How to become a Catholic Sister or Brother

God never ceases to call some of the faithful to a vocation to the consecrated life. We asked Franciscan Father Siphelele Gwanisheni, who heads the Initial Formation Department of the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Southern Africa, to answer questions young people may have about that path.

What is the consecrated or religious life?

The consecrated/religious life is a unique way of living the Christian baptismal calling by dedicating one’s life totally to God. One becomes a member of a congregation or institute of consecrated life.

He or she offers his or her life to God, for the service of humanity and the whole creation. This is done by taking religious vows which are the characteristic feature of Jesus the chaste, obedient and poor one. These three vows — chastity, obedience and poverty — are generally lived in a community set-up. The professed members journey together and support each other in the service of the Lord, the Church and the whole creation. They also respond to a missionary vocation that calls them to leave their homes and at times countries (Genesis 12:1) to work in foreign countries where their congregation or institute serves.

Sister or Nun: What’s the difference?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but in general, nuns take solemn vows and live a life of prayer and contemplation in a monastery or convent, while Sisters take simple vows and live an active vocation of prayer and charitable works in areas such as education and healthcare.

What is the role of religious or consecrated people in the Catholic Church?

Religious Sisters, Brothers and priests have rendered an outstanding service in the propagation of faith in the Church. Their immense service has been in the areas of education, health, rural development, social support, pastoral work (which is sometimes done under very difficult circumstances), and economic empowerment of the poor and marginalised.

Some dedicate their lives to praying for the needs of the Church and the world through their contemplative life.

The role of the religious is still critical across the globe as they are a significantly prophetic voice in the materialistic and individualistic world through bringing good news to the poor and restoring dignity to the dejected (Luke 4:18).

I think I’ve heard a call to the consecrated life. How do I know that I really do have a vocation?

One sign of a religious vocation is the deep desire to leave everything behind, like the apostles, in order to serve God wholeheartedly (1 Corinthians 7:34), and the willingness to let oneself be supported by others while simultaneously supporting them.

There are many charisms, or ways of expressing this form of commitment to the Lord and his creation, and they are expressed through the promptings of the Holy Spirit in the different congregations and institutes.

How do I choose which congregation to join? There are so many!

It is good to explore as much as possible where the Lord is calling you and to study the different charisms of congregations in order to find the one that responds to your vocation and your gifts.

Congregations are always open to arranged visits to their communities in order to assist in this search.

OK, now I’m ready to join a congregation of my choice. What happens next?

The point of contact is always the person called the vocation’s animator or director. He or she journeys with the aspirants who seek to know more about the congregation.

One applies after some time of searching, and then it is to be seen whether the applicant meets the requirements of the congregation, which include educational qualification (matric pass), reasonably good health, and some knowledge of the Catholic faith.

Different congregations have different requirements for admission. For that reason, it is important to ask as many questions as possible, and also to be as honest as possible about one’s life story.

If I decide to leave during my novitiate, am I free to do so?

Novitiate is a canonical or official stage in the process of joining the congregation, at the end of which the novice makes first vows.

Novices can still opt to leave the programme if they wish to. The period of novitiate marks the beginning of initial formation which takes not less than four years, depending on the congregation.

Once I’m fully professed, what happens next?

Fully professed in this case refers to the person who has taken final vows. All this period — of pre-novitiate and novitiate and post-novitiate until the perpetual vows — is a time of searching and praying for enlightenment.

The vows are renewed on a regular basis, and each time requiring the express desire to continue.

The religious is allowed to ask to be released from their vows if he or she has already taken first vows. The stage of initial formation ends with final vows. At this stage a person becomes a full and a permanent member of the congregation. The congregation becomes his or her permanent home.

Can I switch orders/congregations later?

In cases where people did not do a proper enquiry, they may find themselves in congregations with charisms that do not speak to them. This is possible in the early stages, although each congregation will have to decide whether they are taking a candidate or not.

After final vows it becomes more complicated to switch orders as this process involves some procedures with Rome.

Will my superior allow me to study or have a professional career?

Religious dedicate their lives to the service of God and the whole creation. This includes the use of their gifts and talents. Religious undergo professional training towards different forms of service. It all depends on the charism of the congregation and the needs of the time and place.

Religious have plenty of time to equip themselves to be able to respond to the challenges of the society. They get qualifications and use those skills for the kingdom of God.

Who pays for my food, housing, health and so on?

A religious congregation or community is a family of believers who have a common vision and interest and they are all called by God. They share the resources they have and all that is given to them from charity and what they earn from their work.