Help me find a community?

[KaytePost]

I have a friend who is studying her masters to be a clinical mental health therapist, and has begun to discern a religious vocation. She asked if I could help her look into communities, and I knew my phatmass phamily would be able to help as well! She is 33, and would like to join a community where she could finish and use the masters degree she is working on. She is already looking at the Religious Sisters of Mercy Alma, but what other communities should I recommend? 

[Lou]

Hey!

I thought of the Little Sisters of the Poor and then also remembered an episode of Abiding Together podcast which featured a nun from the Holy Family of Nazareth congregation https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/s12-e18-family-systems-with-special-guest-sr-josephine/id1206416686?i=1000611284898 and I remembered her talking about working with mental health services and psychotherapy.

Honestly though, any community, even contemplative, will benefit from her having experience as a mental health therapist. The Lord will use it somehow, in terms of facilitation or reconciliation or understanding behaviours in mediation and building community. If she just listens to her hearts desire, the Lord will speak through that no matter what her particular inclinations might seem to be now. Would love to hear how her journey develops!

Maybe the Hawthorne Dominicans too? Hospice care I think? But probably a lot of mental health and accompanying services needed alongside palliative. 

 

[GraceUk]

Does she mean she wishes to continue to use her qualification in a professional way?

[Sponsa-Christi]

The Apostles of the Sacred Heart might be open to this. They have a lot of Sisters who are accomplished professionals in different fields.

If she's open to a community that doesn't wear a habit, the Missionary Servants of the Bl. Trinity have Sisters who are mental health professionals.