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.

Active or Contemplative

As a young woman begins her investigation, she will notice the words active and contemplative in the descriptions of many religious communities. This indicates important factors that she will want to consider during her discernment. 

• The word active denotes the active practice of some or all of the various works of mercy: feeding, clothing, and sheltering the poor and orphaned; visiting/caring for the sick and imprisoned; instructing individuals through teaching etc. Consequently, the occupations of an active religious may involve teaching, nursing, traveling, or even missionary work, depending on the apostolates of the congregation.
• The word contemplative suggests the passive or invisible practice of the works of mercy: prayer, penance, and sacrifice offered for the souls of the living and the dead; praising and contemplating the great goodness of God. These elements define their vocation. Aside from the significant amount of communal prayer and meditative reading, various activities that cater to the spirit of recollection may occupy a contemplative religious. Seclusion from the outside world influences much of their life either by enclosure, i.e. strict cloister, no outside contact, or simply through reserve, -avoiding but not forbidding outside contact. 

Note: During her discernment between Active and Contemplative communities, a woman must not discount one over the other based on her first tendencies. Contrary to common notion, introverts are not always suited to the contemplative life, while extraverts are not always suited to the active life. A natural disposition to silence, prayer, and seclusion could be just what it takes to balance the demands of an active life. On the other hand, the silence, prayer, and seclusion that is automatically provided by a contemplative setting might be the only thing that keeps a very social and outgoing person sufficiently recollected. A young woman discerning a religious vocation must strive to keep an open mind and rely on the guidance of grace regarding this matter.​

Tips For Discerning

• Pray: When a young woman prays about a religious vocation, she must strive to keep an open mind and a peaceful disposition. Anxieties and excitement tend to drown out the voice of grace so she must proceed calmly; there is plenty of time and God is not in a hurry. She must be honest with God and honest with herself; aversion, doubt, or hesitancy must be quietly acknowledged. A woman must determine her motives, and discover whether they are truly sincere. 
• Remember: Discerning is a process. A young woman must not expect a grand manifestation. She must be brave, (though not necessarily fearless,) realizing that doubt and uncertainty are God's way of strengthening a soul's faith in Him. The course of discerning a religious vocation often involves just as much trial and error as any other vocation. A woman must remember that she is to initiate the process; she must not wait for someone else to convince her of a religious vocation.  
• Research: Now is the time for a woman to investigate the various religious institutes. Websites, newsletters, information from priests and relations: all of these are excellent sources. This basic research will furnish a woman with plenty of questions and discussion-material for the following step. ​
• Contact: A young woman should now start a correspondence with the communities that capture her interest if she has not done so already. She should ask about scheduling an informational interview during which she can ask questions and discuss a vocation in person. If distance poses a problem, phone calls are just as acceptable, -one should ask to speak with the "vocation directress". 
• Visit: Visiting each community that strikes a particular interest is an important part of discernment. A young woman generally stays with each community for at least a few days, preferably a week or two. This visit enables her to better understand the life and charism of each institute before she makes a commitment. During such a visit, a young woman should not judge a community based solely on her first impression; it is impossible to completely sum up a particular way of life is such a short time. Prayer and an open mind will help her determine a calling much sooner than hard-and-fast assumptions. Several visits over the course of a year are generally quite welcome, though often they are not necessary. 
• ​Consider: One who enters a religious community may find that she really doesn't belong there at all, and that's okay. It doesn't mean it is the end of things! God may wish such a person to try another religious house; in the end she is better for the experience.
• On the other hand, one may find that she has no religious vocation at all, and that is nothing to be ashamed of. Time spent in a convent is never wasted; God beckons a soul to go there for a reason, even if its only for a short time. The only real shame regarding a potential religious vocation is how many young Catholics fail to investigate the inclinations that pertain to one altogether, often forfeiting a life of great graces.​

"God commands you to pray,​

But He forbids you to worry."

-St. Francis de Sales