Vocation

Is God calling me to the Religious Life?

Do you want to give yourself to God? Do you want to serve God's creation? Are you feeling drawn to a life of prayer? Does the idea of living with other people who are following the same commitment appeal to you? Are you wanting to do something more to express your Christian commitment?

If any of these thoughts have occurred to you, then it is possible that you have a vocation to the Religious Life.

Women considering the possibility of a call to be a Sister will usually visit us to see the life at first hand and to get to know the community.

There is no formal entry qualification; every kind of talent and experience can be used in the religious life.

The first step is to become an aspirant, visiting and living alongside the community, usually at the Mother House. Admission as a postulant follows and after a minimum of three months the candidate may apply for Clothing (receiving the habit) as a novice.

After a further period of training and discernment she takes the three vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience in the ceremony of First Profession as a Sister.

Alongsiders

Some communities invite enquirers to live and work alongside them as part of the exploration process. We have openings for Alongsiders  at the Priory. It is not necessary to be an enquirer into Religious Life to take part in this scheme. If you have finished university, or are between jobs, or perhaps have recently retired, and wish to spend some time in prayerful discernment for your future path, then living alongside a community can be helpful in this.

Profession Ceremony

The Profession Ceremony is both a solemn occasion and a joyous celebration. At First Profession, the Order's Spiritual Advisor usually receives the vows of the Novice. At Life Profession, it is the Visitor, or another Bishop, who receives the Sister's vows.