The decision to become a nun or a nun requires prayer, research and understanding if God is indeed "calling" you to this extraordinary position. The nuns are a group of women who are highly valued and admired. If you think becoming a nun is the right thing for you, read some of the tips below on how to answer that "vocation."
Step
Method 1 of 4: Prerequisites for a Christian Nun
Step 1. Single
The assumption is that you already know that you have to be Catholic and that you are a woman, but that you also have to be single. If you are married, you must obtain an annulment permit recognized by the Catholic church. A widow is also always considered a single woman in the eyes of the church.
When you become a nun, you will receive a ring that says you are God's bride. Therefore, you must not have any other relationship that distracts you from God's call
Step 2. Meet the age requirements
In the past, most nuns were young women who had just graduated from high school or college. Now anyone can become a nun-from 18 to around 40. Under certain circumstances, older women will be accepted – this depends on the community you are entering.
In general, most spiritual societies encourage their members to have some kind of higher education. If you are an arts scholar then this will be a plus for you, although it's not really that important. Life experience, including professional experience, will also be a plus
Step 3. Make sure your child is an adult if you have children
You must have no dependents when you enter the world of nuns. Many nuns have children -- only they are adults.
Step 4. Be in good financial position and health
In other words, you are debt free and healthy. Most institutions prefer candidates who are not overwhelmed by other problems and can devote themselves to God.
If you have debt, don't let this stop you. If you want to join a community, discuss your situation with your leader. They may be able to help
Method 2 of 4: Forming Initial Understanding
Step 1. Talk to the other nuns
The more mentors you can get, the better. You'll gain a clearer understanding of what it's like to be a nun and the different communities and lifestyles you'll soon be living. If you don't have access to a group, go to your parish and seek information from your pastor or people active in your church community.
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There are three types of spiritual communities to choose from: Contemplative communities, traditional apostolic communities, and non-traditional ones.
- The contemplative community is centered on prayer. Their lifestyle is more serene, meditative and introverted than that of apostolic friends.
- The traditional apostolic community works in the fields of education and health. Many of the nuns from this community can be found teaching in schools or helping in hospitals and other health facilities.
- Non-traditional apostolic communities also do service to others, but you can find them working with the homeless, in prisons, or people living with HIV/AIDS.
Step 2. Do some research on the internet
You may think that monasteries are not very tech-savvy, but now the reality is different! Some of them even have songs to download and blogs to read!
- Vision Vocation Network is a Chicago-based network leading the "online faith enlightenment" phenomenon. Their counterpart is "Vision" magazine.
- Vision Vocation Match helps people seeking wisdom to find the right community for them. Think of this as cyber dating, but the goal is to be brothers and sisters looking for the right "home".
- Catholics on Call is also based in Chicago and organizes retreats and workshops to meet and build relationships with other potential candidates and experienced nuns.
- The Sisters of Life organization is located in New York City. The leader of this association will immediately respond to your email if you are curious about what you see on their site. Hundreds of people email them every year.
- A Nun's life is a blog aimed at women who are currently considering becoming a nun. This blog provides a good explanation of the process, requirements, and details of a nun.
Step 3. Attend a weekend religious service at the home of the abbot or local religious community
Once you start networking in person or online, you'll start hearing about events you can attend. This doesn't mean you're tied to anything – you have no obligation to the organization you're hosting at this stage. It's just an easy way to get used to his life, for example by going on a retreat.
Institutions in religious life can help you find the congregation or fraternity you may be looking for – they have information about work, personal prayer, and the community and daily activities of dozens of communities, even information about events around the country. They even have online assessments that help one figure out what kind of nun society they are suitable for
Step 4. Contact a specific community
When you've finished researching the communities you want to join, get in touch with the one you like. Each community is different (not only in purpose but also in size, location, etc.) and one of them may be a good fit for you. Even so, contact more than one community! All of these communities will provide knowledge as your learning process.
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If you know a nun in a community, talk to her. If you don't know anyone from the community, contact the leader of the association. You can find the information on their website; if this is not possible, contact your diocese for more information.
As discussed above, the Vision Network generally provides a wealth of information about associations and their leaders. Do a further search if you are confused the first time you visit their page
Step 5. Work with some community leaders
Once you've contacted a leader or two of an association you're interested in, you'll start to follow more activities. However, you are under no obligation to join them--you are still trying to find which one is the best fit for you.
You'll likely explore the campus, go on retreats, learn about all the gathering places, and help out at community events. You will meet the sisters and see if you are moved by their sorority
Method 3 of 4: Initiation Process
Step 1. Choose a community to devote yourself to
You already have a community leader by your side – all you need to do now is to express your interest and they will guide you. You will discuss logistics, when, where and how, as well as meet with community councils. It all starts from here!
The pre-nomination process (where both parties are mutually interested in cooperating) can take 1 to 3 years. This process is a serious commitment time and you should take it seriously too. If you feel unsure, stop immediately
Step 2. Start the nomination process
This process is also known as pre-novitiate or postulate. You will live on campus, work with other sisters, but still manage your own expenses (this is why you need to be financially sound).
To get started, you'll need to write a letter stating your interest and desire to join their association. The nomination process usually lasts 6 months to 2 years, although it will end (and be forgotten) when both parties agree
Step 3. Entering the trial period
At this stage, you will be a member of a community, but still not fully committed. You will be considered a "rookie" at this point. Church law states probation is 1 year, although many communities specify 2 years. The reason for taking this time is to assure you that you have made the right choice for yourself.
- In general, the second year is a stage for learning and working in the community. At the end of this phase, you will be allowed to rejoin the common people or continue taking your oath.
- Some congregations of nuns will ask prospective nuns to choose the name of a Santa after the general oath has been taken. You may use your baptismal name.
Step 4. Take your first vows
A clergyman only takes a temporary oath which will be renewed annually until he decides that becoming a clergy will be his life's profession; this can be done for 5 to 9 years (depending on the respective organization), although many of them do not use the longest time.
This is the point at which you will cut your hair. If you weren't dedicated before, now you should! You will receive a black veil, a new name and a full nun's life after making your covenant of obedience and loyalty to God
Step 5. Take your final vows
If you are ready to make your eternal vow to the church, now is the time. A fairly detailed process will be carried out, during which you will receive a ring and other jewelery to show your promise to the world. Safe! Your life is waiting.
There are some exceptions to this rule. The first oath of the Jesuits is their last and the Sisters of Charity only take vows that are renewable
Method 4 of 4: Becoming a Buddhist Nun (Bhikkhuni)
Step 1. Meet the requirements
In order for a woman to become a nun, she must fulfill some basic requirements. In general, these requirements are quite practical:
- She cannot be pregnant or be an active mother
- If she has a child, she must ask someone else to take care of her child
- Mind and body must be healthy
- He must be free from debt and other obligations
Step 2. Find a training ground
These places vary in size (from the smallest to the quite large) and can be found in rural areas and even in many cities. When you have found a suitable place for you, express your interest in attending the training there. Each guild has different rules, but most guilds will train you for a few weeks.
Step 3. Entering the nomination period
If you enjoyed your time at the monastery and they liked you, you will be asked to return to complete your initial training. At this time, you will observe the eight Buddhist precepts. There are 5 common practices and three others (known as "upasika" vows).
- You do not have to shave your hair at this stage. However, you will wear white or white and black. This stage usually lasts for several weeks or several months.
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His teachings (or what is called Garudhammas) are as follows:
- He is not allowed to harm life, whether human or non-human
- He can't steal.
- He must avoid all sexual activity.
- He is not allowed to lie or cheat.
- He must not drink alcohol or other liquor.
- He can only eat at the appointed time.
- She may not sing, dance, or wear cosmetics or perfume.
- He should not indulge himself in sleeping or spending time in luxurious places.
Step 4. Become a candidate or "Anagarika"
This means "homeless," because you will leave your home to live the life of a nun. You are required to shave your head, wear a white robe and uphold the eight precepts. Usually, this lasts for 6 months to several years, depending on your situation.
- For now you are still classified as a layman. You are allowed to use the money and support your own finances, although some of the expenses will be shared with other women in the same position.
- Practice to meditate. The "Brahma Vihara" of loving-kindness (Metta), joy of appreciation (Mudita), compassion (karuna) & equanimity (Upekkhā) are very important in meditation.
Step 5. Graduate to become a novice, or aspiring nun
This is the time when you enter the pabbajja stage, or the life of a monk. At this stage each association has different age requirements and traditions. In certain countries, prospective members will be placed on probation before the pabbajja begins.
Now you have to do the ten precepts of aspiring nuns, which includes not spending money. You may also be prohibited from driving a vehicle. You will also get an elder member to be your personal tutor
Step 6. Perform the Bhikkuni Oath
This is known as higher ordination. With the permission of your teacher (after an appointment for a certain period of time), you may apply to become a full-fledged nun. 20 people (must) witness your ordination ceremony with the bestowal of 311 precepts.
Step 7. Become a "Their" or Elder
After 10 years or so, you will start teaching and adopting your own students. During this time, you can travel as much as you want, work with different mentors or stay true to your original teacher. After 20 years, you will be made a "Mahatheri" or great elder.
Tips
- One of the differences between Catholic Nuns and Orthodox Christians is that Catholic nuns (and priests) belong to different orders (example: Carmelite, Poor Clares, Missionaries of Charity, Discalced, etc.), whereas Orthodox Christian nuns (and perhaps some priests too), is just a 'nun'. They live in monasteries, etc., but, do not belong to any particular order.
- Most Christian nuns require you to be at least 18 years old, and usually no older than 40 (though there are some exceptions).
- Most Buddhist nuns have to shave their head.
