All people are called to a religious life - to respond in faith to God, who creates and sustains us.

Being a vowed religious today means engaging in a lifelong spiritual adventure - which is also a deeply human undertaking. Some choose to make it their vocation.

A Religious Sister has all the usual human concerns, cares, and activities - including relaxation and fun - that every individual does. But as a member of a Religious Community they are a living witness to the fact that God's love calls some to go beyond blood relationships, ethnicity, and nationality, to be sisters to all.

Community
Those who choose religious or consecrated life join a community whose members form an extended family who share life and possessions. They work together for the sake of God and -- through the strength and support of the group -- are able to take on various challenging tasks. They are able to be on the front line, witnessing to God's love for all, responding to both new and persistent challenges, and being especially mindful of those on the margins of society.

Charism
"There are many gifts (in Greek "charisms") but the same Spirit." -- 1 Corinthians 12:4

The religious communities of women and men in the Catholic Church manifest a splendid variety of forms of spirituality and service, reflecting the exciting mystery of God. Just as one inherits certain physical and emotional features from one's ancestors, religious men and women "inherit" spiritual characteristics from their founders by the action of the one Spirit. The founder's spirit of service, flavor of spirituality, sense of mission--the "charism"--lives on in the community which he/she founded, as a perennial gift to the whole church. This "charism" is then developed and creatively expressed in new ways as succeeding generations respond to new needs and challenges in the Church and world.

Choosing to become a Sister doesn't limit your career possibilities, it focuses them.

Members of Religious Communities are:

Vows
Religious Sisters are as varied as all human beings. Yet each community is the same in that the way of life -- Religious Life -- focuses on what matters most -- God's all-embracing love. In order to free ourselves for this lifestyle, all take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Through these vows we are able to dedicate our work more fully to God and God's people.

Poverty or simplicity of life is a commitment to a sharing, not only of possessions, but of your time, talents, and presence.*

Celibacy is the promise to love wholeheartedly and inclusively all God's people.*

Obedience comes from the Latin word, obedire which means "to listen." There is a communal aspect to the vow of obedience. We are called to listen as a community to the Word of God, to the signs of the times in events and society, and to the Church to see where we are being called and what we are being called to do. On the personal level, the vow of obedience requires a prayer life that cultivates a listening heart. *

*excerpted from Vocations Anonymous: A handbook for adults discerning priesthood and religious life by Sister Kathleen Bryant, RSC c. 1996 NCCV. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
To purchase a copy of Vocations Anonymous contact NCCV or call 1.800.671.NCCV.

Spirituality
Life in Religious Communities revolves around a rich prayer life. Each day begins with prayer and contemplation. Members are encouraged to find every opportunity to deepen their communion with God. Spiritual retreats, "lectio divina" (divine reading), participation in the Masses, and celebrations of the Church are essential to the religious life.

It is this carefully cultivated spirit life that breathes God's breath into their daily work