Frequently Asked Questions

The term “nun” and “sister” are often used interchangeably. However, officially a nun is a woman who lives in an enclosed setting and is cloistered or semi-cloistered. Her prayer, ministry and community living are centered in a monastery. A sister is a woman who lives in a community setting in the midst of the world. Her prayer, ministry and community living take place in various ways and settings.

In today’s world, “nun” is an acceptable term for a woman living either in a cloister or in the midst of the world. Nuns and sisters both use the title “Sister” to note their availability to be present to the people of God, whoever they meet.

Sisters are involved for most of the day in a ministry where they are conscious of being the presence of God to those they meet. Prayer and community life sustain ministry. Part of the day involves praying with other sisters, sharing meals and conversation and spending time with other sisters and friends.

Prayer is central to the life of a sister as our lives are grounded in relationship with God. Sisters take time for individual and communal prayer, including liturgy or Mass.

There is no one way to tell your friends. You might prepare them for your move into community living by talking with them and answering their questions. You might use statements like: “This is where God seems to be calling me” and “This is where I see myself being the happiest and most alive.”

You will be welcomed and invited to be a part of the daily living in community. As you get to know and grow in community, you will be welcomed to share your gifts and talents through participation and initiation in building relationships, decision making, prayer life, daily food preparation and upkeep of the living space. The sisters you live with will help you get to know other members of the congregation and to experience the life and spirit of the congregation.

Some sisters work as pastoral associates, directors of religious education and faith formation, principals, teachers, liturgists, and musicians, retreat leaders and spiritual directors. Sisters also work among those who are poor and in secular organizations and social agencies. Some of us are lawyers, doctors and nurses. Still others do clerical, technological or other forms of support ministries.

Sisters do not individually own anything, but share belongings in common. Resources are used creatively and responsibly to provide for the well being of community members and support of ministries with the poor. Members of the congregation reverence and act as stewards of all of God’s creation because all is a gift from God.