To become a nun, particularly in the Catholic tradition, involves a multi-step process of discernment, application, formation, and commitment, typically spanning several years. Here is a general overview based on various religious communities:
Basic Prerequisites
- You must be a Catholic woman (though other Christian and non-Christian traditions have their own paths for becoming nuns or monastics).
- You must be single, not currently married (widows may become nuns).
- You should have no dependent children.
- Typically, you should be at least 18 years old and free from significant debts
Steps to Become a Nun
- Discernment and Inquiry
- Begin by exploring your call to religious life, often with the help of a vocation director or spiritual advisor.
- Attend Mass, retreats, or "nun runs" (visiting multiple convents).
- Engage in prayer, reflection, and learning about different communities to find where you feel called
- Live-In or Aspirancy
- Spend time living with a religious community to experience their daily life of prayer, work, and community living.
- This period helps both you and the community discern if this is the right fit
- Application and Postulancy
- Submit a formal application and, if accepted, enter the postulancy phase.
- Postulants live with the community, participate in their life, and begin initial formation.
- This stage can last from several months to a couple of years
- Novitiate
- After postulancy, you enter the novitiate, a more intense period of spiritual formation, study of vows, and deeper community life.
- This phase usually lasts about two years and includes prayer, theological study, and ministerial work
- Temporary Vows
- Following novitiate, you take temporary vows (poverty, chastity, obedience) typically for three to six years.
- You continue ministry, community life, and discernment during this time
- Perpetual (Final) Vows
- After the period of temporary vows, you may take your final vows, committing permanently to religious life.
- This includes lifelong commitment to the community and its charism
Additional Notes
- Throughout the process, you will have regular meetings with spiritual directors and community leaders.
- The total time from initial inquiry to final vows can be around seven years or more, depending on the order and individual circumstances
- Different orders (e.g., Sisters of Mercy, Benedictines) have variations in their formation process and lifestyle focus
Practical First Steps
- Talk to a priest or vocation director to discuss your interest.
- Research and contact religious orders to learn about their specific requirements and charisms.
- Attend retreats or events to experience religious life firsthand
This process is designed to ensure that a woman is truly called to and prepared for the demands and joys of religious life as a nun.
