Help me please. Is being a Nun right for me? Help.

[randirhoades]

Dear Friends,

For a while now, I have gentle thoughts of becoming a Nun. I know I wanted to when I was young but the world got to me.

Now, what is stopping me is that I've searched my mind and asked myself if I'm wanting to do this because I'm running away or a way to escape from my problems. I have a lot. Another is that I'm disabled, hurt ALL the time, take medicines which are vital and have Doctor appointments. I fear this would intrude and interrupt my vocation. Still, I want to help mankind in all ways that I can.

If there are other alternatives to this, I would like to do them. However, I am low on money which makes me low on gas to go anywhere. Plus, around here there are not too many charities in which I could belong. I live in a small rural community that has more fields than people where I am. And reaching out to people is not many. Again, I could not travel or even walk.

I thought about becoming a person who can help on a Crisis Hotline, or just using the phone to help but feel that would be detrimental to my health if calls came late at night. I have sleep Apnea and don't get restful sleep as it is.

Not to be repetitious, I want to help mankind. And right now I pray for people.

Is this the right category to put this in? I didn't know so I put it here.

Love ya'll,
Sheila is my real name.

[Lancer]

Recommend...an excellent book by an excellent priest: Fr. Mitch Pacwa

Pax Christi


[B]How to Listen When God Is Speaking: A Guide for Modern-Day Catholics[/B] by Mitch Pacwa (Mar 1, 2011)


http://www.amazon.com/How-Listen-Whe...6336372&sr=1-1

Here is You Tube EWTN Bookmark interview on this book

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJDqlyMEMYU

[LemonAndLime]

I think if you feel the need to still ask this question you are not ready to make a decision. I'm especially concerned as you seem to imply you feel it's the only option for you.

You don't need to make this decision now. A lot of people choose the religious life later on in life, after they have explored other options first. This might be the best option for you - to keep your mind open and think about what you want from life - a career-type vocation, family life or both? Pray, read your Bible but also talk to friends and family. Keep a journal and write about your thoughts.

[Hummleberry]

I know I'm not an expert on this but I have had the same thoughts that you have. You are the only person that will know if it is right for you to follow this vocation.

Personally, if you have thought about this from an early age then there is a significant inkling that your on the right track.

You said that you pray for others, but I really encourage you to pray for yourself. Your probably already doing that, but by spending more time on this issue you may find it easier to resolve.

Ask God for the grace to do His will and especially spend time in adoration, before the Blessed Sacrament. So many things are revealed in adoration which I know is true for me.

As for your ill-health, God would not ask you to do something if it wasn't the right decision. He knows your capability and He will provide the support. Trust in Him because He will never fail you.

I hope that I've helped in some small way. If I haven't, I'm very sorry and I hope that you find the answers you're looking for.

God Bless

[PerfectTiming]

I think you need to speak to your priest. If you can find a spiritual director that would also be very helpful to you.

There are communities that are able to accommodate those with disabilities, though they are more limited than others. There are also other vocations such as consecrated virgins and diocesan hermits that may be suitable for you. .

There is a Vocations forum here that may be of help to you.

[Trishie]

God bless you for your loving intentions and wishes, Sheila.
Your questions can best be answered by discussion, regarding Religious vocation, with a priest who is entrusted with the welfare of souls in your parish, and therfore also yours.
If the priest sees this as your possible direction, then you would need to consider Orders, which Order, and then discern with them whether or not you have a vocation and can be accepted into a likely Order.

You suggest that an influx of others' trials and at times that deprive you of what little sleep that you have, may not be wise.

As you seek to resolve these things, know that your prayer for others is a great blessing from God and for others.
In the meantime, have you considered becoming a Prayer Warrior and praying in the prayer Intentions Forum? You have endured and endure much in your life and therefor have cause to understand the difficulties and suffering of others.

A truly valuable vocation in Catholic Answers Forums would be to look out for and pray for those people whose prayer requests receive few responses. Some receive prayers every day. Others with equally serious issues are prayed for a few times then end up several pages back, like 4 to 6 and so on, lost behind those Intentions that are multi-paged.
To seek out these lost intentions would indeed be a great charity

[JimR-OCDS]

If you have many medical problems, good chance a religious order will not accept you.

My friend, RIP, tried for a religious order, and because of his weight and health problems, was turned down.

They can not afford a novice who's going to be a medical liability.

Jim