A vocation is a response to a specific call that Jesus Christ places on our hearts. It is our individual way of living discipleship in the Church. Our primary call, through the Sacrament of Baptism, is to be a follower (disciple) of Jesus Christ. It is to be a holy person. Within that first call to follow Christ, God calls us in specific ways to live a vocation to the married life, the single life, the consecrated religious life or the ordained life. 

Below is more information for those discerning a call to consecrated religious life. 

What is Religious Life?

Consecrated life (often called religious life) is a permanent state of life recognized by the Church. Members enter freely in response to Jesus’ call to live for God alone. Those who enter consecrated life profess the “evangelical counsels” of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Consecrated life is a witness to the possibility of holiness. Religious priests, brothers, and sisters show — by their lives of prayer and service — that it is possible to live a Christian commitment. It is possible to live by Christian morals and it is possible to live lives entirely devoted to Christian charity.

They witness also to the joy and peace that come with self-giving.

What types of religious life exist?

There are many types of consecrated life. Each Religious Institute receives a special charism from God. That specific charism enables the community (often called institutes or movements) to serve the common good and build up the Church.

Some communities are dedicated to action and service, and their members perform the bodily or spiritual works of mercy. Religious communities run schools, universities, hospitals, hospices, orphanages, personal-care homes, and other charitable institutions.

Other communities are dedicated mostly to contemplation and prayer. These communities usually keep some degree of separation from secular society. Members often live in monasteries, convents, or other types of enclosure.

Examples of different communities would include the Legionaries of Christ, Jesuits, Carmelites, and Franciscans to name a few. 

Who can enter a religious community?

Consecrated men and women are as diverse as lay people. They come from every imaginable background. But those who find joy in consecrated life do seem to share certain qualities.

• They love the faith

• They are committed to a deepening relationship with God

• They want to serve the Church and the people of God

• They are healthy — physically, mentally, and emotionally

• They are open to meeting God’s people where they are

• They are courageous and willing to take risks

How does a person enter Religious Life?

Formation is the process by which we grow spiritually, intellectually, and personally. In consecrated life it follows certain standard methods and proceeds through established stages.

These will vary from place to place, as they’re tailored to each community’s particular charisms and goals. But, generally speaking, a candidate will move — from discernment to final vows — through at least some of the following stages.

1. Preparation. Learn about yourself, God, and the Church. Build relationships. Do research. Explore.
2. Discernment/Inquiry. Meet with a vocation director. Visit the community. Make a retreat. Ask for a formal application.
3. Application. Gather your sacramental certificates and academic transcripts. Fill out the application. Schedule your physical and psychological exams and complete your medical forms. Compose the statements the community requires.
4. Postulancy/Candidacy. This is the time of transition into community life. Postulants and candidates help with the community’s ministries and begin to learn the unique spirituality of the community.
5. Novitiate. This is a longer period, often two years, of intensive theological, personal, and spiritual formation.
6. Canonical year is a time of deeper prayer and focused studies.
7. Apostolic year is a time of in-depth focus on the ministries of the community — often spending time in active service.
8. First profession. At this time a candidate professes vows for a determined length of time, but with the intention of making final, permanent vows.
9. Temporary vows mark a time of integration of vows, community, prayer, and ministry.
10. Final profession marks the solemn, formal commitment of one’s whole life to God within a particular community.
11. Ongoing formation. A person committed to consecrated life is committed to lifelong spiritual and personal growth. The community never ceases to form its members.

How do I discern if I'm called to religious life?

There are “inner signs” and “outward signs.” Make an inventory of the signs in your life. Where do the signs seem to lead?

Find the inner signs. Are you drawn to spend more time in prayer? Do you have a sense of wanting more in life? Are you restless in your daily life? Do you have a desire to be with others who share your values? Do you want to live more simply? Are you curious about the life of religious sisters or brothers, priests or monks? Are you attracted to consecrated life? To living for others through the vows?

Find the outward signs. How do you choose to spend your time? Do you seek out opportunities for service? Do you spend much time in study, reflection, and prayer?

After looking at both your inner and outward signs prayerfully look into the particular charisms of each community that interest you. Some are dedicated to teaching, preaching, caring for the sick, working with the poor. Then find the one that best matches your skills, interests, experience, and inclinations.

Or you can begin at the other end. Make an inventory of your particular gifts, then look for a community with a corresponding charism. Once you feel comfortable contact the community and express your interest. They will then be able to help you continue the discernment process. 

For more information on the discerning religious life visit  www.calledla.org