"Lord, it is good for us to be here."

   A woman religious is called by God to participate in the mission of the Church and to live God's love for all people.  She may fulfill this same mission in a variety of ways.  Her life must be one of total dedication of self so God's people for their spiritual and moral growth.

   Specifically, a woman religious is a Christian who commits herself to Christ and His Church by vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.  She lives in a religious community patterned on the life and teaching of the founder/foundress of the community.  Religious life is characterized by community life, simple and celibate life-style, public vows and consecration in the service of God and His people.  Prayer and work are part of the tradition of all communities.  Depending on the vision of their founders, the charism of the Congregation and the gifts and talents of their members, each community accents them differently.  Thus, some communities are primarily contemplative, while others are more active.

   Apostolic work also varies among communities.  Frequently addressed areas are education, social work, administration, communication, healthcare, etc.

   There are many religious communities to choose from...each woman needs to find the one to which she feels called.  Personal contact is one of the best ways to gain knowledge of a community and find out about its spirituality, apostolate, and life-style.  Some communities offer weekend retreats or live-in experiences.

   If...your desire is to enter religious life, you should give serious thought to your decision.  Seek information, ask for advice, seek the guidance of competent people, especially religious or priests, evaluate yourself and above all, pray to the Lord for wisdom and courage to discern and do His Will.  A good spiritual director may be very helpful in receiving objective advice.

The above data are from the "Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious".                                                                    CMSWR--Web Site Link

Diocese of Venice, Florida	www.dioceseofvenice.org
Bernadine Franciscan Sisters	www.bfranciscan.org
Daughters of Charity	www.doc-ecp.org
Dominican Sisters of Oxford	www.op.org/oxford
Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement	www.Graymoor.org
Racine Dominicans	www.racinedominicans.org
Sisters of the Living Word	www.slw.org
Sisters of Mercy	www.sistersofmercy.org
School Sisters of Notre Dame	www.ssnd.org
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur	www.sndohio.org
Religious of the Sacred Heart	www.rscj.org
Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary	www.marywood.edu/www2/ihmpage/index.html