Direction Of Discernment

[OnlySunshine]

Please pray for me as I take a new direction in my discernment of my vocation.  Until recently, I believed that I was called to religious life but that discernment has been challenged.  I met with the Sisters from my parish today for spiritual direction and discuss my options and both Sisters believe I should pursue discernment to Consecrated Virginity.  It's an option I've kept hidden in my heart for a long time but never seriously considered it until one of the Sisters mentioned it a month ago.  With my ongoing medication needs, I'm having real trouble finding an order that fits AND will allow me to continue my medication.  One order that I contacted gave me the "all clear" without meeting me and I think they are desperate for members so they'll accept just anyone.  I don't want to enter just anywhere.  I'm thinking a meeting with my pastor is the next step and I plan to ask him to help me get in touch with the Bishop of our diocese.  My understanding is that I have to live this vocation, unofficially, for a few years before requesting Consecration so I plan to test it out like formation as a postulant and novice do in a religious order.

 

I humbly ask for your prayers and that I keep my heart open to what God may be asking of me.  I don't want to rule out religious life completely but it seems like communities are doing that for me.  This is not a rash decision as I have visited 5 communities and contacted about 50 others.  I don't feel called to look anywhere else.  :)