Entering The Religious Life.

[In The Arms of The Lord]

I was called to the religious life even before I started taking the RCIA class. I will be confirmed in the Church in April, and I was wondering the time period of which I will have to wait in order to enter a monastery? I heard for recent converts it is 1-3 years, but i'm not sure. If you know, I would love a reply. Thank you and God Bless.

[Thy Geekdom Come]

Matters like this are generally up to the local bishop or the head of the religious community you wish to discern. Most likely, it will not be allowed before you have been a Catholic for 1 year, as the process of RCIA continues through the stage of mystagogy (the part of RCIA that follows reception into the Church). They want to make sure that you are not having what I like to call "neophyte syndrome," in which those new to the faith, filled with joy and zeal, sometimes think that the only fitting way to express their faith is through the immense sacrifice of religious life.

I'm not saying that's true in your case, of course. Religious life is a beautiful and wonderful blessing and we certainly need zealous souls to enter into it, but they want to be sure this is a lasting thing, you know.

I would speak to your priest or the vocation director of the order that interests you (or the vocation director of your diocese, who should be knowledgeable in these matters).

God bless,

Micah