Me? A nun? I need some advice

BurntToast · Apr 13, 2004

I'm feeling confused right now. My problem is a little complicated, but I'll try to be as brief as possible. Recently, I drew closer to God than I have ever been in my entire life. For the first time, I truly feel filled with the Holy Spirit, and I want nothing more than to glorify God and follow His plans for me.
Lately, I've been feeling as if those plans include my becoming a nun. I'm not sure where I got the idea; it was like it just came into my head one day...like something suddenly clicked. Since then I've been thinking and praying about it a lot, and it feels so right. I've never really felt that it was in God's plan for me to marry and have children anyway, and the thought of spending my entire life close to Him, serving Him, worshipping His name, and selflessly helping others at the same time makes me feel immensely happy.
There's one HUGE problem with all of this though: I'm a protestant, and have been my whole life. Obviously I would have to convert, which I personally have no problem with. It's my family I'm worried about. I don't think they'd be angry per se, but they probably wouldn't understand why I would want to do such a thing. I don't know if my family and friends would support my becoming a nun, and it would be very hard going without the support of those I love. My parents, for instance, would probably view it as me wasting my education and talents (I'm a very good student). I also don't have any sources of information on what it's like to be a sister.
Can anybody help me? Is it possible that God is calling a non-Catholic to convert and become a nun? How should I handle things with my family and friends if I do decide to follow this path? I'm praying very hard about it, and I know God will make things clear to me eventually, but I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me in the meantime.
Also, if anyone could direct me to any sites that would give me information on becoming a nun, that would be wonderful.
Thank you so much for any help you can give me. God Bless You!

4given29 · Apr 13, 2004

Trench777 · Apr 13, 2004

Hiya,

I'd recommend reposting this on the "One Bread-One Body, Catholic Discussions" forum here on CF. There are some very well-versed Catholics who post here and I think they would be MORE than happy to help you with any questions you might have or at least be able to point you in the right direction.

Not to berate 4Given29's research AT ALL, but I heard a saying that really made sense to me once. It was "If ya wanna know what a Catholic is, don't ask a Protestant" (I hope you don't take offence, 4Given29, as none is intended.)

How would you handle your loved ones, if they didn't support you? Well, I'd have to say that you should definately make that decision BEFORE anything else. Are you going to follow God, or are you going to let others keep you from His perfect will for your life? I hope that doesn't sound overly harsh, but it's kinda important. You are going to have to "plant your stake in the ground" before the issue ever comes up, in my opinion. Then, when it does come up, you are not put on the spot, having to make the decision on the fly.

Will thier disapproval disuade you? Will you say to God "No matter WHAT, even if I'm the only one who will follow you...I WILL FOLLOW"? These things need to be answered in your heart and mind, before they get dropped in your lap.

It sounds as though you have a wonderful servants heart and I highly commend you for it.

May God's Word be a light to your path and a lamp to your feet, sister. I give thanks to God for you.

T777

Iktomi · Apr 13, 2004

Well, this has prompted me to share my little story.
I felt I was being called to drop everything here and become a missionary to another country. I knew it was God calling, because it made no sense to want to drop a great job and drag my family (wife and 2 young ones) with me to some other country. However, I was overcome with the desire to spend ALL my time and energy doind His work. To do it as a career, for my free time, etc. I wanted so badly to "immerse" myself in Him and His work. I began to pray about this ernestly. My wife said she was ready to go, too. So it was all looking as though it would pan out.
Here's the rest of the story...(and by no means do i think the same of your situation, just something to think about.)
God answered my prayer 2 weeks ago, Sunay morning in church service.
He said to me, and this is my paraphrase..."Why do you want to go and do my work THERE when you don't even commit all your time and energy to my work HERE." Basically, He told me that wanting to go out of the country was the easy way out. (For ME, it was the easy way out. Obviously not the same for others!)
So here I stay, convicted beyond belief at my lack of spreading the Gospel and doing His work.
Praise God! He knows me much better than I know myself.

seangoh · Apr 13, 2004

Iktomi said:
Well, this has prompted me to share my little story.
I felt I was being called to drop everything here and become a missionary to another country. I knew it was God calling, because it made no sense to want to drop a great job and drag my family (wife and 2 young ones) with me to some other country. However, I was overcome with the desire to spend ALL my time and energy doind His work. To do it as a career, for my free time, etc. I wanted so badly to "immerse" myself in Him and His work. I began to pray about this ernestly. My wife said she was ready to go, too. So it was all looking as though it would pan out.
Here's the rest of the story...(and by no means do i think the same of your situation, just something to think about.)
God answered my prayer 2 weeks ago, Sunay morning in church service.
He said to me, and this is my paraphrase..."Why do you want to go and do my work THERE when you don't even commit all your time and energy to my work HERE." Basically, He told me that wanting to go out of the country was the easy way out. (For ME, it was the easy way out. Obviously not the same for others!)
So here I stay, convicted beyond belief at my lack of spreading the Gospel and doing His work.
Praise God! He knows me much better than I know myself.

Ditto...it's understandable to want to spend ALL your time you have with God or what you would say IMMERSE yourself in Him. I greatly want to do that too but it's practically impossible because i have a life to live. i need to get a job and work to support my family someday and a missionary's life doesn't pay much, neither does a pastor for us. So what am i supposed to do? i've no choice but to stay here and influence those around me. God has been bringing old friends to my life such as in my high school days and primary school days and army days. Got alot to do when u think about it. I would want to just be alone and IMMERSE myself in Him but that would be selfish don't u think?coz God wants me to help others here.

Trench777 · Apr 13, 2004

If God leads you to influence people around you where you are, then thats what you should do. If He leads you to become a monk or a nun, then thats what you should do.

God sets members in the body as HE sees fit. Will we be satified with our position within the body where He sets us? Oh yes. Will we be satified if we place ourselves in a position He did not appoint for us? Maybe for a while, but not too many hands are happy being feet for long, if you catch my meaning.

T777

Roald · Apr 14, 2004

I also encourage to come to One Body, One Bread to ask any questions you have about Catholicism. I was a Protestant until recently, and I know that it is very easy to have misconceptions. I also have considered the monastic life, but have not made any decisions.

Kripost · Apr 14, 2004

Just wondering... aren't there Lutheran monastics too?

Rafael · Apr 14, 2004

Kripost said:
Just wondering... aren't there Lutheran monastics too?

No, I don't think so. Luther was a monk, and once he saw that we are saved by faith and not our works, he turned against the monastic life, got married, had a bunch of kids, and wrote the first translation of the Bible for the world into German - not necessarily in that order.

Borealis · Apr 14, 2004

raphe said:
No, I don't think so. Luther was a monk, and once he saw that we are saved by faith and not our works, he turned against the monastic life, got married, had a bunch of kids, and wrote the first translation of the Bible for the world into German - not necessarily in that order.

Sorry, but I'm going to have to correct this misconception: Martin Luther did NOT write the first German translation of the Bible.

http://german.about.com/library/weekly/aa030600a.htm

First Printed Bible in German (1466)
Before Martin Luther was even born, a German-language Bible was published in 1466, using Gutenberg's invention. Known as the Mentel Bible, this Bibel was a literal translation of the Latin Vulgate. Printed in Strassburg, the Mentel Bible appeared in some 18 editions until it was replaced by Luther's new translation in 1522.

Note that date: Luther was born in 1483, 17 years after the first German translation.

Borealis · Apr 14, 2004

BurntToast said:
Can anybody help me? Is it possible that God is calling a non-Catholic to convert and become a nun? How should I handle things with my family and friends if I do decide to follow this path? I'm praying very hard about it, and I know God will make things clear to me eventually, but I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me in the meantime.

Well, Cardinal John Henry Newman was originally a Protestant before he joined the Church. I'd say it's possible. And don't forget the most famous convert: St. Paul.

If your family and friends are uncomfortable with your decision, ask them what truly matters most: their will, or God's. If God is calling you to serve Him as a nun, that is a wonderful gift that they should embrace. Now, if your mother is hoping that you'll give her grandchildren, that's another issue.

Also, if anyone could direct me to any sites that would give me information on becoming a nun, that would be wonderful.

On a quick Google search and some bouncing around, I found this website: http://www.chnetwork.org/

I don't know if it's what you're looking for, but I hope it helps.

Thank you so much for any help you can give me. God Bless You!

And you as well for having the courage to take this amazing step! Come over to OBOB and ask any questions you want. We'll be glad to have you.

charligirl · Apr 14, 2004

I think it is wisdom to hold this in your heart and wait on the Lord, the bible tells us to honour our parents, you are still a minor and in this case I think you should pray and wait until you have finished your studies - that's not to say this isn't God.. it could well be HIs calling for you but there is no need to rush into anything.

Firstly, God will always confirm His path for you and it will always be backed up with His Word, you have to give this time and test it to be sure.

Secondly there could be other interpretations to this, perhaps He has called you to ministry, to a life of celibacy and devotion to Him, but that does not neccessarily mean a Catholic nun, perhaps you think that because it's the only option you know of, let me explain.....

When I was a child I was convinced I was going to be in the Salvation Army because I wanted to serve the Lord, in reality I only said them because that's the only route I knew about... now I am older I can see the call was right but the SA were not (they do not go in for the gifts of the Spirit and I do so that would have been hard).

There are protestant nuns, there are also some great ministries that you could enter. I would ask God to show you what your heart leans towards, is it children or the homeless or single mums or evangelism or what??? God has a plan for you and wants to use you for His Kingdom... seek Him because there are many other ways of doing that - being celibate if that is your calling - without becoming a Catholic nun

Mr.Cheese · Apr 14, 2004

That's pretty heavy. (to the OP)

As far as becoming Catholic...we've a lot more in common with them than what we may have been raised to believe. There are parts of Catholicism I don't get, but I'm not going to say that, as protestants, we don't have our own problems.

Life is funny. Concentrate on growing where you are at. The call is like enlisting. God still has to make you into what you are called to be. As you learn and grow, you may realize that you are being led down a completely different path. I'm not telling you what will happen. But be ready for anything.

BurntToast · Apr 14, 2004

Thank you all so much for your words and suggestions. I appreciate your help and the information you have given me more than words can express. I will repost this in OBOB so that maybe I can get more insight into the Catholic faith. One thing that particularly struck me: I had no idea that there were Protestant nuns. My interest has been caught. I plan on looking more into this. Thank you again, everyone. May God Bless you all!

Isaiah 53 · Apr 14, 2004

You should talk with theresethelittleflower in OBOB (the Catholic forum) she should be able to give you some good advice.

PEACE IN CHRIST!!!

Trench777 · Apr 14, 2004

I'm about 99.9% sure theres no such thing as a "Protestant nun". Not to disappoint you, but to hopefully keep you from disappointment (if I'm correct that there are none)

T777

ThereseTheLittleFlower · Apr 14, 2004

I had a neighbor once suggest to me, if you want to become a nun, I have a friend who is a nun, and is married, and that just didn't click in my head, til she told me, she was an Episcopalian nun. So, apparently there are Protestant nuns, in the Episcopalian Church. And I gave her some advice, everything I learn about nuns, I learn from Sr. Jean Rene, the RCIA coordinator at my Church. Although I do meet alot of nuns at Mass, I think it's a sign, also they enjoy hugging me. I visited a Salesian Convent, and when Sr. Catherine found out who I was she just grabbed me and hugged me, I hope to go back and help, because I liked it there. May God, lead everyone who has a vocation to where they are to be!

God Bless!

Renee

charligirl · Apr 15, 2004

Trench777 said:
I'm about 99.9% sure theres no such thing as a "Protestant nun". Not to disappoint you, but to hopefully keep you from disappointment (if I'm correct that there are none)

T777

There are definately orders of protestant nuns, one example is Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary, an international, interdenominational organization founded in 1947 within the framework of the German Evangelical (Protestant) Church. theri website is

www.kanaan.org

charligirl · Apr 15, 2004

There is a whole list of links to different Anglican religious orders for men and women on this page. Most of the women's ones I looked at have a page about 'Am I called?' which may be of interest to you.

http://members.tripod.com/~NearNun/orders.html

watcher16 · Apr 15, 2004

Hello BurntToast,

Here in Holland we have also protestant nuns.
I would warn that the monastic-concept is disappearing anyway.
Maybe today there are other challenges than living a mystic life?

For I have seen people helping others who were no nun, but anyway exemplary for the idea´s that lead you to these thoughts, I would say you could have much more influence on other people by living a nun-like life as a normal person.

If you want you can really make a difference because you will have so much more time and energy to spread the example of Jezus.

Me? A nun? I need some advice

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