How do I become a nun?
Discerning a vocation to the Religious Life begins in prayer! If you think that you are being asked by God to become a nun then you must pray not just once or twice, or now and again, but persistently asking for God’s guidance as you explore God’s call on your life. Remember that your first and foremost vocation is to be a disciple of Christ and that you received this vocation at your baptism (christening) as you were asked to “Shine as a light in the world, to the glory of God.” Becoming a nun is just one way in which a woman may respond to this baptismal vocation.
As you prayerfully begin to check-out your sense of call, you will also need to discuss this with at least one other trusted person. Don’t be surprised to find that she/he will try to dissuade you; being a nun is a counter-cultural way of life that is not readily understood by everyone. If you don’t already have a Spiritual Director or Soul Friend now is a good time to explore finding one. Most Dioceses will have people they can recommend to you. Contact your diocesan vocations advisor who might be able to help you find one.
God’s call to this way of life is primarily to – well – to this way of life! The second part of that call is to a particular Order/Community in which to live out your vocation. So, you will need to explore several Religious Orders as you continue your discernment journey. You will find more information about them at:
anglicanreligiouslifeproject.org.uk
Testing a call to the Religious Life is not for the faint-hearted and it can take a good few years before you make a final commitment to this way of discipleship in a particular order. While each community has their own formation programmes and steps towards final vows these usually follow a pattern which includes time spent as an Enquirer/Aspirant, followed by a period as a Postulant, moving on to a Noviciate before being accepted by the community and allowed to take vows. The timetable for each of these stages will depend on the community and at each stage you and the community will be checking out whether you should continue the journey with them or explore something else.
If you would like to talk to someone about the Religious Life contact:
The Novice Guardian OCMM
St Joseph’s House of Prayer
New Vicarage
Church Lane
Tunstall
Lancashire
LA6 2RQ
Email: houseofprayerocmm@gmail.com