What Do You Think You Will Love About Religious Life

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='IgnatiusofLoyola' timestamp='1282163288' post='2159701']
Do you want to buy my house? For various reasons, I will have to move in the next year or so, but Jesus lives right across the street from me. And, the Blessed Pauline's special apostolate was to those with health issues.

I'm kidding, but I seriously understand your disappointment. Perhaps some day you will find a way to work at, or volunteer with, or live near a religious community with perpetual adoration, so that even if you didn't live in the same building, you could visit Jesus often.
[/quote]



I'm actually thinking about looking into becoming a consecrated hermit or virgin, and I have heard that you can get a special dispensation to have the Eucharist in your home. The Bishop of the diocese has to approve it and you have to have a Mass said monthly. I think it would be really awesome to have Jesus present. I remember watching a documentary on EWTN awhile back about a family of a Carmelite nun in Norway (I think?) that had a chapel built on their large farmland that housed a Tabernacle. That would be so special, but such a responsibility!

[Chiquitunga]

[quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1282153578' post='2159592']I'm actually looking forward to being separated somewhat from technology. I know, I know, scary! But, honestly, I think I'll be happier without facebook. Not sure about phatmass, of course. I'll definitely be glad to be rid of my cell phone. Makes life simpler. Easier to focus only on Jesus.
[/quote]

This. I don't have Facebook, but I still find I spend too much time online, when I could be at prayer. Our world so needs it!

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1282160336' post='2159669']
I'm merely answering from a "what if?" standpoint since my discernment has come to an end, but when I was discerning, the thing that I looked forward the most to was actually living close to Jesus in the Tabernacle.
[/quote]

And this. Not having to go out [font="Arial"]and travel so much to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and attend Mass. But if I did become a consecrated virgin instead, I'd be thinking the same thing about finding a house/apartment near a church/adoration[/font] chapel, for sure!


[quote name='LadyOfSorrows' timestamp='1282170295' post='2159762']
Having my life just being one big prayer... [img]http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy305/laetitia_crucis/Random/nunemoticon.gif[/img]
[/quote][size="3"] [i][font="Lucida Sans Unicode"]

[img]http://i38.tinypic.com/9qb3g0.jpg[/img]

[/font][/i][/size][size="4"]
[i][font="Lucida Sans Unicode"]"May my life be a continual prayer, a long act of love. May nothing distract me from You, neither noise nor diversions, nothing. O my Master, I would so love to live with You in silence. But what I love above all is to do Your will, and since You want me to still remain in the world, I submit with all my heart for love of You. I offer You the cell of my heart; may it be Your little Bethany. Come rest there; I love You so ..." January 23, 1900[/font][/i][/size]

[LaPetiteSoeur]

Definitely praying the Holy Office. And the habit (I know, frivilous, but it's a living witness to Christ's love!).

Dieu vous bénisse!

[cmaD2006]

The habit. Definitely. That's the one thing I miss the most from having been a postulant twice. Its not a minor/petty thing -- it really does keep things simple. I also miss having the Eucharist in my "home".

About Adoration -- the 2nd community had overnight adoration every friday, and the sisters/postulants would take turns during the night. Physically it was hard for me (I'm 39 -- and was already exhausted with the rhythm that we kept). But -- the adoration time was a grace filled one where we interceded for the community intentions and those that were presented to us by the faithful that we served.

Finally I do miss having an hour of adoration/prayer time daily. I can't quite seem to get that into my current schedule (yet). I'm happy just getting to adoration 1 a week!

(BTW I know that the question is what do you think you will love about religious life -- but these are the things that I think I most love about it and miss a lot).

[TeresaBenedicta]

Sorry for resurrecting this thread, but I thought of something else that I know I'm really looking forward to about religious life. This may sound strange, but I'm looking forward to [b]anonymity[/b].

Not complete anonymity, obviously, but enough that when people see me, they don't first see "me". They see me as a member of a religious community, and God-willing, they see something of Jesus in me. I'm not explaining this very well, but... they won't see [i]me[/i]. That's the only way I can really think about it.

I have to admit that my desire for this sort of anonymity is not the virtue of humility showing itself. Primarily I desire it because I think it will help me to better work in my apostolate. It will help me teach and it will help me in building relationships with others.

Something I've come to realize is that I am my own stumbling block in bringing others to Jesus. While I am not an insecure person in general, I have a difficult time when it comes to certain situations. I am something of an introvert (melancholic), so initiating conversations (particularly ones about the faith) with people I do not know or do not know well is not the easiest thing for me. I can do it, but it requires a large effort on my part. And I think my biggest stumbling block is a very real insecurity when it comes to working with high school aged youth. Little kids-- I'm fine. Adults-- I'm mostly fine.

But I'll admit it, high schoolers intimidate me. Don't ask me why. They just do. I think when I get a few more years in age between me and them, I'll be more confident, but for now... I'm intimidated.

And a some of my work this year will be with high schoolers. RCIA for teens and the high school youth ministry program.

What I recognize, however, is that when I am uncomfortable or intimidated, it's because there's some thought of [i]me[/i] in there. [i]I[/i] become my own stumbling block. I recognized this when I had a hard time just talking about religion with [i]anyone[/i]. And I know why it's difficult for me-- a lot of it has to do with how I was raised. Yet, for whatever reason, God has decided to call me to spend my life proclaiming the Gospel to others.

I know that being a Christian should itself be enough to forget about [i]me[/i] when evangelizing. "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me," as St. Paul says. O God grant me the grace to have such faith! One thing I've noticed since working in the parish is that I've been able to separate myself from my apostolate. And what I mean by that is, knowing that this is where God wants me and knowing that I'm doing His work and knowing that it is God working through me, I am able to enter more easily into the "awkward" conversations and situations. And I know that people see me as "the faith formation director", not necessarily as [i]me[/i]. Which helps. I still struggle with those high schoolers though.

Anyways, long story short, being a religious sister and wearing that habit, I think, will be very helpful in [i]really letting go[/i] of myself (and all my insecurities).

[AccountDeleted]

What a neat topic! Yes, there are always fears, but it is so nice to focus on the positive side as well. I am so missing Carmel, and yet while I was there, I was very eager to be able to come back here and spend time with my sister, telling her all about it. Now that we have pretty much exhausted that topic of conversation (from her side I should imagine, I never get tired of it), I am starting to feel a 'homesickness' to get back to the community.

The things I like most? In no order of importance, they are...


The community itself - living with people who 'understand' my obsession with God
The Divine Office - I love praying it with others, especially the 'special things' like the Salve and the Litanies
The solitude and the silence - especially during the Great Silence at night
Thanksgiving after Holy Communion - spending time with God instead of the busy Parish socialization that often happens
Never missing a special feast day or solemnity - always knowing whose feast day it is
Being 'forced' to get up early and spend time with Jesus in meditation (against my very human self-indulgence to sleep in)
Great food!
Great parties!
Laughter, lots and lots of laughter at Recreation
Offering my life completely to God through His Church
Our cell - an oasis of peace
Making altar breads (and knowing that they will be used for Holy Communion)
and of course..... wearing the habit which feels like an embrace from God

[ameliabedelia]

one of the things im looking forward to is simply being called sister!

me: [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/whistle.gif[/img]

other person: "hi sister!" [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/wave.gif[/img]

me:

[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif[/img]

[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/shocking.gif[/img]

[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile4.gif[/img]

[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/dance2.gif[/img]

[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/nun.gif[/img]

"hi!"

lol (i think i had too much fun with the smileys)

[Chiquitunga]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1282160336' post='2159669']
I'm merely answering from a "what if?" standpoint since my discernment has come to an end, but when I was discerning, the thing that I looked forward the most to was actually living close to Jesus in the Tabernacle. I was hoping to enter a community that had Perpetual Adoration so I could be with Him during the night. When I went on the "Come and See" retreat with the CFR Sisters, I made an extra point to reverence Jesus whenever passing Him going up or down the stairs, or doing chores. I loved that so much.

I'm sad that I can't discern anymore, but I know that Jesus will lead me to the way He wants me to go.
[/quote]
Oh, I'm really glad to see this thread resurrected. I have been meaning to post this here or somewhere. Mater, I remember you've mentioned that you are interested in becoming a Third Order Dominican. I just ran into this community the other day when searching for a DVD on Blessed Pier Giorgio and thought I should let you know about it - [url="http://db.religiouslife.com/reg_life/irl.nsf/org/139"]St. Martin de Porres Lay Dominican Community[/url] also .. [url="http://www.newhope-ky.org/about.htm"]http://www.newhope-ky.org/about.htm[/url]

They live in community and have their own chapel with the Blessed Sacrament and daily Mass! It does say under the qualifications, sound mental and physical health, but I am wondering if they might not be as strict on this as a religious community of sisters/nuns. Anyway, I just thought I'd let you know. Of course this is a very specific & unique way to become and live as a Third Order Dominican, but again, I just thought I'd let you know. They look beautiful! God bless!

[laetitia crucis]

[quote name='Chiquitunga' timestamp='1284702924' post='2174016']
Oh, I'm really glad to see this thread resurrected. I have been meaning to post this here or somewhere. Mater, I remember you've mentioned that you are interested in becoming a Third Order Dominican. I just ran into this community the other day when searching for a DVD on Blessed Pier Giorgio and thought I should let you know about it - [url="http://db.religiouslife.com/reg_life/irl.nsf/org/139"]St. Martin de Porres Lay Dominican Community[/url] also .. [url="http://www.newhope-ky.org/about.htm"]http://www.newhope-ky.org/about.htm[/url]

They live in community and have their own chapel with the Blessed Sacrament and daily Mass! It does say under the qualifications, sound mental and physical health, but I am wondering if they might not be as strict on this as a religious community of sisters/nuns. Anyway, I just thought I'd let you know. Of course this is a very specific & unique way to become and live as a Third Order Dominican, but again, I just thought I'd let you know. They look beautiful! God bless!
[/quote]

I have heard that this Third Order Dominican lay community is AWESOME.

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='Chiquitunga' timestamp='1284702924' post='2174016']
Oh, I'm really glad to see this thread resurrected. I have been meaning to post this here or somewhere. Mater, I remember you've mentioned that you are interested in becoming a Third Order Dominican. I just ran into this community the other day when searching for a DVD on Blessed Pier Giorgio and thought I should let you know about it - [url="http://db.religiouslife.com/reg_life/irl.nsf/org/139"]St. Martin de Porres Lay Dominican Community[/url] also .. [url="http://www.newhope-ky.org/about.htm"]http://www.newhope-ky.org/about.htm[/url]

They live in community and have their own chapel with the Blessed Sacrament and daily Mass! It does say under the qualifications, sound mental and physical health, but I am wondering if they might not be as strict on this as a religious community of sisters/nuns. Anyway, I just thought I'd let you know. Of course this is a very specific & unique way to become and live as a Third Order Dominican, but again, I just thought I'd let you know. They look beautiful! God bless!
[/quote]

Thank you, Chiquitunga. I've thought about them after I came across them while doing a search on IRL for Dominican communities, but I really don't think I am called to live in a lay community. I am aware of a Third Order Dominican group somewhere in my diocese, but I have yet to figure out what Church it's at. They are the only one I know of around me and it's so hard to find information.

[Sarah147]

This thread has me so happy! I'm going to think about this and post later. Love the question! Edited September 18, 2010 by JoyfulLife

[juchu]

[list]
[*]being with my sisters without having a departure date. (I always leave on the last day before I have to go to university, etc. the next day ...)
[*]walking up the stairs to the chapel at least five times a day to pray.
[*]singing psalms in french
[*]The most beautiful liturgy ever.
[*]Eucharist.
[*]The compline. Singing "En tes mains, Seigneur, je remets mon esprit"
[*]The great silence from compline to chapter.
[*]The company of my sisters, their joy, love and forgiveness.
[*]morning meditation in the chapel while it gets light outside with the novitiate
[*]having a "male" haircut underneath the "female", "elegant" veil.
[*]Being in contact with the guests. Maybe in the future accompanying guests in their own spiritual journey.
[*]The big kitchen, cooking for 70 people
[*]doing a lot of things which I never thought I would be capable of! (Like working in the garden or painting fences or making tea or ....)
[/list]

This makes me so homesick! I just came back from there again and it just feels so right and I have to wait until I graduate... Lord, grant me patience!

Edited September 18, 2010 by juchu

[Lilllabettt]

[quote name='juchu' timestamp='1284828747' post='2174264']
[list]
[*]being with my sisters without having a departure date. (I always leave on the last day before I have to go to university, etc. the next day ...)
[*]walking up the stairs to the chapel at least five times a day to pray.
[*]singing psalms in french
[*]The most beautiful liturgy ever.
[*]Eucharist.
[*]The compline. Singing "En tes mains, Seigneur, je remets mon esprit"
[*]The great silence from compline to chapter.
[*]The company of my sisters, their joy, love and forgiveness.
[*]morning meditation in the chapel while it gets light outside with the novitiate
[*]having a "male" haircut underneath the "female", "elegant" veil.
[*]Being in contact with the guests. Maybe in the future accompanying guests in their own spiritual journey.
[*]The big kitchen, cooking for 70 people
[*]doing a lot of things which I never thought I would be capable of! (Like working in the garden or painting fences or making tea or ....)
[/list]

This makes me so homesick! I just came back from there again and it just feels so right and I have to wait until I graduate... Lord, grant me patience!
[/quote]


Wow ... can you say what community it is or is it a secret ? ;-)

[vee]

What do I think I would like about religious life IF I ever became a religious? Well it would be a miracle, or almost one anyway if I ever made it but here is what I would like.

To be able to give Him my heart, my all and to let Him make something that pleases Him out of the pile of excrement that I am.
To take the spikes out of His hands and feet which He did not deserve and have them in my own, which deserve them faaar more. To take the thorns, the beatings, the hatred and by doing so give Him some relief, some comfort, something other than to add to His agony which is what I used to do. He is innocent I am guilty I deserve His sentence, so in religious life I could do my time in a more consecrated way than now.

[laetitia crucis]

[quote name='Lilllabettt' timestamp='1284832771' post='2174287']
Wow ... can you say what community it is or is it a secret ? ;-)
[/quote]

Ooo.. I'm guessing the [url="http://www.icrsp.org/Adoratrices/Adoratrices.htm"]Adoratrices[/url]!!