Most people determine that applying to religious life is right for them by talking with others--a trusted friend, a spiritual or vocation director, a parish priest or religious, a family member. Use this activity to visualize yourself in situations common to life as a brother or sister in a religious community. Areas you check below can serve as a springboard for conversation about how you would bring your individual style and skills to religious life.
Religious As Leader of Prayer
I can see myself as a dynamic religious, getting people involved and providing the type of leadership in the church that builds momentum.
As a religious brother (sister) I would encourage leaders within the parish to take charge of various projects and administrative areas, counting me in as part of the team.
When I dream of ministry, I see myself focusing on meeting pastoral and spiritual needs. A hallmark of my leadership style would be approachability.
Religious As Pilgrim
When I think of religious life, I imagine the joy of accompanying the pilgrim people God sends into my life each day. Together we share the gift of God’s call to discipleship and I find joy in spending my life helping others on their pilgrim way. If this is what God calls me to be, how can I say no?
Religious have the privilege of carrying on Jesus' ministry. While I feel some doubt about my ability to measure up, I trust that somehow God will continue to give imperfect people the grace they need to do God's work.
Religious devote their lives to serving others. I see God as a God of covenants and believe that God will give much in return for the lifelong commitment to serve as a religious brother or sister for God's people.
Religious As Learner
I have always liked school and have strong academic ability. I definitely see myself in graduate school, and I will probably always enjoy scholarly pursuits.
I believe in working hard to get the best grades I can in school. I don’t know if I have ever been the smartest person in a class, but I do well because I put in the effort.
My heart is set on religious life. The academic studies may be a struggle for me at times, but I know that I will spend a lifetime coming to know more of the richness of what Scripture and Church tradition have to teach.
Religious As Steward
I hardly ever make an error in my checkbook and always pay the bills on time. Deadlines have never been a problem because I organize my time and prioritize.
I can envision a tendency to procrastinate when It comes to administrative responsibilities, but I am dependable.
I know how to delegate. There are some things that other people can do better than I can, and God gave us different talents for a reason.
I can live simply. I can do without the things I want.
Religious As Person of Prayer
My style is basically talking one-to-one with God. Mass and other liturgical celebrations are important, but Jesus set a good example by teaching the crowds and going off by himself to pray.
There is something about a community of faith gathering together that energizes me and helps me put things in perspective.
I see prayer becoming an increasingly integral part of my life--not just a Sunday or quick-before-meals thing.
Religious As Teacher and Preacher
Sometimes, when I listen to a religious sharing a conference , giving a retreat or teaching a class, I can see myself doing that. I have an engaging manner of public speaking and would enjoy preparing talks.
I don’t have much experience with public speaking, but I do seem to have a gift for explaining things to people in ways they can understand.
Talk about stage fright! I hope one of the things they teach people in the religious community is public speaking. I trust that the Holy Spirit can make the most out of our efforts.
I have experience in teaching and retreat work. I have given talks on peer related or other retreats.
Sr. Rosemary Ann Cuneo, C.R.
Checkout our website to see a list of Communities that minister in our diocese:
www.albanyvocations.org
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