by Kat Apf

Created on: September 01, 2011   Last Updated: December 15, 2011

Becoming a nun is a calling but it's also a career choice.  The discernment period is a rigorous, prayerful time.  It's a long process and for a good reason.  This is a tremendous undertaking.  A nun has a a very different life than your average person.  A nun gives her life to Jesus and the community and it's not an easy vocation.

Who can be a nun?

To become a nun you have to be Catholic woman. If you're not Catholic you'd need to go through the RCIA program which takes a year or two, depending on the Diocese the church is in.

You must be single to be a nun.  If you've been married, your marriage must be annulled in the Catholic church.  If you're a widow, you can be a nun.

You may have children but they must no longer be dependent on you. 

If you have outstanding debt, this could be a problem. It doesn't mean that you can't become a nun, every case is different, but it's best not have a large amount of outstanding debt.

You should be relatively healthy which doesn't rule out people who manage chronic illness but overall, you should be fairly healthy or be able to manage your illness.

Age does play a part in who can be a nun but the "rules" on this have relaxed in recent years.  It used to be that a woman would have to be in her late teens or early twenties to even be considered. But things have changed and whatever your age is, don't be discouraged and think you're too old. If you feel the calling, you should speak to someone in your parish about becoming a nun. 

Education is never a bad thing but neither is a lack of one when it comes to being a nun.  Depending on what order you're thinking of joining, you may need some education and some professional experience but not necessarily. 

What's next?

If you feel you fit the above suggestions for who can become a nun, the next step is to pray.  It is sometimes very hard to "hear" what God is telling you but becoming a nun is not something to rush into.  It can take years to be certain and praying will help.  The "answer" may not come right away but don't give up. 

Once you've decided that you want to move forward, it's recommended you get to know a community of nuns.  Spend time with people who do what you're thinking of doing.  According to the website, A Nun's Life, you should meet nuns and spend as much time in as many ways as you possibly can to help gain insight on whether or not being a nun is truly what you should do.

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