Join us
Become a sister
God Invites
Are You Called to Religious Life?
The call to join the religious life comes from God. It is impossible to say exactly how an individual will experience this call, because God is God – and sometimes God acts in very surprising ways. However, there are signs which recur frequently. Is Jesus someone who is very important for you? Do you have the feeling that God is asking you for something more? Do you experience a holy disquiet, a sense of unrest, a recurring feeling that your current commitment or career is not enough? If you answer “Yes” to these questions; if being a friend of the sisters, or volunteering a year of your life to help in their mission does not seem to you to be enough, then perhaps God is calling you to be a sister.
“I begged Our Lord to tell me what he wanted of me and this is what I understood: ‘I must be enough for you.”
(St Marie Eugenie 1849)
© Religieuses de l’Assomption, Province de France
FAQ
What can help me to consider (discern) my vocation?
The most important thing at this stage is to pray. Ask the Lord to show you the way – ask often and with real confidence. Then listen. At the same time, it also makes a lot of sense for anyone thinking about religious life to talk it over with other people. A spiritual director, a university chaplain, a parish priest – any of these people might be very helpful to you as you work your way through your discernment. It is about considering how you would like to live your whole future. Discernment is not easy, but as you begin to know yourself and your relationship with Christ better, you will find freedom of mind, peace and a deep joy.
What does the Assumption offer to people like me who are searching?
There are several things. If you live near any of our communities, we would be delighted to welcome you. We enjoy sharing our Assumption life with people who come to visit us, whether for an evening or for a longer period of time. We also have sisters who are ready to meet and talk with you regularly as you search for your way.
What would I need to enter the Assumption?
The most important thing you need is a personal love of Jesus Christ. Then you would need the desire to live and work with other people to help build the Kingdom of God. Practically speaking, you must be a baptized Catholic woman who is practising her faith. You must be free to make vows – which means that if you have previously been in a marriage relationship, you must either be a widow or have a decree of annulment. You need to be in reasonably good physical and mental health and free of serious debt. (Don’t let student loans put you off – talk to us about your situation.)
© Religieuses de l’Assomption, Province de France
