There are many ways to explore the religious life. The first step is to get in touch with a religious community that interests you, either directly or through your priest. Religious orders will be happy to provide you with plenty of information about their history and their way of life. Some offer special retreats or similar programs to help potential sisters and brothers discern their vocation. You may have the opportunity to participate in the work of active religious orders, volunteering your time at their hospitals, religious education classes, or social services. Even if you are considering the contemplative life, it can be very rewarding to participate in the social work of active sisters and brothers.
In both exploring the religious life and preparing for it, you should be conscientious about living the Catholic faith as fully as you can; that is the essence of the contemplative life. Attend Mass and other services frequently; read about church history, doctrine, and current events; take part in parish activities. Finally, religious sisters and brothers will tell you that the key to preparing for and discerning a vocation is prayer.
- Archakas
- Buddhist Priests and Contemplatives
- Cantors
- Directors of Corporate Sponsorship
- Directors of Fund-Raising
- Directors of Volunteers
- Eastern Orthodox Priests
- Environmental Education Program Directors
- Environmental Lobbyists
- Fund-Raisers
- Grant Coordinators and Writers
- Historic Preservationists
- Imams
- Land Acquisition Professionals
- Land Trust or Preserve Managers
- Librarians
- Lobbyists
- Museum Attendants
- Museum Directors and Curators
- Museum Technicians
- Muslim Religious Scholars
- National Park Service Employees
- Nonprofit Social Service Directors
- Park Rangers
- Proposal Managers
- Protestant Ministers
- Public Interest Lawyers
- Public Opinion Researchers
- Public Relations Specialists
- Purohits
- Rabbis
- Roman Catholic Priests
- Social Workers
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors