What is Apostolate?
The word apostolate generally means the work, the ministry that a religious person and his or her community do. The many different communities in the Church are involved in many different apostolates.
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Lay Missionary, Religious, or Priest?
There are many opportunities for all members of the Body of Christ to serve God in the Catholic Church: Lay Missionary, Religious, Priesthood (men only).
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How do you know if you have a religious vocation?
Pope John Paul II in a message given at Rome on April 29, 1997 stated that a vocation, "stems from the heart of the mystery of God." In every age and generation God has called people and continues to call whomever He wills to leave all and follow Him through a consecrated life of service in the Church.
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Which Community?
If a person has a vocation, how can he/she know which community to join? I would like to start with a promise from God's word as the premise for answering your question. "I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, (. . . )plans to give you a future full of hope." (Jer. 29:11-14a)
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What is the Divine Office?
The Divine Office, also known as the Liturgy of the Hours, is a group of psalms, hymns, prayers, Biblical and spiritual readings formulated by the Church for chant or recitation at stated times every day. The book that contains this collection is called the Breviary, or Psalter. It has a four-week cycle in which the one hundred and fifty Psalms of the Bible are distributed.
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What are Evangelical Counsels?
The Evangelical Counsels are more commonly known as the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. They are three ways of pledging oneself to live as Christ lived in areas that cover the whole of life: possessions, affections, and autonomy. Each vow emphasizes a relation to Jesus, and we see Him as the model of living each vow.
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Why do Sisters wear a special dress?
This "special dress" is more commonly known as the "habit" or "religious garb." Religious wear the habit as a witness to all who see them, that their life is set apart in a special way for God. The habit is a sign of their consecration, and also a witness of poverty and simplicity of life.
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Is it really possible to live celibacy today?
First of all, it is important to understand what celibacy means. The dictionary defines it as abstinence, non-marriage or singleness. Although these are true, celibacy chosen as a response to God's call is much more than renunciation of marriage and family life. This kind of celibacy is the soul's "yes!" to a spousal union with God which begins on earth and is fulfilled in eternity. It symbolizes the ultimate and mysterious love of Christ for His Church, who "gave himself up for her . . . that she might be holy and without blemish." (cf. Eph. 5:25-27) It is "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven" (Mt. 19:22) and must be esteemed an exceptional gift of grace. It uniquely frees the heart of man, (cf. 1 Cor. 7:32-35) so that he becomes more fervent in love for God and for all men. (cf. Perfectae Caritatis, #12)
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Do Sisters get to visit their families?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. As a religious, one is called to be set apart exclusively for God. This means close contact with family becomes somewhat limited. Each congregation has different policies concerning contact with family.
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What is Consecration?
To consecrate means to declare and set apart as sacred. Usually churches are consecrated places set apart for the worship of God. The vessels used for liturgical services are consecrated for that exclusive purpose. Oils are consecrated at the Chrism Mass each year for special sacramental use unlike the use of other ordinary oils.
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What do Sisters do all day?
I know that some think Sisters pray all day, probably because they do not really know any Sisters personally. Yes, Sisters should pray all day because the Scriptures admonish us all to do just that. "At every opportunity pray in the Spirit, using prayers and petitions of every sort." (Eph. 6:18) Prayer in this meaning is to live in a spirit of prayer so that everything that we do, whether it be works or words, is offered to God.
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Is college required?
I'm assuming that it is clear to you that a vocation to the religious life is not synonymous with choosing a career. Rather it is a call of God. With this in mind I will answer your question by making the distinction between the primary reason that should motivate you and the secondary conditions that may be required.
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