Could I be amongst those being called?

 

 Each religious order has a charism, a specific gift which defines its mission and spirituality. The charism empowered the founders to respond with a distinctive service to the church, a specific ministry or spirituality. Charism is the way a particular order incarnates the gospel message.

 

Many of the various forms of religious life which have developed throughout history continue today. Some men and women are called to a contemplative community. Orders such as the Poor Clares among others, are attracting new vocations to their prayerful way of life.

 

There are many active apostolic religious throughout the world. Men and women, brothers and sisters, organised around the charism of their founders, continue a diversity of ministries with a common spirituality and mission. They serve as teachers, pastoral ministers, health care workers, community organisers, doctors, and in any ministry where they can proclaim the goodness of God with their lives.

Religious are supported by a community, nourished by a communal and personal prayer life, and energized by ministry.

 

Most religious take three vows: poverty, chastity and obedience.

 

Some religious take a fourth vow, for example to serve the poor, or to remain in a certain monastery for life. The way the vows are lived out changes throughout history.

 

Why would anyone desire to become a religious sister or brother today?

 

To identify for life with a group of people who share a common Gospel vision and common values.

 

To be rooted in an historically grounded community with the mobility and freedom to respond to the signs of the times and the needs of God’s people. Religious life also affords us the freedom and mobility to move out into new ministries.

 

To live on the cutting edge: to promote justice in the world and the Church. Religious usually continue workshops, reading, and ongoing formation to keep on their toes.

 

To enjoy the opportunity to work alongside a variety of people, loving them freely, regardless of race, gender, age, health or culture.

 

To accept the challenge and invitation to help forge the future development of religious life for the 21st century.

 

To serve God’s people in a variety of ministries using your talents and gifts and being supported by community.

 

One thing we can be certain about in religious life: it is a life of change.

 

Which religious order?

 

Remember that God leads you and guides you. God uses events and other people to help you co-create your future. What may seem like an accidental meeting could well be a providential one. You may have thumbed through pages of directories and tons of advertisements and brochures and then one day ‘accidentally’ meet somebody living out there vocation who inspires you to join a particular community. Keep your eploration of a vocation to the religious life in the context of the belief that it is God who providentially leads and guides you. Remember that the process is mutual. The community is also listening to God and will give you honest feedback.

 

If you would like more information about religious life, please contact Compass.