Hi Everyone!
I thought I would put a question and answer page on here for those of you who might wish to ask a question about religious life (or anything else you might want to ask). I am curious to know what people’s questions are when it comes to nuns and how we live.
Another thing I would love to know is what are people’s ideas about religious life. What do you think it is like? How do you think you would describe a ‘typical’ nun? How do you think society percieves of us? I hope some of you will write in.
Dear Judy,
Hi and just wanted to try again and send you a note to say hi and I think you are doing a marvelous job with this blog.
Hope your week in Mississippi went well.
Love and prayer,
Carol
I am interested in becoming a nun. I am a christian. I would love a life of simplicity, praying and singing to God while making an impact and traveling throughout the world. Any advice?
Hi Sr. Judy!
I would have to say that my ideas about religious life have changed greatly after spending a week in Mississippi with you, Sr. Rose, and Sr. Elena. I’ll admit that my previous perception of nuns looked a lot like the TV versions: women who wear habits, are very proper, and spend hours upon hours in prayer and silence. I think I also had the idea that nuns were very removed from the culture. Living with you for a week, and reading your blog has opened my eyes to the fact that nuns are just ordinary people with different passions and interests and personalities, who happen to have a deeper level of religious and spiritual commitment. Thanks for responding well to my questions — I’m so glad I got to spend Spring Break with you and the rest of the group!
~Wendy
Dear Amber,
Hi. How happy I am to get your note and that you are thinking of religious life. I too was drawn to religious life in part because of the simplicity that helps each of us to be more free to serve God.
Of course, I don’t know any specifics of your situation, but I will offer advice the best I can.
One thing is that I would recommend to you that you find a good spiritual director if you can. You may know someone who you feel is solid in their faith and with whom you feel comfortable, or you may want to find a retreat center near you. Usually retreat centers have some names they can offer. If you could find someone who has some knowledge of or even experience of religious life, that would be even better.
Also, I would really recommend that you try to spend some time, if you do not already, in quiet reflection each day. With all the noise in our lives, it is sometimes hard to find the solitude and silence we need to listen to God and to where we may be called in our lives.
I would also recommend that you visit some religious communities. You can be assured that if you call around, there will be communities who would be happy to have you visit. If you do this, you can get a sense of how you feel when you are there. Sometimes you just know that something feels right and you want to explore further, and sometimes there is enough discomfort, that you know that this is not the place for you.
I would also like to mention our temporary commitment program. I have a section about it here on the blog. This is a program for women who feel they might have a vocation to religious life, and would like to spend a year or more living in a religious community to see what that’s like. These women come and go through a period of formation, and a period of discernment, and then make promises to live as we live for a period of one year.
The program is also for women who feel called to marriage and children, or to the single life, but would really like an experience of religious life as well. It is our hope that if women can have an experience of prayer and ministry in community (and as you say, simplicity of life), their marriages, life’s work, parenting, parish participation, etc… would be enriched by the experience.
Mostly though, Amber, I would encourage you to pray, and to trust that our Provident God will lead you.
Many blessings on you,
Sr. Judy
Hi Wendy,
How nice that you put a comment here on the blog. I am also really appreciative of what you said. I am always glad when people know that we are more than what TV or the movies have to say about us.
You are right that we don’t exist outside the culture. We do try to be countercultural when it comes to things like consumerism and individualism, but we don’t pretend that we somehow exist outside or above time and place.
What you said means a lot to me Wendy…and I am so glad too that you decided to volunteer at Animal Friends as well.
Peace to you,
Sr. Judy
I am an 85 year old ” retired ” plumber” ( So what ? )
My wife (an RN ) and I have served at a few missions, in various ways in the U.S. and in Haiti. I worked with nuns that were setting up a clinic in Haiti and together we enjoyed the work. I did much pipping work in the clinic and showed one nun how to do copper pipping work , to run new water lines as needed. Many people think that working in missions is all prayer and ” bible-thumping”. It is not.
My wife did clinical ‘field-nursing”, checking sickneses to see who should be going to a doctor.
I now have a pace-maker so I can’t do that any more.
Dear Bill,
That is great work. When you have technical and medical skills, you really are an asset to any mission.
Keep up the good work!
Sr. Judy
Hi Sr. Judy,
I’ve been married for a long time, and while I think religious life must be so interesting and fulfilling , I’m not in a position to contemplate it. However, as a lay person, what opportunities are there for us to help the sisters? Where and how do we begin to find these opportunities?
Thanks,
Barbara
Dear Barbara,
Hi and thank you for your thoughtful comment.
Many communities, including ours, have what we call lay associates. These are people who are interested in a particular community, or simply a desire to connect in some way with this lifestyle.
Anyway, you can go to our website that is listed above, click on associates and check it out. I don’t know where you live, but there is bound to be a community nearby that has an associate program.
If you are in the areas of Kingston, Massachusetts, or St. Louis, Pittsburgh, or Puerto Rico, definitely check out our associate program.
Peace to you,
Sr. Judy
Hello Sister Judy,
I found you on the net while I was trying to find out how to get a spiritual director. I thought I would ask if you had any ideas or if you do any spiritual directing yourself?
I was a student at Sacred Heart in Kingston, MA from kindergarten through high school graduation in 1968.
I almost entered the convent there but my life took a different direction. Now, I am a married and a postulant with the Third Order Carmelites and am so happy about it.
Beverly
Hi Sr. Judy! The only question i have for you is- how are you? i had you for Block B religion last year at SHIS and i haven’t seen you since. I heard about your website from friends that got to see you on Yesterday at school. I think you are doing a great thing with this page. Keep up the good work and I hope to see you soon. All the best, Kate.
Dear Beverly,
Hi. I am sorry that it took me so long to reply. I had to a be away for a few days and I didn’t check my e-mail during that time.
How nice to hear from a graduate of Sacred Heart! I taught there for 4 years before moving into this ministry. How nice too that you are becoming a Third Order Carmelite. I am sure that there will be many opportunities for prayer and spiritual growth with the Carmelites.
As far as a spiritual director, I can tell you where I went when I lived in Kingston and that is the Miramar Retreat Center in Duxbury. This retreat center is run by the Divine Word Missionaries, which is an order of men. There are a number of people there who offer spiritual direction.
I hope this information helps.
Blessings,
Sr. Judy
Dear Kate,
Hi!! How wonderful to hear from you!
To answer your question, I am doing very well, thank youl, but I really do miss seeing the kids everyday.
You are right that I was in Kingston last week and I was able to visit many of last year’s seventh grade. In fact I was able to watch them rehearsing a play in Sr. Nelida’s geography class, and they were as fun and funny as ever. It really made me wish I was back there.
Where are you this year Kate? Please write and tell me how you are doing.
Peace and blessing to you,
Sister Judy
Heyy sister judy!
its abby and i have a question. how can i make my faith with god stronger. i stoped beliving in him for a while and those were some of my hard times. but i want to become closer but dont know how. will he not love me because i turned on him?? and how are you i was in your B block religion too, as you called the bee keepers. i miss you!
Abby
Well hello Abby! It’s so nice to hear from you! It was great to see all of you the other day.
Know first that God will never stop loving you no matter what, and God forgives everybody. Also, many many people go through times when they stop believing. I did when I was young as well, and you are right that those can be hard times.
I think that there are many ways to help make your faith stronger.
The first is prayer. It doesn’t have to be fancy or long…you can just say, “God, I want to have a stronger faith. Will you please help me?” Pray like this everyday that you can, and if you feel you can talk to God more, then do that, but don’t worry if you can’t. Just be simple and honest and ask God for what you need.
The second is to connect with others. We always need other people who can help us. Do you belong to a youth group? Or a youth bible study type of thing?
Going to church helps too. Even if you are bored and you don’t really get every word, just knowing you are in the presence of God and receiving Christ in the Eucharist is a big help.
Abby, I am praying for you, and I am so happy that you wrote to me, and I would be happy for you to write to me any time.
I wish you much peace and happiness!
Sr. Judy
SISTER JUDY!!!!!
Its Kelly Goldman! Remember me? haha
do you miss Sacred Heart? you should come back and be our religion teacher again! we miss you!!!!!
-Kelly <3
Dear Kelly,
Hi to you Kelly. Of course I remember you!
I do miss Sacred Heart. I miss seeing all of your faces everyday, and I miss all the games we played and the interesting discussions we used to have.
It is very nice to know that the students there miss me too.
How are you doing? Do you like the eighth grade? I guess you must be pretty excited to be going to high school next year.
It was very nice to have heard from you Kelly and I wish you nothing but the best.
Peace,
Sr. Judy
Hi, Judy. Kathleen sent me your website and it is wonderful…thank you!
Barbara was asking about the associate program. We also have one here in the Detroit area. We look forward to seeing you in our area next month.
Blessings,
Diane
I love your Blog and will be visiting often.
Dear Rosemarie,
Thank you very much. I am r eally hoping that I can begin to get some regular readers. If you have any suggestions for what you might like to see on the blog, please feel free to let me know!
Peace to you,
Sr. Judy
Dear Sr. Judy:
I found your website by way of Sr Julie’s blog (by way of Susan Francois blog…) and found it very interesting. I was reading your postings on habits then jumped to the links on the LCWR and then on to the vitriol of the “nuns who don’t wear habits” bashers. I believed at one point they referred to many women religious as “social workers who don’t date.”
Here’s my story – I am also a child of the sixties, born in 1964, and grew up in a Catholic family, educated by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, (coincidentally, my brothers went to Mount Providence in Normandy), considered a religious vocation during and after college but simply put, left the church altogether about 18 years ago in disgust and anger, mostly in response to the patriarchal heirarchy and then my disgust and anger snowballed during the sexual abuse scandals. I am not a “liberal, feminist, man hating female” though would probably be branded this by some of those hateful people whose writings I read today. One of the biggest role models in my life is an Incarnate Word Sister whom I have stayed in contact with all these years, even naming my daughter after her! One of the biggest reasons she is one of my role models is that despite all the decisions I have made in my life, including leaving the church, she still loves and supports me. I am happily married with two young children and a job that I find to be fulfilling as I work as a Registered Nurse on an oncology unit. I try to work for social justice in my own way, including being a Sexual Assualt Nurse Examiner for the state of Texas, I volunteer at my children’s school, I have lead a Girl Scout Troop for seven years which has lead the way in our council for service projects and I am trying to raise my children to have empathy and compassion for all people.
I know this is getting long but I am getting to my question. My daughter is always asking me about “growing up catholic” and loves to hear stories from my childhood. I’ve encouraged her to read as much as she can and I’ve done some research on the Internet for her but I keep coming across phrases like “Traditional Catholic” and “Latin Mass” and “Tridentine Mass” that I am not familar with. From my readings and research it seems there is a huge division in the Catholic Church between traditionalism and modernism. I suppose my question is, what exactly is a Traditional Catholic, a Tridentine Mass and why would the Church be going back to what changed with Vatican II?
Anyway, enjoyed your writings; I always love to read something by a well educated, well spoken woman.
Elizabethanne
Dear Elizabeth Ann,
Hi. Thanks for your honest post. I think that your experience is that of many people in our Church.
I would not consider myself to be a ‘man-hater’ either, but I do consider myself a feminist. Some of the best things I have ever read on the issue of feminism, and feminist theology, are by Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB. She explains that the world and the Church need to have the influence of the masculine and the feminine both.
She is kind of controversial in the Church because of her views, but in my opinion she is very prophetic.
I grew up Catholic also, but only nominally so. You can read about that under the My Story’ tab, so I won’t get into it too much, but I think it is because I fell in love with the Church later in my life, through relationships with Sisters who showed me how to see Christ in the poor, and how to pray in life-giving ways, and really taught me a great deal about hope and love and charity. I also fell in love with the story of the Church… the lives of the saints, and the beauty of our faith tradition. I was, and continue to be drawn to being a part of the Mystical Body of Christ. I mean, we are not perfect…far from it. That’s our human frailty. But for all our faults, and God knows that there are many, I believe that we are a people seeking the face of God. I guess that’s why I stay. I don’t pretend to have solutions. I just ask that I be allowed to be part of the struggle.
To answer your questions about the phrase, ‘Traditional Catholic’ … I think it is a poor term. We tend to want to put people into either/or catagories. So, when we hear Traditional Catholic, we might think of rosaries, novenas, holy cards, Nuns in habits and Priests in Cassocks …etc…. Some would say that Traditional Catholics want to return to a pre-Vatican II lifestyle in the Church.
I, for one, think that this is over-simplified. I am a Sister out of habit, who has some definite ideas about expanding the roles of women in the Church, but I also see much value in praying the rosary, in observing novenas, and in such tangible symbols of our faith as holy cards. Some might just say that I am simply middle-of-the-road, but really, any thinking Catholic would do well to consider her/his faith issue by issue. You needn’t say…I am a Traditional Catholic, or I am a Progressive Catholic… just seek Christ and allow your faith to unfold in whatever way the Spirit allows.
As for the Latin Mass/Tridentine Mass… I went to a site: http://www.latinmass.org/faq.html
and here is how they defined that:
What is the Tridentine Mass?
It’s the Mass used in the Catholic Church for almost 1500 years, until the introduction of the Mass of Pope Paul VI following the Second Vatican Council.
So, I hope this helps. Please write again as I am interested to know if this response was helpful to you.
In the Peace of Christ,
Sr. Judy
Hi Sister! First I’d like to say that although I know Sr. Julie is typically seen as “the blogging nun”, your blog is highly entertaining as well.
My question might seem odd to you, but I was wondering if you ever felt isolated from people who aren’t Catholic – and aren’t religious.
My situation is a bit weird in that I used to be Catholic, and really wanted to be a nun when I was younger; but, as time went by, I realized that I really wasn’t all that religious – that I loved the idea of being a nun and helping people (and I watched way too much Father Dowling Mysteries growing up), but that I really didn’ t believe in Church teachings. So I ended up not becoming a nun, and am now basically agnostic. Most of my friends are not Catholic, and I think that for them, nuns seem isolated and different from themselves. This is not so much because of stereotypes or because of Hollywood, I think, but because of religion itself. I think people think that nuns are so religious that they won’t be able to – and wouldn’t want to – relate to people who really aren’t that religious. I think people are afraid that because nuns are so religious, that anytime they speak to someone who is not , it’s for the purpose of eventually converting them, of “showing them the light.” So I think that makes people feel very isolated from nuns, because a lot of people don’t have a religion, and really don’t want to have a religion. I think they’re afraid of being judged by nuns – that it would be difficult to have a conversation with them just on a human/social level, without talk of religion or of God.
Being agnostic and pretty secular, and really having no contact with nuns, sometimes I wonder if that’s true (even though I know it probably isn’t). Because I wanted to be a nun when I was a little girl, I kind of have a soft spot for nuns (I’m so silly, hehe), but if it wasn’t for that, I would probably be like most non-religious people who probably feel rather isolated from nuns, and would be afraid to approach you guys for fear that you would not want to be friends as “just people.” Does that make any sense?
I mean, I love yours and Sister Julie’s blogs and would love to be a regular reader, but I guess I wonder if your blogs are meant just for religious people, and if those are the people you’d prefer to be commenting/reading.
Anyway, I guess I wondered what your thoughts were on, you know, “heathens”. Hehe
Have a good one!
Annie
Dear Annie Samantha,
Hi to you! Thanks so much for your compliments and for your wonderful comment. Your honesty and simplicity is refreshing and I love that you visit my blog.
I hope that many people visit the blog and it would be great if there was a real diversity of beliefs and views. So, I would definitely be happy for you to be a regular reader.
I know there are times when people see us Sisters as not being regular people with whom they may be friends, but I see myself as pretty ordinary. I do talk about my faith, certainly, but like to spend time with people just talking about this and that. I mean, of course I live community, pray and attend mass everyday, and do my ministry, but I like to hang out with people, go to movies, listen to the same music that others my age listen to, go to museums, etc….
I would not judge a person for whatever their beliefs are. I mean, who am I to say how a person finds her way home to God? Everyone has some piece of the truth …whether they agree with Church teaching or they don’t.
Anyway…I hope that helps. Thank you again for your comment.
Peace to you,
Sr. Judy
Hi Sister,
Thanks for writing back, your answer helps a lot
It’s funny because I read your story shortly after posting my comment, and I was laughing at my silliness because you seem very down-to-earth and like you’d be an awesome friend.
How cool that you’re a sociology major – I am too (sociology rocks, woohoo!). Actually, I kind of suspected as much, because I saw in one of your comments to someone else you mentioned the book Bowling Alone, and I thought, oh what a sociological thing to read! I have yet to get my hands on it but it’s on my bookmooch wishlist.
Anyway, you lived in Baltimore? I live and go to school in Baltimore. I’m getting my Master’s in Sociology – I graduate in like, ten days! *bites nails*
Oh, and I live in a community too in the sense that I have roomates…and they don’t do their dishes, and it’s really annoying.
And LOST is on in ten minutes, so I better go!
Have a good night and thank you again for your reply!
Annie Samantha
Good Morning Sr. Judy:
I just got back from a busy night at the hospital and thought I would send you a quick line before I drift off to sleep – it’s raining here and that is my FAVORITE time to sleep!
I appreciate your information on the Tridentine Mass. I still am not sure what it means but, since I don’t consider myself Catholic any more I guess it doesn’t really matter. My husband and I went to a funeral last week – a neighbor – and it was at a local parish. Of course, all the congregational responses came back to me. The only part I found to be unusual was when the priest announced before communion that “This is a traditional Catholic church so you may not receive communion unless you are in a state of grace..” which I didn’t really understand but since I wasn’t planning on receiving communion anyway it was a non-issue.
I have also been reflecting on your post on community. I am the president of my children’s elementary school PTA and we struggle tremendously with getting parents involved. We have used a lot of strategies in the past several years and we have increased our membership from 170 parents three years ago to over 300 this year, which isn’t bad in a school of 600 children. I just hope I am instilling in my own children the importance of community involvement and community service. I frequently get high school kids at the hospital who have to do “community service” as part of some court ordered mandate – and the HR department knows not to send these kids to me! I have lectured more than one person on the whole “Community service is a privelege, not a court ordered obligation!”
Anway, thanks again for the info on the tridentine/latin mass thing. I guess since my departure from the church the waters have really been muddied and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of “love thy neighbor” kind of thing going on – at least in the venues I have seen.
Elizabethanne
Dear Elizabethanne,
Hi again. It’s wonderful how you have managed to get so many involved in the PTA.
I have never heard a priest say that about being in a state of grace. I could see how that could turn someone off. It’s too bad that this is what you have encountered, because I know from my own experience that there is a great deal of “love thy neighbor” going on. Just think of all the good that Catholic social service agencies do, and other organizations like Catholic relief services. I know too that there are many priests who would never make a comment like that at a mass.
I think, in the most recent years especially, we have gotten so much bad press, that the good things are unnoticed. We really are saints and sinners… we always have been, and we always will be I suppose.
Anyway, I feel sure that your work at the PTA is very valuable, and it feels good to know that there are parents who are trying to instill this sense of the importance of community involvement in their children.
Much peace to you,
Sr. Judy
You are absolutely right, Sr. Judy – I can’t let isolated situations and a few people color my whole perception ! Since I am a product of Catholic Education, have worked in many Catholic institutions and have seen first hand all the good work being done by Catholic agencies I should have known better.
Hey Sister Judy!!!!
This website is awesome!!! I have a giant question….
My dad is currently working 2 jobs, and i hardly see him. I know that it sounds really dumb, but i really miss the old him. whenever he comes home he’s cranky and i get into alot of trouble for little things. How can i stop getting in so much trouble with him.
We love you!
Erin
Well hi Erin!
Thank you for the compliment on my blog.
I am sorry, of course, to hear that you are getting into more trouble with your Dad. I am sure you are right that working two jobs can make a person cranky.
If you want to get into less trouble with your father, not just for your sake, but for his as well, think about what it is you are getting into trouble for. If it is really small stuff, you can speak to him about it at a time when neither of you is upset. I almost never does any good to speak to a person about stuff like this when they are already upset. It usually just gets them more upset.
But be honest with yourself, Erin, and if they are not really little things…if it is about not doing homework, or backtalking, or something more serious like that, be kind to your Dad and make some extra effort. It is no more enjoyable for him to be upset with you than it is for you to have him upset.
I hope this helps you, and I hope you enjoy your summer and the beginning of your high school career very very much.
Peace to you Erin,
Sr. Judy
Sr. Judy, Halleluja! What a great thing this bloggin is! To be able to open the doors and windows wide…well, God is truly at work here and now … who would’ve ever thought?! IT IS ALL WONDERFUL if we focus our hope and eyes on Him.
The best thing I read so far on you blog, I think, is the fact that you intend this for the “heathens”…that everyone is welcome, that all should feel safe in blogging to you. Thank you for reaching out to the world in this blog and other ways. Peace for you.
Dear Sister Judy,
Thank you soooooo much. I think that the advise you have given me will help very much.
Peace!!!
Erin
Hi Sr. Judy,
I live about 65 miles from two Benedictine monasteries in Southern Indiana –the Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, and St. Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, IN. I know some women who are or plan to become oblates with the sisters in Ferdinand, and others who prefer the brothers at St. Meinrad. My question is, why do some women (and men) choose to become oblates with monks and some with nuns?
As for me, I’m an Episcopalian who has visited both monasteries but prefers St. Meinrad. Part of it is place, as St. Meinrad is more secluded, whereas “The Dome” is just off Ferdinand’s downtown. But I wonder what other factors enter into a person’s decision. Could you shed some light on this?
Many thanks for having your blog.
Blessings,
Patricia
Dear Patricia,
Hi. Well, people choose to become oblates… or lay associates… of a community for many reasons. Usually it happens because of some personal relationship… that they know a member of the community, or they know another person who is an oblate.
Other reasons might be that a person is attracted to the prayer life of a community and wants to participate in some way… or that the community offers opportunities for spiritual developement to the oblate, or that the person is attracted to the charism of a community. For instance, many Benedictines (if not all, I am not sure) have a special commitment to hospitality, and so people who feel called to grow in this area might want to pursue a relationship with them. Or maybe the initial attraction is the beauty of one or the other’s grounds. Of course, there would need to be something deeper later on in order to sustain a commitment.
I don’t know how much the gender of the community matters. Some people would want to be an oblate to a community of their own gender, I suppose, while to some I am sure it wouldn’t matter so much.
Anyhow… I hope that helps. If you are considering being an oblate, peace to you as you discern.
Best of spirit,
Sr. Judy
Sr. Judy,
Thanks so much for your reply. Yes, I am considering being an oblate, and you have given me much good things to consider. Bless you!
Patricia
Hi Judy,
This is Linda, I was in the internovitiate program with you. Sr. Lydia told me about your blog today. I am happy to hear you made it to your vows. My six year old son attends SHECS in Kingston. (Obviously I did not follow through with this path) We love Sacred Heart and think of you often. I think about what a great sense of humor you have. Next time you are in Kingston I would love to touch base.
Take care,
Linda
Hi Linda! Wow…it’s so nice to hear from you! Congratulations on having a son. What a blessing! It’s great that you are sending him to Sacred Heart too.
Are you still teaching art?
It so happens that I will be in Kingston in July for a youth conference in Attleboro in July. Maybe we could connect. Do you ever see anyone from our old group?
Anyhow…it’s good to hear from you.
Peace to you,
Sr. Judy
Dear Sr Judy
Odd how I stumbled upon your website this morning. Today I am about to begin my pre-ordination retreat, to be ordained as an Anglican deacon this Saturday and then to be priested last year.
I grew up as a Catholic in Canada, in a very Catholic family. But have found myself constantly drawn, although not always willingly along the path that I have taken up, a path which has been rooted in working with children who have behavioural difficulties and their families. My journey started in Canada, but I have lived and worked in the far north of Canada and I now find myself living in England and about to be curate in Godmanchester. I am very struck by the notion of needing to surrender to the will of God, to the notion of giving up in order to gain. At this point I realise that I have left my family’s tradition and culture behind, and this was done through no malice, or bitterness, but that for me that was the path that I needed to follow. What I learnt as a child as a cradle Catholic has underpinned all that I am now. I guess we just need to be open to the God of surprises and follow with an open heart and a sense of adventure.
Many thanks…please pray for all who will be ordained this Petertide.
Yours in Christ
Mary
Thank you, Mary, for your interesting post here. It is interesting to consider our different paths home to God, and how the Spirit leads us to places that we never thought we would find ourselves. I certainly never grew up with any notion of being a nun, that’s for sure.
I will pray for those who will be ordained in Petertide.
Thanks for reading my stuff here on the blog and for leaving a comment. I really like to get them.
Peace to you and congratulations on your ordination,
Sr. Judy
A big Hello from India.
I like your blog, wonderful.
May Lord Bless you with Happiness and Success in your ventures.
Take Care,
Love and Prayer
Rynal Thomas.
Dear Sister Judy,
Do you still wear a habit?
Dear Simple Sinner,
Hi. No, I do not wear a habit. In my community, habits are optional, but at this time I am not wearing one.
Thanks for your question.
Peace,
Sr. Judy
I typed in do I want to be a nun…It brought me to your page.I didn’t have time yet to browse your website …I guess I am in a bit of distress and need to ask my question before I chicken out.
I am 31 years old,I have known the love of God even before anyone told me about him.From a young age I was interested in religions.I am catholic.I haven’t been the best example for being a christian maybe…I have made many mistakes that I learn t from.
About 8 yrs ago and after a relationship I decided to be alone until I found the right man. 7 years later I found my angel who has taught me so much.Everyone including me
loves him.he is a very simple and gentle soul.I know he is God sent because I had prayed for god to send him to me.This time I let him choose instead of me.
I have been through a lot…many tests in my life that test my faith.I think ,I hope I have done well.I have started praying a lot recently and one night as I was scared sitting im my bed
praying and crying hoping that all my loved ones would go to heaven, I asked if there is sth I can do to sort of pay for it to assure they do.Anything I said. I know it might sound silly but its what I did.I felt that God wanted me to be a nun.I cried so much and asked why would you make me fall in love for the first time then ask me to do this,I just cant understand and I don’t know if its true or my imagination or what.The thought made me happy and killed me at the same time.I wrote my Boyfriend and email telling me this and you know what he said to my surprise.He said it would kill him and he wouldn’t know what to do but he would never ask me to stay with him but he would be happy that I am.I wont tell you how relived I was but how torn
I dont know what to do, I dont understand why God would if he dd , ask me this now.Even my mom was crying.it seems cruel … I don’t knwo I am confused but I knwo I didnt find your site by coincidence
I know you cant tell me what he wants but can you at least shine a small light and help me?
Please…
Thank you in advance
Rania
Dear Rania,
Hi. You really do have a dilemma there. I think that the best thing for you to do is to find yourself a spiritual director. If you are going into discernment thinking that this is a way to help your family get into heaven or that there is actually something cruel about it, I would have very strong reservations about making any commitments until you have had the chance to speak to a good spiritual director.
I would suggest you go to your parish priest, or to a retreat center near to your home and see if you can find someone willing to act in that capacity for you.,I wish you many blessings on your journey, and remember, God does not want us to be miserable, and I doubt very much that God would insist you become a religious sister to atone for the sins of others.
I hope this helps.
Much peace and many blessings,
Sr. Judy
Thank you so much for answering me.I think you are right , I probably should find someone in my surrounding.I think you might have misunderstood me maybe? I think being a nun is a beautifull thing.I just don’t get why now …
I am very confused and have been going through a lot spiritually lately.I hope the way will be cleared for me soon.
Thank you a million , God bless you .
Rania
Hey Sister Judy,
How are you? I’m okay…… I have a question……. My sister Kaitlyn and I seem to be getting into a lot of fights. I really hate when that happens because I really love her very much. I just want to know if their is any way to get along with her……..
Peace,
Erin
Hi Erin,
I am very fine. How are you?
I think in these cases, sort of personal family stuff, it would be good if you spoke to someone in a more private way…so that anyone looking at my blog couldn’t read it.
I know Sr. Janice is wonderful about that stuff and since she is the guidance counselor for the lower grades, she would be the one for you to see.
I hope your year is going well and that your grades are good and that your family is good too.
Much peace,
Sr. Judy
thanks.
peace
Erin
Sr. Judy,
Hello! I want to introduce myself. I am a student at Duquesne University, and I study piano under Sr. Carole. I had looked at your site a few weeks ago, but wasn’t sure how to thank you for your candy donation.
Thank you for the candy – it is a wonderful idea, and I appreciate it!
Sincerely,
Naomi
Hi Naomi. You are very welcome! I wish you well in your studies. I envy those who can play an instrument!
Peace,
Sr. Judy
Sister Judy,
I just wanted to tell you that I very much appreciated the trip that my CCD group and I, from Castle Shannon, took to the motherhouse. I had a lot of fun visiting with the sisters and learning about the chapel. I can’t wait to visit you again!
Sincerely,
Mackenzie
(from St. Anne’s)
Dear Mackenzie,
Hi. Thanks so much for writing. That was very sweet. Please come anytime!
Peace,
Sister Judy
Hi Sr.Judy. You were featured today on CathNews ( the daily Catholic e-mail service here in Australia.) I’m in Melbourne. Studied in Chicago in the early – mid ’80’s with Sr.Jean Rene Seiler .. a Sister of Divine Providence from Pittsburgh .. where she still works as a hospital chaplain = same Congregation as yourself? If so, please give her my love and tell her to get on to her computer!! Every blessing on you and your ministry.
Peace and joy. Gordon.
Dear Gordon,
Wow. I am really surprised (and happy) to hear that I was featured on a news service in Austrailia. The internet really does make for a global village I suppose.
Even though I have never traveled to Austrailia, I have a really love for that country that was given to me by my oldest sister who lived and taught school in Mount Isa for two years back in the 70’s. It would be so great to go there.
As for Sister Jean Rene…she is in my community, I know her very well, and was just speaking with her the other night about how she can’t seem to get into doing things by e-mail.
I am going to print out your message and give it to her. I am sure she will be very happy to receive it.
Thank you so much for writing.
Much peace,
Judy
Hi Sister Judy!
Just wanted to tell you that i had a great time at the motherhouse! My CCD group and I really appreciated the time you took for us. I especially loved visiting the sisters in the infirmary and having mass in your chapel. That mass was the most unique and beautiful I have ever attended. Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Emilia (from Saint Anne’s)
As an alumnus of Sacred Heart High School in the Kingston province (1984), it is refreshing to see the “digital” age come to role of vocations. With blogs such as this and that of His Eminence, Cardinal Sean, as we enter of 25th year since our graduation, we owe what we learned to the Sisters from Kingston, Pittsburgh, and throughout the world. I congratulate you on this and may you, and the Sisters, have continued success.
The only sad thing is that Divine Providence Academy is gone. I remember our freshman visit and exchange and the fun and – albeit on a sprained ankle – excitement we had learning from the students, parents, teachers, and remembering having the largest volleyball game amongst the students!
For those in discernment, whether as sisters or as religious, may God bless you and guide you in whatever path He may see fit for you.
Anthony Fagen
Sister Judy,
Hi, I was just reading all of this stuff and one of the “letters” appealed to me, and i just have some advise for the lady who wrote it…..
Rania- This boyfriend of yours sounds like an amazing guy! I’m 14, so you don’t have to listen to this, but, here goes nothing…… Maybe God sent you this man so that you could experience love, maybe you really are ment to be with him. I had a boyfriend last year, I was going through a period when I was doubting God and when we started going out, I realized that God really was there. God wouldn’t send this guy to you, and then tell you to become a nun. Maybe you misunderstood Him. I’m not dissing nun’s or anything, I swear! But love can be amazingly religious, even when it doesn’t work out. Wait and see what happens.
peace to you both, and to sister judy of course!
Erin
Hi Sr. Judy -
We are in the process of planning the next Sleep-In for the Homeless. It is set for Oct. 9, 2009. We were hoping you could help us spread the word. Would you be interested in participating in the planning committee this year? Thanks so much for your participation last year…it was a very cold night…and those who endured it were especially dedicated and concerned about the homeless. With your help, $20,000 was raised to hirs a homeless outreach nurse who has had the ability to provide free health care to over 400 homeless individuals in Pittsburgh!
In Peace and Solidarity -
Diane
Dear Diane,
Well, while I don’t think I can be on the planning committee, I am sure that if La Roche participates again next year I will be there to sleep out with the homeless again. Congratulations on your $20,000 fundraising. That’s great!
Peace,
Sister Judy
Am trying to find a picture of the habit worn by the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart who taught at my elementary school, St. Joan of Arc in Jackson Heights, NY during the 1940’s and 1950’s.
Thank you.
Kenneth-
I just did a Google images search and found several photos of different types of habits worn by Grey Nuns. I don’t know if any are helpful to you. http://images.google.com/images?q=grey%20nuns%20of%20the%20sacred%20heart&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi
Perhaps you want to contact the order, and they have the answer: http://www.greynun.org/
Best of luck, regards and prayers-