Frequently Asked Questions

In the area of work or ministry, sisters have one primary occupation. Many sisters work in hospitals, teach, or do social work, all of which have somewhat regular hours and particular demands. Contemplative Orders spend their day at prayer and performing labor that helps sustain the community.

Those who continue to wear a habit or garb do so for various reasons. The original reason for religious garb was that it was the dress of the common people at the time of the founding. Street clothes are the common people’s dress nowadays, so this is what some of our sisters wear. Others may choose to wear a habit because it represents the people or has a spiritual significance in a particular culture.

A vow is a solemn promise made freely as an individual gives her life to God. Many communities make vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience.

Yes, it has a central role in our lives. Prayer is communication with God whom we love – and it is as necessary for us as communication is for any two people in a relationship. It means giving our attention to God in a two-way speaking and listening relationship. There are many ways to pray: privately, in community with others, and at Mass. Anyone can pray at any time and in any place.

Once a woman enters a religious community, her sisters become her family, and we love and care for one another accordingly. We also recognize the importance of our first family relationships and maintain regular contact with our family of origin through phone calls, email, letters, and visits.

Communities differ based on the specific spirit or charism that their founder wanted to develop (such as care of the sick, hospitality, simplicity, or unity). The charism, the community’s specific ministries, and varying emphases on prayer and community life are the basic differences among religious communities. All are alike in their primary concern: to spread the Gospel message of Jesus.

Contact us! We’re here to listen, to guide, and accompany you on the journey. We encourage you to spend some time in prayer, too. We invite you to contact one of our vocation directors who can help you to understand your call and learn more about us.