Questions & Answers - Sisters & Community Life
When making a commitment as important as joining a religious community, you may have essential questions regarding the lifestyle and what you can expect to encounter as a woman religious. Below, you'll find answers to some commonly asked questions. There is also an opportunity for you to ask questions of your own.
What do you mean by being "called?"
Most of us will not have God speaking to us through a burning bush or knocking us off our horse! Our call is not nearly as dramatic. It's a gentle invitation that comes and goes in our life. God "calls" us through events and people, through our gifts and talents, through life's experiences and our deepest desires. Have you ever said to yourself: "I want to be more" or "I want to give more?" Is your hour of parish ministry or community service more life-giving than your 40-hour work week? Is you've answered YES, these could be the "gentle invitations" you may want to pursue.
If I become a sister, where would I live?
Some Sisters do still live in convents. Others now choose to live in smaller communities or with members of other congregations. As SSNDs we make every effort to live in community. The size of the community may vary from one to several sisters. Several types of living arrangements, such as living in a convent, an apartment, or a house, are possible. Much depends on where a sister ministers and where we have a community near that site. Interested women have the opportunity to visit communities for live-in experiences to help them understand our lifestyle. For those who dwell alone, there is the option of forming an extended faith community with other sisters.
Since you have the word "School" in the name, does everyone have to teach?
When our congregation first began, our Foundress Blessed Theresa felt that a critical need at that time was the education of girls—particularly those who were poor or those who had no access to education. She felt that by educating girls, both in academics and in faith, these girls would have a strong influence on their families as mothers later on. This, Blessed Theresa believed, was the contribution that SSNDs could make in helping to build God’s Kingdom and in transforming society. We soon realized that God’s people had many needs, and we began to diversify our ministries early on. Today, we say that we are “educators in all that we do” helping to foster the God-given potential that is in each person. You will find School Sisters today not only in formal classroom teaching, but also in social service and parish ministries, health care services, campus ministry and retreat work, direct service programs with those who are poor, and social justice advocacy.
Do sisters receive a salary?
Most sisters receive a salary for their service from the organization for which they work. For example, a sister who teaches is paid by the school. As sisters, we share all things, so our salaries are placed into a common SSND fund. The funds in this central account are used to support all sisters, both active and retired. From this fund, money is also given to those in need, to support the ministries we sponsor, and to provide for our missionaries. Many of our retired sisters volunteer their time in parishes and schools and are not paid.
How often do sisters visit their families and friends?
Staying connected with family and friends is definitely a part of being a sister. Maintaining relationships and visiting with family members can happen on a variety of occasions.
Do sisters get personal time off or take vacations?
Personal time and vacations are very important. Leisure time is encouraged for a balanced life.
Do you have to be a virgin to consider becoming a sister?
No. However, you must show desire and evidence that you can live a chaste and celibate life. This means if you have been sexually active, there would be a period of abstinence expected before you join the community.