We pray that the following resources help answer some of the general questions, and those specific to our Institute, that you may have. We hope they give you support to walk alongside your family member or friend in answering God’s call.
“‘God does me the honor of asking for all my children. I give them with joy. If I possessed anything better, I would be eager to offer them as well.’”
- St. Louis Martin, Father of St. Therese of Lisieux
As Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, our Religious Institute is a true family. Our Mother Foundress, Venerable María del Refugio, was a wife and mother before founding our Institute. She continued to live out her motherhood in her relationship with her biological daughter (who eventually became our second Mother General), the other sisters in the community, and with young girls whom she adopted from our schools. She knew the importance of family, and because she desired that our Religious Family would be “la gran casa de familia,” this means we have a great love for the families and friends of women who are part of our Religious Family. Our families and friends are embraced not only by the local community of Sisters, but by our Sisters around the world. In this spirit and context, we share with you our general norms for frequently asked questions, understanding that they can change based on particular circumstances and emergencies. As a young woman discerns with us, more specifics are also given.
Generally, because the discernment process involves a young woman’s relationship with the Lord, communication is mostly just between her and the Religious Community. We encourage the young woman to prudently share with her family and friends about her journey as she is able, but it can be complicated when God’s call and the process are a mystery even to herself. She may not have all the answers or similar concerns right away, so patience, dialogue, and understanding allow for a healthier process for everyone involved.
As the young woman discerns, she is usually in communication with the Vocation Director or member of the Vocations team with a particular Institute. During these beginning stages, it may be helpful for family and friends to reach out to their local parish priest, Diocesan Vocation Office, or the Parents for Vocations Ministry for resources and support. Often, if a young woman begins the application process with our Institute, calls are set up as needed between the Vocation Director/Formator and the young woman’s parents.
- We receive mail on a regular basis and each Sister is able to send out 5 letters per month.
- We also receive emails on a regular basis and each Sister is able to respond to emails once a month.
- During the seasons of Lent and Advent, Sisters may receive correspondence, but do not send out letters or emails until Easter or Christmas, respectively.
- We reserve time on the second Sunday of the month for family and friends to visit if they are local.
- If they are not local, each Sister is able to call/video call their family (including extended family within the same call) for an hour each second Sunday of the month.
- If family or friends are in town, they are welcome to visit for two hours. For extended visits, there is a Family Weekend each year scheduled for families of Sisters in Formation. The families of Professed Sisters are able to visit for up to four days at a time coordinated with her local community.
- We do not have visitors or family calls during the seasons of Lent and Advent.
- Each sister is able to visit her family for 15 days each year. It is customary in our community to take these visits over the summer.
- Between the first and second year of Novitiate, sisters do not visit their families. The first year of Novitiate, known as the Canonical Year, according to Canon Law, consists of 12 months of prayer and Religious Formation without interruption. After these initial years of Formation, each sister visits her family every year.
- Each sister is enrolled in health insurance based on their circumstances: our sisters who serve in a diocesan Catholic school often receive coverage through the diocese; those who are 65 or older are typically covered by Medicare; and many of the other sisters are enrolled in Medicaid.
- We visit doctors and dentists regularly and have generous benefactors who are physicians and help to provide various medical care.
- For those who are eligible, we ask that they remain on their parents insurance plans until they are 26.
- Sisters who serve in parish schools are often paid a salary; because of the vow of poverty, this is used for communal expenses.
- We are also supported by benefactors. Sometimes people offer financial support, donate gift cards, or even just drop off food and groceries!
- Above all, we rely on God’s Providence.
We have found the following resources helpful to learn more about Religious Life:
- Mercedarian Minute Videos - Our Sisters answer some frequently asked questions about Religious Life in this Mercedarian Minute video series.
- Parents of Vocations - To connect with other family members of women religious and receive helpful resources and support.
- Friends of the Bridegroom - A movement of clergy, religious, and laity seeking to support the renewal of women religious and consecrated life.
- The Norbertine Canonesses share beautiful testimonies and resources to parents and families on their website
Contact Us
If you would like to continue the conversation, or have a daughter younger than 18 who is considering religious life and you would like more advice, contact one of our Sisters on our Vocations Team