Discernment
The first and most necessary sign of a religious vocation is that of a pure intention. A young woman enters the convent in order to love God more entirely, serve Him with greater devotion, and strive continually toward perfection. If this intention exists, she must determine through prayerful consideration which community God is calling her to. At this point in time, a woman is called an "aspirant": one who desires to achieve a perfect union with God through the means and sacrifices that He imparts to those who serve Him in religious life.