Vocation

[ThereseTheLittleFlower]

Hey Guys!

I was thinking last night of giving up and pretty much decided to, I actually cried myself to sleep because of it I think! I feel like no one believes me, my uncle said if I graduate thinking i'm going to join a convent that's the stupidest thing he's heard (said tonight).

I don't know, I'm ready to give up yet i'm not. Meanwhile I won't go to the Monastary unless Mother invites me back. Plus i'm thinking of going back home, which means I won't be within hundreds of miles of a Carmelite Monastary, maybe it's for the better. Not a Convent though, i've visited the Salesians, they liked me! Anyway just wanted to say all this.

Renee

 

[geocajun]

therese, a common problem with our generation is a lack of patience
You shoudn't be hasty in making this sort of choice. If you feel called to religious life, then you likely are - however you must prepare yourself to receive this charism more fully, and part of that preperation is being patient while you, and your circumstances change so you are able to live out this calling.
Peace be with you.

 

[Dream]

Renee, can I ask you a question? Why do you take your uncles comments/opinions so seriously? From what I've read of your posts, he doesn't seem like the kind of guy that you should take to heart everything he says. I'm not saying he's a bad guy, I just think you shouldn't be so sensative to what he says.

You will be in my prayers. God will help you work everything out.

 

[FullyMT]

Don't listen to your uncle. Don't let his words affect you unless they edify and build up the Church. What he said was of the Flesh and the World. Although, depending on the order you enter, you may well have to graduate before going into the convent.
Definitely check out the Salesians! They're an awesome group of people and I might spend a week with them over the summer if I still feel pulled in that direction. They are a bit different than the Carmelites though...
Pray for patience. Patience is a key in the discernment process if I've learned anything yet about it. Will continue praying for you

 

[lionroar0]

Yes alot of people including family will let you know what is "best for you". A degree and a career or something like that.
This is what most people see as best and what is practrical. Not a bad thing if this is for you if it isn't then well not so good. I guess I'm trying to tell you that it's your decision not your uncles or any one elses. It takes time. To make such a decition so be patient.

It is good that you are looking into it. This action will answer your question.

This is something that is between you and God. Not between you, God and your Uncle or any one else.
BTW do you have a spiritual director?

 

[InnerPhyre]

Stay strong. Leave your ears open to God, and closed to the world.

I'm considering becoming a monk. My father is a rich atheist. I feel your pain.

 

[Atomagenesis]

Yes, that's some really good advice.

I can't stress praying and staying close to the sacraments enough.

You'll be fine Renee, just pray.

Peace in Christ,

Malcolm

 

[Carrye]

"You didn't choose me, I chose you." -- Jesus

 

[Maximus]

I will pray for you, ThereseTheLittleFlower. The desire to serve the Lord as a nun is a noble thing. I would be thrilled if one or more of my daughters expressed such a desire, but I would advise them to proceed with caution and be sure of the calling.

Have you ever read Dostoyevsky's The Brothers Karamazov? I am not suggesting it because the character Alyosha decides not to become a monk. I just get the feeling the description in it of Father Zosima might be of help to you.

But maybe I am just silly. Anyway, it's a great spiritual book.

 

[Radagast]

I was thinking last night of giving up and pretty much decided to, I actually cried myself to sleep because of it I think! I feel like no one believes me, my uncle said if I graduate thinking i'm going to join a convent that's the stupidest thing he's heard (said tonight).

So ignore him! It's your decision to make, after all.

But personally it makes sense to me to wait until you're certain which order you wish to join.

God bless you,

-- Radagast

 

[Rosa Mystica]

Hey Guys!

I was thinking last night of giving up and pretty much decided to, I actually cried myself to sleep because of it I think! I feel like no one believes me, my uncle said if I graduate thinking i'm going to join a convent that's the stupidest thing he's heard (said tonight).

I don't know, I'm ready to give up yet i'm not. Meanwhile I won't go to the Monastary unless Mother invites me back. Plus i'm thinking of going back home, which means I won't be within hundreds of miles of a Carmelite Monastary, maybe it's for the better. Not a Convent though, i've visited the Salesians, they liked me! Anyway just wanted to say all this.

Renee

Sweetie, to put it bluntly, your uncle needs to get a life.

I know what it's like not to have others believe in my (I've experienced this in areas not related to that of a chosen vocation). However, I can also recall times when I have succeeded despite their idiotic false prophesizing.

You can do this, if it is what God wants. And, I believe in you.

Rosa

 

[Irenaeus]

I think lionroar brought up a good point.

Many of your family members will think they know what's "best for you", like a career that makes you money, money, money...the false American dream.

But you need to do what God wants you to do, counting the opinions and wisdom of the world as nothing. It really all comes down to you, not what others say or do. And at the age you're at, you can do whatever you want, because you are legally free to do what you wish as an adult. You may need to just lovingly proclaim your vocation, but be firm.

Maybe you should go on a vocation retreat?

 

[Angel of God]

Hey Guys!

I was thinking last night of giving up and pretty much decided to, I actually cried myself to sleep because of it I think! I feel like no one believes me, my uncle said if I graduate thinking i'm going to join a convent that's the stupidest thing he's heard (said tonight).

I don't know, I'm ready to give up yet i'm not. Meanwhile I won't go to the Monastary unless Mother invites me back. Plus i'm thinking of going back home, which means I won't be within hundreds of miles of a Carmelite Monastary, maybe it's for the better. Not a Convent though, i've visited the Salesians, they liked me! Anyway just wanted to say all this.

Renee

I'm a "good malefactor", I don't absolutely agree with your uncle but I think a woman is very important for the spirit of a Christian society.
However..S.Paul says is better to be virgin............

 

[Victrixa]

Renee,

Don't give up sweetie! Maybe the Lord doesn't want you as a nun yet but later on. Maybe He wants you in another order? Keep praying and hang in there! I'll pray more for you.

 

[Maggie893]

Renee,

Realize that the future is completely in God's hands. He doesn't want you fretting and despairing over the future. He already knows His plans for you. He desires that today, in this present moment, that you live in His Divine Will. Pray for that and that alone. That in each present moment you will live fully in His Divine Will. Trust Him and He will provide all you need. He is not a God of chaos but of peace and that He will give you as you need it. Just pray, love Him, pray and trust Him.

I will pray for you as well.

 

[Aaron-Aggie]

Hey Guys!

I was thinking last night of giving up and pretty much decided to, I actually cried myself to sleep because of it I think! I feel like no one believes me, my uncle said if I graduate thinking i'm going to join a convent that's the stupidest thing he's heard (said tonight).

I don't know, I'm ready to give up yet i'm not. Meanwhile I won't go to the Monastary unless Mother invites me back. Plus i'm thinking of going back home, which means I won't be within hundreds of miles of a Carmelite Monastary, maybe it's for the better. Not a Convent though, i've visited the Salesians, they liked me! Anyway just wanted to say all this.

Renee

 

[BAChristian]

TTLF, I would continue to seek consistent prayer in a quiet place.

I am called to the life of clergy. I know this because I felt this way before I became Catholic. The reason why the Lord beckoned me to come home is because he wants me to bring His message to everyone who will here...he wants me to really be vibrant and excited about the faith...he wants me to lead. I know this without a doubt.

Over the past year, I've wondered if/when this feeling will cease. I pondered that, perhaps it was nothing more than the, "newness", of becoming Catholic.

I know that to not be true now.

My point is, is that you must keep the faith. As Geo mentioned, if you're called, you probably are. Pretty simple, huh? But being older, as uncles are, sometimes breeds regret of wishing we had done things differently. So maybe your uncle wishes he had your spirituality, your desire, your "wantness" to become more "Christ-like"...maybe he's fighting it...maybe, just maybe, God is calling him to become more Christ-like...

Who knows.

You, however, must continue to pray and seek guidance. I would definitely recommend you to move...move away from the nearest convent. If the desire is still there, then you know you've, "tested the Spirit", as Christ calls us to do...

 

[Radagast]

Have you read Letters to Father: Suor Maria Celeste to Galileo (translated by Dava Sobel)?

It's a picture of ordinary life in a convent that is probably still true (Dava Sobel researched at a convent in New Mexico).

You might also be interested in: http://www.religiouslife.com/womencommun.phtml

-- Radagast

 

[ThereseTheLittleFlower]

Well, I moved out, I just got back to Florida early early this morning. I owe them (my aunt and uncle)I have to pay them the vet bill to get my cat Gabby back by Christmas.Also anything I believe that wasn't packed when I left, will be given to good will,which is basically everything I own! I have nothing now except what I brought with me, and the stuff that I left home in Florida, and the etertainment center in my bedroom, everything else from my room is in Texas!! If I don't pay them back everything by March 1st, they are sending a letter (I seen the envelope it was shown to me before I borded the bus) to the Bishop over my area! Great i'm being blackmailed.

Renee

 

[Adammi]

Well, I moved out, I just got back to Florida early early this morning. I owe them (my aunt and uncle)I have to pay them the vet bill to get my cat Gabby back by Christmas.Also anything I believe that wasn't packed when I left, will be given to good will,which is basically everything I own! I have nothing now except what I brought with me, and the stuff that I left home in Florida, and the etertainment center in my bedroom, everything else from my room is in Texas!! If I don't pay them back everything by March 1st, they are sending a letter (I seen the envelope it was shown to me before I borded the bus) to the Bishop over my area! Great i'm being blackmailed.

Renee

You are the absolutely most couageous person I have ever seen in my whole 14 years. I read your post and am dumbfounded. Here I am sneaking around like a rat in an Amish cheese store trying to pray the rosary in secret, but afraid to tell me Pentecostal Parents. And your travelling the country, cat bills and all, to find God's will for your life.
If I only had half of your courage and faith.

~Pax Christi
Adam