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What is a vocation and how is it different from a career?
A vocation is the way of life we pursue
in order to live out our baptismal call to be a Christian
in the world. Our career is how we use the gifts and talents
God has given us. Many young adults, when considering religious
life, think they must choose EITHER a religious vocation OR
a career. THIS IS NOT TRUE! You can become a sister AND a
doctor; you don't have to choose between the two.
2. If the life of a Presentation sister is for me, what are
the signs?
You are generous and enjoy helping others. People who know
you say you have the qualities to serve others as a sister.
Being a sister captures your imagination, even if you know
little about it or feel some resistance. You want to give
your life to a cause bigger than yourself. You want to pray
better and to live a real life of faith.
3.Why be a Presentation sister?
We need women to walk with the poor and help change unjust
structures. Presentation sisters are leaders in shaping Christian
communities and influencing the mission of the Church. We
share a common vision with our sisters in community and mission.
4. If I am thinking about being a sister, can I still date
guys?
The process of becoming a sister involves several steps.
During the early stages, when you are just beginning the discernment
process, it is acceptable for you to also be dating; the vocation
of marriage may also be one of the vocations you are discerning.
Once you have progressed to where you are living in community
with us, it would no longer be appropriate to also maintain
a dating relationship, although you may have friends who are
male.
5. Do I have to wear black and white dresses and cut off
my hair in order to become a sister?
The Constitutions of the Presentation sisters say that we
wear a simple dress in order to model a life of simplicity.
Some members of our community choose to express this simplicity
by wearing a black and white dress. Cutting off your hair
is not a requirement for entering our congregation.
6. Do sisters sit in church all day long and pray?
The schedule of an individual sister is determined by her
ministry and her local community. Certainly, as a sister,
you reserve time for personal and communal prayer as well
as attending daily Mass. You also have the responsibility
to see that your ministry work is completed in a timely fashion.
7. If I become a sister, will I ever see my family and friends
again?
sisters are certainly allowed to visit with family and friends.
Again, you have a responsibility towards your community members
and to the people you serve. Spending time with family and
friends is seen within the context of your whole life in community.
8. Do I have any choices once I become a sister?
Becoming a sister does not mean you abdicate your personal
authority to choose. Instead, you place your choice-making
within the context of what is good for you and the Congregation.
During your lifetime as a sister, you will have many choices
to make, and you will learn how to listen well to the Spirit,
to your own inner voice and to the needs of the community
when making those decisions.
9. Will people think I cannot find a husband if I choose
to become a sister?
Most people will understand that you've chosen to become
a sister because it is the vocational calling you heard from
God and tested out in your own life, not because you couldn't
find a husband. In addition, the commitment of someone who
chooses to become a sister on the rebound from a failed relationship
is not likely to stand the test of time.
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