PatrickGann Posted December 30, 2015 Author Share Posted December 30, 2015 I'm not privy to all that happens out in Erie ... neither is Mariette, for that matter. But I do know that there was a transition in leadership, and there has been much discussion about the value of age restrictions. It's a complicated balance. As far as I can understand it, the ideal would be to bring in more young Aspirants ... for obvious reasons, the ones we've all heard and know. Simultaneously, the number of young Aspirants is relatively low in certain parts of the country, and it's basically nil (as far as I know) in Erie and among Carmelites (life of contemplative prayer, etc). I had heard rumors and concerns that the Carmelite monastery and Erie was 'on its last legs,' so to speak. Their total population was low. I don't know the exact number, and how many were postulants vs novitiates vs first / final vows, but I am quite sure it was under ten (max population is 21, I think?). They may have been as low as five at one point. So, if accepting older Aspirants could help grow the population, perhaps it's the way to go? This is also purely human logic. I don't know what is revealed through the many hours of prayer the nuns do, as well as the Bishop of the diocese. I know they all care deeply about the monastery. Were I in your shoes, miserere, I'd simply inquire again. It's tough for them, too, because I've heard that there's a sort of "pass 'em along" thing where if you talk to one monastery and they say "sorry you're too old," the next thing they say is "have you checked out Erie?" So if Erie gets that reputation ... one they probably don't want ... it's complicated, right? But that shouldn't stop you from asking again. I know Mariette asked them many times over the span of a couple years before they took her seriously. I am reminded of the parable of the persistent widow (though an analogy would not hold long, as the Catholic church as the 'judge' is not an uncaring pagan ... it's just that persistence can be powerful). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarysLittleFlower Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 I think its very kind that you are helping your friends vocation. I think as a forum maybe we could be more trusting I know there can be frauds out there but it just doesn't seem so to me in this case. Also it can be really hard to pay off debt. I have student debt still and I haven't been able to pay any because I just don't make enough. But I'm living on my own and working. It doesn't mean the person just refuses to work or something. Also i think if I helped someone to pay their debt and they entered religious life and then discerned out, I don't think that's like they "let me down". Its just a person seeking God's Will and trying religious life takes courage and openness. Anyway.. I'm sorry I don't have any money to contribute but I'll pray for your friend God bless you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miserere55 Posted December 31, 2015 Share Posted December 31, 2015 Thank you, Patrick. I appreciate the advice--and will take it into consideration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Totally Franciscan Posted December 31, 2015 Share Posted December 31, 2015 Age discrimination in religious communities is my pet peeve. Check out Fr. David Mary's essay on Age Discrimination at franciscanbrothersminor.com. Click on Discernment at the top, and scroll down to the essay at the bottom. He is the voice of reason. Yes, there are communities that are bursting at the seams with young members, and older folks need not apply. Perhaps if those communities that are dying off due to lack of youthful vocations would be more flexible as regards age they would flourish once again. Age is such an arbitrary thing. Hopefully this aspirant at the Erie monastery will be the start of recognizing that those who are beyond age 35 have a lot to offer God and their community. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoseOfGuadalupe Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 On December 21, 2015 at 4:28:01 PM, PatrickGann said: I don't think so. The only JMJ Carmel in PA is in Elysburg, right? That's center state, Erie is northwest. Blessings to your friend, however! Yes, she is. She entered yesterday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatrickGann Posted January 7, 2016 Author Share Posted January 7, 2016 3 hours ago, RoseOfGuadalupe said: Yes, she is. She entered yesterday. Rose, Wow, that's so exciting! Again, many blessings to your friend? A personal question for you... do you know how long you'll have to wait before you're allowed to visit your friend? I'm asking primarily so I have some educated guess as to how long I'll have to wait to visit Mariette when she enters @ Erie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoseOfGuadalupe Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 On January 7, 2016 at 5:44:35 PM, PatrickGann said: Rose, Wow, that's so exciting! Again, many blessings to your friend? A personal question for you... do you know how long you'll have to wait before you're allowed to visit your friend? I'm asking primarily so I have some educated guess as to how long I'll have to wait to visit Mariette when she enters @ Erie. I can see her in June at her clothing. I think that may be the only time I can see her until her final vows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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