How to Become a Sister in Catholicism

Nuns live in an abbey or nunnery and are celibate.

Being called to be a sister in the Catholic religion is a serious undertaking and should be considered with the help of your friends, your church community, and other sisters in the church. The process of becoming a sister in Catholicism, also known as a nun, is arduous and lengthy. The Catholic Church does not accept just any single woman for the position of sisterhood, and if you desire to dedicate your life to the sisterhood you will be dealing very intimately with church officials until they decide you are ready for the job.

Instructions

1. Pray. If God is calling you to be a sister, spend a great deal of time in prayer by yourself and with others until you are certain that this is God's plan for you. Spend time in the scriptures, paying special attention to Biblical passages where God calls on people for service.

2. Talk with nuns. Attend Mass, go on a nun's retreat, take a course taught by a nun, and express your desire to join them in service to God. Find a nun or other clergy who will be your mentor. Listen, learn, and pray.

3. Get involved with a Catholic community. Meet with the vocation director of the church. This is a person who will introduce you to the community and help you get to know the people.

4. Go through the formal steps of joining. Your vocation director will assist you in this. These steps include aspirancy, candidacy, the novitiate, first vows and final vows. These steps are part of a process of study, dedication, and community outreach that prove your devotion to the church and to God as a sister.

Tips & Warnings

• If you would like to become a sister in Catholicism, you must be Catholic, single, and have no dependent children or debts. You must be mentally and physically healthy and generally between the ages of 18 and 50.

References

• A Nun's Life: How to Become a Catholic Nun