced with. My prayers are with you and feel free to PM me for support! Perpetualove

[jkaands]

Here's a link to a recently updated site of communities which consider vocations over 45 years:

www.consecrated-life.org

[brendan1104]

I recommend writing to Buffalo as well, it also needs holy vocations (younger or older). They'll definitely consider you, they're friendly and open too (Elmira is their daughter house, by the way) and they have the full Habit, and (almost) perpetual Adoration and Rosary. Their Liturgies are solemny and sacred, their Offices are reverent and beautiful, and they truly live the Dominican life. Write to the vocations directress:

Sister Rose of St. Mary, O.P.
Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary
335 Doat Street, Buffalo, NY, 14211.
716-892-0066.

[quote name='Perpetualove' post='1018123' date='Jul 6 2006, 02:36 AM']
I just found this Dominican Monastery wesbite today. They take women up to 45, but they seem so lovely and open, I wouldn't be surprised if they would even extend it over that should the circumstances be right. They look so HAPPY!

[url="http://www.op.org/maryqueen/"]http://www.op.org/maryqueen/[/url]

I have realized that it is NEVER wrong to just ask....and guess what?! I am WELL UNDER the age limit, and yet, I ask anyway!!! Why? Because I don't want to be in a community that discriminates...if God can surprise our current Holy Father with a new vocation - when he least expected it - right at the edge of retirement...and he had the courage to say YES... : who are the communities to deny others the opportunity to answer the call of God?!

Good luck, and know that God must have something just delightful in store in you...he is full of wonderful surprises, and in saying YES, I can only imagine the shower of blessings you will be graced with. My prayers are with you and feel free to PM me for support! Perpetualove
[/quote]

[josefamaria]

[quote name='Deborah' post='1017798' date='Jul 5 2006, 06:25 PM']
Not only that, but they aren't even Visitandines!
Thank you so very much Josefamaria! However, I also am drawn to the Visitation Sisters in Tyringham like a moth to the flame! I will be going back for a much longer visit in October. They are all so wonderful. Tyringham is the only place I have ever been on this earth (and I have travelled the globe a few times and lived in Europe, Asia, and Central America) where I was totally and completely at peace.....where my heart no longer ached.....it is my stopping place.

The main reason I looked at other Orders was because my Pastor more or less insisted on it. I explained the difficulties (I had been searching for the past nine years), but he would hear none of it.
[/quote]
Deborah: I am so glad to hear that! I pray that all works out well for you in October. And yes, you and Gemma are right, it is Tyringham instead of Tyburn. I used to love "olde" English history and when I saw that name I guess it stuck in my head (lol).

[josefamaria]

[quote name='jkaands' post='1014777' date='Jun 29 2006, 07:59 PM']
Also consider:

Branford CT Benedictine sisters of Jesus Crucified. This order was founded for physically disabled or older vocations, and needs vocations. They are contemplative, say the DO have a full length habit.

Also Sisters of the Lamb of God, Owensboro, KY. Small, interracial, say the DO and work outside, have missions. Growing. In KY and TX, Mexico and Africa.
[/quote]
jkaands: you're right--the Benedictine's do accept disabled individuals but they have a strict cut off age limit of 45 I believe. I did send an e-mail to the Sisters of the Lamb of God but never heard a reply. I may have offended them since I point blank asked if they believed in any "new age", etc things that are going on in communities now.

[passionheart]

[quote name='Perpetualove' post='1018123' date='Jul 6 2006, 02:36 AM']
I just found this Dominican Monastery wesbite today. They take women up to 45, but they seem so lovely and open, I wouldn't be surprised if they would even extend it over that should the circumstances be right. They look so HAPPY!

[url="http://www.op.org/maryqueen/"]http://www.op.org/maryqueen/[/url]

I have realized that it is NEVER wrong to just ask....and guess what?! I am WELL UNDER the age limit, and yet, I ask anyway!!! Why? Because I don't want to be in a community that discriminates...if God can surprise our current Holy Father with a new vocation - when he least expected it - right at the edge of retirement...and he had the courage to say YES... : who are the communities to deny others the opportunity to answer the call of God?!

Good luck, and know that God must have something just delightful in store in you...he is full of wonderful surprises, and in saying YES, I can only imagine the shower of blessings you will be graced with. My prayers are with you and feel free to PM me for support! Perpetualove
[/quote]

My friend don't be so hard on the communities. They do have the right because they need to do what is in the best interest of the community. Believe me, I understand this from the community point of view but I wish some of the communitird could have treated me and my inquiries a little nicer.

Edited July 7, 2006 by passionheart

[bmb144]

This thread brings up an interesting point that maybe someone here could clear up for me. What age group is considered as an "older vocation"?

I am the ripe old age of thirty : and for a number of orders I am considered too old!
Thankfully the orders I am talking to see my age as about right or its just not an issue, but for many women it seems to be a big issue.

So what is an late/old vocation?


In His Light

[brandelynmarie]

[quote name='Gemma' post='1013676' date='Jun 28 2006, 06:29 AM']
It's not Tyburn--that's in England. Tyringham is in Massachusetts.

[url="http://www.vistyr.org/"]Tyringham Visitation[/url]

Blessings,
Gemma
[/quote]



Whoops! My bad! I enjoy looking at so many communities that I sometime I get info mixed up!

In His Light...that's a really good question...I always thought of it as relating to vocations of women who are older than 35 years old since 35 seems to be the cut-off age for many communitites...But I've seen communities where their cut-off age is 30...Any other thoughts about this?

[jkaands]

[quote name='josefamaria' post='1018523' date='Jul 6 2006, 03:59 PM']
jkaands: you're right--the Benedictine's do accept disabled individuals but they have a strict cut off age limit of 45 I believe. I did send an e-mail to the Sisters of the Lamb of God but never heard a reply. I may have offended them since I point blank asked if they believed in any "new age", etc things that are going on in communities now.
[/quote]

You probably didn't offend them. They may have just lost your post.

Send them another email or snail mail them. A LETTER always gets people's attention!

When/if you visit, you can ask about 'new age'-- that phrase can be misinterpreted.


[quote name='brandelynmarie' post='1019074' date='Jul 7 2006, 07:06 AM']
Whoops! My bad! I enjoy looking at so many communities that I sometime I get info mixed up!

In His Light...that's a really good question...I always thought of it as relating to vocations of women who are older than 35 years old since 35 seems to be the cut-off age for many communitites...But I've seen communities where their cut-off age is 30...Any other thoughts about this?
[/quote]

I think that you have to consider what age a community lists as its cut off as...its cut off!

BUT if the community says exceptions can be made OR if it doesn't list an age requirement AT ALL, then you (and it) are fair game!

See if there are pix of women in formation or recently professed--this can give you a clue!

Basically, I wouldn't assume anything!

[josefamaria]

[quote name='jkaands' post='1019175' date='Jul 7 2006, 10:25 AM']
You probably didn't offend them. They may have just lost your post.

Send them another email or snail mail them. A LETTER always gets people's attention!

When/if you visit, you can ask about 'new age'-- that phrase can be misinterpreted.
I think that you have to consider what age a community lists as its cut off as...its cut off!

BUT if the community says exceptions can be made OR if it doesn't list an age requirement AT ALL, then you (and it) are fair game!

See if there are pix of women in formation or recently professed--this can give you a clue!

Basically, I wouldn't assume anything!
[/quote]
jkaands: thank you for the encouragement and wisdom--you are probably very right that they may not have received the e-mail or being very busy could have deleted it in error. I will try contacting them again. God bless

[sistersintigo]

[quote name='passionheart' date='04 July 2006 - 06:53 PM' timestamp='1152053596' post='1017209']
Deborah,

Believe me, I am been there as well. Don't give up because if God is truly calling you there must be a place for you. I have shed a lot of bitter tears and I did give up hope but finally a door opened!!!

DonnaMarie
[/quote]
A happy ending is good in itself, but when it is a vocation story, maybe "ending" is the wrong word....
"DonnaMarie"/"passionheart" is now Sr. Veronica Mary of the Transfiguration OP. Her vocation story is here:
http://fundforvocations.org/stories/SrVM.buffalo
and the photograph shows Sister as a "white novice". Which dates the story/photo, because word is out that Sister has now professed vows....at the Buffalo, NY Dominican Monastery of the Perpetual Rosary.