by Therese Ivers, JCL

An individual who had heard me introduce myself to a group as a consecrated virgin spoke with me at a table. He asked me whether I was thinking of “taking the next step”. Startled, I asked him what he meant, and he responded by saying that he was wondering if [...]

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Q.  Why don’t you post the formulas for private vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience?
A.  It is adviseable for a person who wishes to make a vow of this nature and magnitude to do so under the guidance of a knowledgable person.  Otherwise, grave mistakes can be made.  For instance, it makes little sense for [...]

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by Therese Ivers, JCL
One day, as I was helping out a friend in the sacristy, she mentioned something about “the chapel rats”.  My friend was not referring to rats scurrying about – for as far as I know, there were none in the building.  Rather, she was talking about those who spend practically all their [...]

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by Therese Ivers, JCL
In one of the states of the US that I grew up in, there is a convent.  In that convent are women dressed in habits.  They make vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience… and they live austerely.  They claim to belong to an ancient and revered Order.  But, they are not nuns, [...]

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By Therese Ivers

One of the most frequent topics people discerning their vocation have several questions about is on vows and promises. As most people enter their vocation by means of a vow or vows, this topic is of great importance.

To begin with, all Catholics by virtue of their baptismal promises, have the obligation [...]

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