Discerning Women

A woman who enters consecrated life chooses to deepen her baptismal commitment by taking vows which emphasize the values of prayer, loving service, and simple living in community with others. Consecrated women serve the Church and community in many ways, including: youth ministry, homeless and hungry, battered women, education, healthcare, family life and parish pastoral ministry. Some Sisters are totally dedicated to the contemplative life. The resources here are to help a discerning woman discover the next steps in her journey. May God bless you as you search for His holy will.

Prayer and Discernment Resources

The realization that God is asking you to follow Him in consecrated life is made through active participation in the Church, prayer, receiving the sacraments, spiritual reading, and service in the Church. It may be an idea you have considered for a long time or one that has come to you during a significant moment in your life. These are prayers and resources to assist in discerning God’s plan for you.

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Vocation Directors Near You

Find a Religious Vocation Director

Consecrated Life is distinguished by the Evangelical Counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The beauty of the consecrated life is expressed in various forms: Eremitic Life, Consecrated Virgins and Widows, Religious Life, Secular Institutes, and Societies of Apostolic Life. Each form is described by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and we have provided a link, where possible, that will help you learn more about the various forms of Consecrated Life and be in contact with those that interest you.

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Find a Diocesan Vocation Director

If you are not certain of your interest in a particular community or form of consecrated life, yet believe you may have a vocation to the consecrated life, a Diocesan Vocation Director may help you discern. They can suggest reading materials, arrange for visitations, answer questions and provide the spiritual guidance candidates need. Every diocese has a Vocation Director who can provide information about religious communities or institutes of consecrated life for women, and this link will bring you to a map whereby you can find a Diocesan Vocation Director near you.