Dear Kayla:

Sorry for the delay in responding. I had a major computer crash and am only now back online.

We will certainly be in prayer for your discernment of a vocation.

The first step I would recommend is to take an aptitude test for religious life. You can find this on the site for the Institute for Religious Life. The Institute also has many other resources, including a area for searching for monasteries and convents for vocation. The main Institute  site is here.

In choosing a religious vocation you need to consider what kind of work you wish to do. Do you wish to be a contemplative, a teacher, a nurse, a missionary, etc. Then once you decide that you can begin to look for Religious Orders where the sisters perform that task.

The "Vocations Search" on the Institute for Religious Life website can direct you to good orthodox Order.  One must be very careful. Many monasteries and convents are not loyal to the Church. I know of one convent in Illinois that worships the goddess Sophia. So be sure to check out the orthodoxy of any place you consider.

Once you find a possible monastery or convent that looks interesting then you need to make retreats there to see how it is. If all looks good, then contact the Vocations Director at that monastery/convent and express your interest. Follow whatever course or instructions given to you (procedures can vary from place to place).

A permanent commitment is not made for many years. If you do make an motivate or even become temporarily professed, you can leave if things do not work out. Perpetual profession is usually not made for at least five years or more.

Age is a factor. In some Religious Orders you are already too old. Thirty is a typical age limit. Do not become discouraged, however, since there are Orders who take older aspirants. You just have to look around -- you should be able to find several places that will accept vocations in the thirties.

If one place does not work out, try another. Each monastery/convent has its own personality. Sometimes "personalities" clash. That is not the fault of anyone (the Order or the person). Sometimes we are just not each other's cup of tea. Thus, do not be discouraged when this happens. Just move on to check out another monastery/convent. However, if place after place does not work out, then you may have to consider that you do not have a calling to religious life.

Keep in mind that the pursuit of holiness and perfection, and living a religious life, can be done as an ordinary laywoman living in the world. We are all called to holiness and perfection.

Spend a lot of time in prayer and see where God leads you, see what doors He opens.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary