Consecrated Life
The word “consecrated” means “to be set apart.” Therefore, consecrated persons are “set apart” from the duties of married life and family life to love and live for God and His Church.
Since the early First Century, men and women have given their lives to Christ. We read this in Sacred Scripture in the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles as we learn about the call of the Apostles and the witness of the martyrs.
“The state of consecrated life is thus one way of experiencing a “more intimate” consecration, rooted in Baptism and dedicated totally to God. In the consecrated life, Christ’s faithful, moved by the Holy Spirit, propose to follow Christ more nearly, to give themselves to God who is loved above all and, pursuing the perfection of charity in the service of the Kingdom, to signify and proclaim in the Church the glory of the world to come.” (CCC 916)
The Rockford Diocese is very fortunate to have many religious communities of men and women serving God through its people.
Religious Communities of Women
Consecrated Virgins
From apostolic times Christian virgins and widows, called by the Lord to cling only to him with greater freedom of heart, bodies, and spirit, have decided with the Church’s approval to live in the respective states of virginity or perpetual chastity for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. (CC 922)
As with other forms of consecrated life, the order of virgins establishes the woman living in the world (or the nun) in prayer, penance, service of her brethren, and apostolic activity, according to the state of life and spiritual gifts given to her. Consecrated virgins can form themselves into associations to observe their commitment more faithfully. (CC 924)
Discernment Resources for Women
Discernment always begins, remains and is borne in a relationship. So often, we overcomplicate God, as if our vocation were a divine puzzle to be worked out. Rather, as we deepen our daily prayer with him, we will naturally discover our vocation in relation to him and his church.
Start by committing to daily prayer and frequent sacraments. As you do this, pay attention to your heart and what particularly enflames it (a charism). As these desires come forth, begin to look at what religious communities’ charisms may line up with our own. When things become joyfully consistent, don’t hesitate to reach out to that religious order and their discernment offerings, from come and sees, to retreats or speaking with their vocation director. In addition, here are some great resources to explore:
- Book: Discerning Religious Life by Mother Clare Matthiass
- Podcast: Discernment Basics by The Poco a Poco Podcast
- Video: Called: Discover Your Vocation on Formed’s YDisciple (often available through your parish)
- Discernment Group: Discernment 101 by the Daughters of St. Paul (virtual)
- Mentor / Spiritual Director: Connect with a religious sister you may know, someone that has gone through the discernment process before, or your parish’s pastor/priest.
Looking for discernment resources for men? Click here.
