Discerning With A New Community

[HopefulBride]

Most of us here are discerning with very well established communities and so this probably doesn't apply to you but I would still like to hear your thoughts.

The community that I have been accepted to was founded in 2008 by ten sisters who had been in religious life for a while. In fact the average time in religious life for the community is probably about 10+ years. As excited as I am to be part of a new community and as much as I love the sisters I think about the community and how their future truly calls me and them to fully trust the Lord (I mean in terms of the fluctuation of their apostolate, trying to find a permanent home etc..) while I trust, I still have fears.

I try to think about why I didn't try to enter the NDs, the salesians, FSPs, Franciscans (I can name a lot) but the reality of it is God called me elsewhere. If I had the chance to start my discernment process all over again I would still discern with my future community. So here are my questions:
[list=1]
[*]Would you ever consider discerning with a newly founded community? (less than 10 years old?)
[*]Why would you or why wouldn't you?
[/list]
Thanks and Pax,
Hopeful

[TeresaBenedicta]

[quote name='HopefulBride' timestamp='1311907700' post='2277890']
Most of us here are discerning with very well established communities and so this probably doesn't apply to you but I would still like to hear your thoughts.

The community that I have been accepted to was founded in 2008 by ten sisters who had been in religious life for a while. In fact the average time in religious life for the community is probably about 10+ years. As excited as I am to be part of a new community and as much as I love the sisters I think about the community and how their future truly calls me and them to fully trust the Lord (I mean in terms of the fluctuation of their apostolate, trying to find a permanent home etc..) while I trust, I still have fears.

I try to think about why I didn't try to enter the NDs, the salesians, FSPs, Franciscans (I can name a lot) but the reality of it is God called me elsewhere. If I had the chance to start my discernment process all over again I would still discern with my future community. So here are my questions:
[list=1]
[*]Would you ever consider discerning with a newly founded community? (less than 10 years old?)
[*]Why would you or why wouldn't you?
[/list]

Thanks and Pax,
Hopeful
[/quote]

You know, I've considered the same thing about my community. While its a little bit older, its still a baby in the Church's eyes. They were founded in 1988, so they're exactly my age- 23 years old (okay, I'm not [i]quite[/i] 23 yet but still). I remember speaking with a priest friend about this... and he didn't seem to think there was much to worry about. His main point was that every community began at some time and gathered new vocations. He also said that taking a good look at [i]how[/i] a community is founded can give a good indication of what type of community they will be. For example, was there help of a good bishop? Do the founding sisters have experience with the religious life?

I mean, at this point, the SSVMs are pretty established. They have 900+ sisters world wide and have reached the point where there are many "experienced" sisters, in terms of years of profession. I think there are certain aspects within the order that require some maturation still (granted, this is from hearsay mostly).

Just thinking out loud here.

I don't think I'd discern someplace that is less than 5 years old, unless I [i]really[/i] felt called there. And I'd have to look long and hard at [i]how[/i] the community was founded.

I do think it's a special call to be a part of newer community. And not something to be scared of... just a bit of extra discernment, I think.

[OnlySunshine]

I probably would if I felt they were firmly rooted in the faith and were members of the CMSWR or IRL so I could be sure there was no funny business going on. It depends on where the Holy Spirit leads. It is He who plants the seed in our hearts and leads us to one charism or another, so I can't say for certain one way or another, but I do believe I would consider it.

[HopefulBride]

[quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1311908843' post='2277904']

You know, I've considered the same thing about my community. While its a little bit older, its still a baby in the Church's eyes. They were founded in 1988, so they're exactly my age- 23 years old (okay, I'm not [i]quite[/i] 23 yet but still). I remember speaking with a priest friend about this... and he didn't seem to think there was much to worry about. His main point was that every community began at some time and gathered new vocations. He also said that taking a good look at [i]how[/i] a community is founded can give a good indication of what type of community they will be. For example, was there help of a good bishop? Do the founding sisters have experience with the religious life?

I mean, at this point, the SSVMs are pretty established. They have 900+ sisters world wide and have reached the point where there are many "experienced" sisters, in terms of years of profession. I think there are certain aspects within the order that require some maturation still (granted, this is from hearsay mostly).

Just thinking out loud here.

I don't think I'd discern someplace that is less than 5 years old, unless I [i]really[/i] felt called there. And I'd have to look long and hard at [i]how[/i] the community was founded.

I do think it's a special call to be a part of newer community. And not something to be scared of... just a bit of extra discernment, I think.
[/quote]

I know what you mean TB. I actually set out to discern with an established community haha. The youngest community I discerned with was the Sisters of Life. But God had other plans and he led me to the SMMCs, they are wonderful and some of the sisters have been in religious life for at least 35 years! They had a good solid formation before actually beginning their apostolate and so I trust that the Lord will continue to guide them.

I just find it absolutely funny that three years ago I would have written them off completely but having gone through a very deliberate discernment process I find myself excited at the prospect of being part of that community. I still have a bit of fear (I mean what if we run out of space for new sisters?) but as much as I worry, I know it will be OK. After all the sisters have priests contacting them left and right wanting their presence in their parishes/schools. I'm kinda excited to see how things develop...

[LaPetiteSoeur]

The first order I looked at was the order that taught me in elementary school (founded in 1850). So they were a very well established community. I discerned I was not to be there, so I started looking at other orders. This was four years ago and I found....the Nashville Dominicans who were founded in 1860! So another "old" community. I've looked into other orders--the DSMMEs, the SSVMs, etc, but for me, I can't imagine entering an order that's still a "baby" in terms of time. That's me, though. I'm a French and history major, so perhaps it's because of that!

I love my order. I also admire the other orders--the new ones, too, and especially the Sisters of Life, the SSEWs, and others. I discerned, though, that an "old" order was where God is calling me.

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1311909151' post='2277909']
I probably would if I felt they were firmly rooted in the faith and were members of the CMSWR or IRL so I could be sure there was no funny business going on. It depends on where the Holy Spirit leads. It is He who plants the seed in our hearts and leads us to one charism or another, so I can't say for certain one way or another, but I do believe I would consider it.
[/quote]

When I first started discerning, I wrote off all new communities. Now, I think that several of the new communities are absolutely beautiful including the SMMC, the Sisters of Our Mother of Divine Grace, the Trinitarians of Mary, and the Daughters of the Immaculata.

Even though they are not less than 10 years old, I discerned with some relatively new communities such as the Sister Servants of the Eternal Word (still one of my favorites), the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate, etc.

[truthfinder]

I think when the community is still that young, in a sense one could almost be considered a foundress of sorts (unofficially of course; a pioneer novice might be a better term). It would therefore be a charism to which I would have to feel particularly called. Although there can be a lot of volatility in the beginning years of a foundation, it really depends on the founders' own formation and Divine Will.

All religious communities started somewhere. I like to think of St. Francis. The type of religious life he led was really unheard of at the time, especially since new religious rules were not supposed to be written - they were supposed to conform to one of the ones already in existence. Most people thought Francis was crazy, they rest joined him. And the Franciscans still are carrying on.

At the same time, there have been countless religious communities which lasted only for any given length of time. I don't particularly see these as failures. In these cases, I believe that God willed that the community had fulfilled it purpose. Sometimes the trials of new religious communities are as much for the sanctification of its initial members.

So to conclude, I would definitely consider a newly founded religious community, knowing that could be quite a trial, but at the same time trusting in the Will of God. Hope that helps.

[faithcecelia]

When I initially began my discernment about a million years ago it was with the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham. This was only 4 years after their foundation, and while they had started out with 4 sisters (strangely they all started as novices, even the foundress, I'm not sure if that is normal?) by this time they were 2 and a postulant. Yes, there was both excitement about their newness and freshness, but also fear and apprehension - there was no security, no certainty (ah, the bliss of ignorance of what can go wrong now!!). Their constitutions were not even finalised!

When I realised that I felt called to Carmel, and more especially to enclosure, I spend quite some time praying that I was making not only the right decision, but the decision for the right reason. I am sure of it, but would not have hesitated to have gone to COLW had it been my calling. I loved them, I loved their charism, I love their very sensible desire to grow slowly so that from the very beginning they have good solid formation (which [i]can[/i] be a problem with new communities). I believe there are now 4 of them, one of whom was from my home parish and had stopped discernment once she got to 40 and hadn't entered anywhere, but was inspired to give it another go after sharing my journey For a while they functioned as 6, as they provided sanctuary to 2 of they Anglican sisters from Walsingham who decided to convert with the Ordinariate and had to leave their community immediately, I am not sure if they have left yet.

If God calls you to a new community then thats where he calls you. Remember, there wouldn't be old, well established communities had no one been brave enough to be easrly members!

[carmenchristi]

My opinion might be a little biased because of personal experience, but I would not recommend entering a new community. My community is almost 30 years old and has been through some very serious trials. Of course, I am aware that all communities had to start somewhere, and I believe that people are called to them. Everything that I have lived has been a source of grace, and a true occasion to grow through many important life-lessons, but I wouldn't wish a similar experience on anyone. You can send me a personal message if you want to know more about this. I don't want to discourage you by any means. If you are convinced that God is calling you, by all means GO! Life always has its hardships wherever you are, just be prepared because a new community is a particularly difficult (and uncertain) endevor. But, "All things are possible in Him who stregnthens me"...


Edited for spelling errors

Edited July 29, 2011 by carmenchristi

[HopefulBride]

Thanks for the replies everybody! I guess by me asking the questions of y'all there is a bit of confusion. I feel very called to the community I am to enter and know that the Lord has called me there for a reason. Though in the beginning of my discernment I specifically didn't want to discern with a new community, the Lord had given me an open heart well before I met them (I mean I was fully open to enclosure at one point!)

My time discerning with this community has been a time of great spiritual growth. I don't know what God's plans are for me but I do know that this community is part of it. I am very excited about what's ahead and in my excitement I wanted to get an idea of what everyone's thoughts were about new communities. I know there can be rough patches but as many of you guys pointed out rough patches build character so I'm looking forward to navigating through them with the support of the sisters and our Lord himself.

I think for me what made it really easy to discern with them without overwhelming fear and anxiety is the fact that the founding sisters came from another community. I mean two of them were superiors and another two served as NMs, at least 6 of them had been in religious life for over 25 years and that was quite reassuring. I will admit though that I still have concerns about a motherhouse and a novitiate, I think it is more anxious anticipation than anything. The Bishop has been working with them to try and find a motherhouse where they could permanently stay and several school have offered up unused adjoining convents. I am just eager to find out what happens next (but still biting my nails lol)

[Lisa]

I'm discerning with a relatively new community, but I think the experience in religious life of the leaders is an important thing to consider. Yes, there will be growing pains in any new order, but as the superior of another community, Mother weathered lots of the same day-to-day trials there. Their growth has obviously caught the attention of a lot of people, but they are really focused to growing "well"- keeping faithful to their Constitutions and their Eucharistic/Marian charism.

There's another brand-new community in Minnesota that has a very young "Mother"- she's in her late twenties or very early 30s, I think. It seems to me that they may encounter some trials as they make the transitions from Constitutions on paper to everyday living- how ascetic should they be, finding a balance in apostolate and prayer, etc. But it's certain that they have good guidance from their bishop and hopefully other religious communities. [b]Note: As of March 2011, they now have 9 sisters! 1 fully professed, 6 novices, and 2 postulants![/b] And, it said that the 2 postulants would receive their religious name on May 31 So maybe a few of the novices "moved up" to temporary vows. www.cathedralht.org/Cathedral_Connection_March_2011.pdf

And... after more google searching, they are renovating the middle school into a convent!!!!!! How exciting!!!!

Like TB said, it would be a matter of just a little extra discernment

ETA: facts about new community in MN... Sorry, off topic.

Edited July 29, 2011 by Lisa

[ThyHolyLove]

Really interesting topic....It might be kind of ironic for me to respond...seeing that I was part of a 100+ year old community! I think trust is a huge part of any discernment, especially so with a new group. Someone entering a new community has to expect some trials and be prepared to weather them. But remember that trials can happen in ANY community even established ones (OLAM, Intecessors of the Lamb). Hey, even the Jesuits were suppressed!

I would consider a new community after looking carefully at their formation, governance, and support systems. Is the Founder/ess from another community? How did they leave that community? Are they reaching out to other religious orders/priests/canon lawyers to assist in formation? What is the relationship with the local and national religious authorities (Bishops...etc)

In my former community, the Mother Foundress was removed from office by Rome after only 17 years of foundation. The charges against her were false and exaggerated. The sisters who remained faithful to the Foundress were given the choice to leave or be sent to the Brazilian mission (they were all Italian). The courageous sisters who went to Brazil kept the Foundresses spirit alive until she was reunited with the community shortly before her death.

[InPersonaChriste]

I find that most of the newer orders have less tradition. I know that sounds harsh, but I love the history and tradition of each order, so you can go back and see if the order has stayed true to their apostolate.

[LaPetiteSoeur]

[quote name='Lisa' timestamp='1311941878' post='2278037']
I'm discerning with a relatively new community, but I think the experience in religious life of the leaders is an important thing to consider. Yes, there will be growing pains in any new order, but as the superior of another community, Mother weathered lots of the same day-to-day trials there. Their growth has obviously caught the attention of a lot of people, but they are really focused to growing "well"- keeping faithful to their Constitutions and their Eucharistic/Marian charism.

There's another brand-new community in Minnesota that has a very young "Mother"- she's in her late twenties or very early 30s, I think. It seems to me that they may encounter some trials as they make the transitions from Constitutions on paper to everyday living- how ascetic should they be, finding a balance in apostolate and prayer, etc. But it's certain that they have good guidance from their bishop and hopefully other religious communities. [b]Note: As of March 2011, they now have 9 sisters! 1 fully professed, 6 novices, and 2 postulants![/b] And, it said that the 2 postulants would receive their religious name on May 31 So maybe a few of the novices "moved up" to temporary vows. www.cathedralht.org/Cathedral_Connection_March_2011.pdf

And... after more google searching, they are renovating the middle school into a convent!!!!!! How exciting!!!!

Like TB said, it would be a matter of just a little extra discernment

ETA: facts about new community in MN... Sorry, off topic.
[/quote]

That's so great! I looked into them, too. All of the sisters are from MN, which I think is pretty cool!

[Lisa]

[quote name='InPersonaChriste' timestamp='1311952479' post='2278096']
I find that most of the newer orders have less tradition. I know that sounds harsh, but I love the history and tradition of each order, so you can go back and see if the order has stayed true to their apostolate.
[/quote]

It's true they have less history, but I don't think they have less tradition. IMHO, most new communities formed in the last 15-20 years have really tried to get back to the idea of traditional religious life, especially with the concepts of community, prayer life, and attire. For instance, the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles (which, I think you're discerning with, correct?) was only founded in the 90's. Clearly not a lot of history, but they celebrate the Latin Mass, wear a habit, and follow the Rule more closely- they are steeped in tradition!

ETA: I hope that didn't sound confrontational. I completely agree with you that it is wonderful to see how a community has persevered over a long time and maintained fidelity to the Church- that is something you can't get (at least a long-term track record) with a new community.

Edited July 29, 2011 by Lisa