Religious Communities for Older Women

Understanding Ps. 139 we realize God is closer to us than we are to ourselves. Knowing this, believing this and trusting is what we are called to in Lent. Let us pray for each other, that the Light of Easter penetrate to our inner most soul. May it light that single spot that belongs to Jesus alone.

Mary's daughter, thank you for joining our group. I hope to share insights with anyone who is interested.

Today I was think how important the interior life, silence and solitude are. Had a wonderful conversation with a friend at work. I take care of arts and environment in our parish church. I go every morning check the flowers and plants and make sure everything looks good. And then I pray.

Don't like public stations so I walk with Jesus alone, say my rosary and manage to get about 45 minutes of quiet contemplation in. Before I go to work I pray Readings, Morn. Prayer and take a 20 minute walk. By about 3 :30pm I am ready for bed!!!!! A full schedule but so rich in God's presence. And that really is what the contemplative life is about.

Been thinking about religious vocation response. If we run to answer, we run straight into the arms of Jesus. When my vocation came the second time around, I just couldn't wait to answer. Times are hard in our world and so much calls us away from God. How wonderful that He has given me a second chance! Let us all pray for those who have the courage to respond.

I think you can consider the "royal" We. As stated on my website, I am only one member but awaiting permission to operate as a community. Hence the "we".

I understand debilitation. I took care of my Mom for 5 years( alzimhers(sp), so I know the cost of old age age. I believe that anyone can get sick- no matter what the age. But I also know that God has asked me to create this community. I cannot let fear of the known or unknown dictate my response. I am not sure what the "cloistered type " is like but I do understand and aspire to contemplative prayer and for that silence and solitude is of the essence. God knock on the door of our heart but in order to hear, we must be still. The knock is our heartbeat.
Some of our PC sisters were put in nursing homes, some wanted it, others not. Our plan is take care of our own if at all possible. I tried to get into your site, Truegrit but couldn't post. But my computer has been a it on overload!

Yes, I am sure older women are more easily able to put their vocation on hold. That's too bad because, they aren't getting any younger. It seems to me when the call comes, it must be answered or it will go away. Vocation is the movement of the heart and if someone keeps putting it of, soon the calling will stop.
So I will continue to pursue this establishment of community, but with a detachment that comes from interior peace. God knows what we need, and that is where I am. I love Ps.139. He has fashioned our heart and know us. That's good enough for me!

TRuegrit I wish you much peace and everything good. That is what God has given me.

website:
www.companionsofclare.org
We have made accommodations for older women but we are not a nursing home or retirement center. If you go to the site your will see. At 65 we go on medicare and in my case medicaid. We will consider every inquiry but but as you say a person must be able to take care of themselves. The community can only be a support- as a witness to the Trinity.
We have had to get a mentor, we have
build a formation program, we have
get a screening devise in place, we have
are sponsored by the Friars, not required, but important to me.
Have a canon/civil lawyer, who has been a God-sent.
Was rejected for the OCD because IRS doesn't support single member community.
When I get 2 members, I will be able to reapply.
Truegrit
Where are you located and what is your ministry?

This has been tough, but it is now all in God's hands.

On another note- I was a Poor Clare for 16 years, left when the pot got stirred at the Vat.II. I know there are women out there, like me , who want to reconnect. In a matter of time, God will direct them to my site. I have sent out e-mails and info to inquiries, but it is in God's hands. I have someone coming in June to check us out, but "vocation" is an on-going heart process. Tell me about yourself, Truegrit. and what is your site?

We are moving slowly, albeit forward. Women say they want to enter religious life. Now they can. I have done everything required by the Diocese and am waiting for a letter to the Provincilate ( I am sponsored by the Friars of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus) that I am allowed to function as a religious community in NH. Its been a long process but I am professed (private vows) and I have the sponsorship so the rest is in God's hands. It hard for older women to pick up and answer God's call. Young people don't have much to give up(stuff), older people do! God's wlll, nothing more, nothing less, noting else.It will be a long time before we get a real cloister. The canons are strict about it. If I get 2 other women then we can set up a "Martha, Mary" arrangement. In the meantime I live my life as I have laid down in the concept.

Older women realize the insignificance of dressing "in vogue". As soon as the Diocese allows we will wear a Franciscan habit. As the only member I pray the office and rosary and attend Mass 4 days a week. I have been blessed with a church job decorating for all feast. Thank you to all who have written privately.

Patsy Lou
Its not age so much as physical health. Go to the website www.companionsofclare.org to see if you have the basic spirit we are looking for.