Tara C. writes: So... how do you know if you have a "call" to be a sister?  Obviously- being active Catholic is important. Not being married is important. What else?


S. Mary Lee responds: If there were a clear cut answer to this question, life would be much easier for many, both women and men as they discern what God really wants for them.  Simple put, I believe that one knows that this is the right step to follow where there is a sense of deep inner peace that is achieved with the decision. This peace is reached after much prayer, discussion with friends, spiritual director and parents when possible. This does not mean that all is easy. But it means that you feel very comfortable with the decision to pursue the vocation of your choice. It means that when there are difficulties, you have an inner resource to which you turn for strength. You will be continually guided as you continue on in this journey by the people who will help you in your formation as a sister. The deep peace of connectedness to God is how you know of the call.

S. Patrice responds: I would add to S. Mary Lee's input that, for many, that "sense of peace" comes bit by bit... so NOT feeling "at peace" early on in the process of discernment is okay (in my humble opinion!)

For me, and watching others like me, I think a sense of JOY is a good signal. If I can find/feel joy, even as I encounter challenges, have questions, or am discovering new things about myself, that's a pretty significant signal that I'm responding accurately to God's call to me. I suspect this is a good indicator regardless if God's calling one to be a Sister, or some other vocation!