Discerning Religious Life

by Clare Matthiass, Timothy M. Dolan (Foreword)

A comprehensive guide to help women discern Religious Life with clarity, confidence, and joy. Foreword by Cardinal Dolan.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2020

Reviews

[Florence Bernice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the best women's discernment resource among the eight discernment books I have read. It is comprehensive, has inside scoop from various orders, and written by an actual vocation director with for-real advice from women who have discerned out and discerned to stay in the convent.

[Abby Vahlkamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book to read as starting point (or as an additional read) for any woman discerning religious life. It’s very informative!

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful guide to young women who are discerning their vocation. There are many things I appreciate about this book (in no particular order):

First, that it exists: there are few resources that clearly outline how to discern religious life for young women, specifically addressing the fears, doubts, and steps that should be taken on such a journey. As a result, someone beginning their discernment can feel very alone, or unsure of what to do next. This book provides a lot of insight in how to go forward.

Second, the book is not a book of theory. The pages are filled with testimonies and advice from women who have walked this path already. It acknowledges that each person's experience is different and unique, but tries to address what is most probably common.

Third, the clear distinction it makes between religious life and other forms of consecrated life. Many people are unaware that there are more ways to dedicate your life completely to God. Often when we think of a vocation, our minds go directly to those women who wear a habit. But the beauty of the Church is that there are so many forms from active and contemplative religious life, to lay consecration within a Secular Institute or Society of Apostolic Life, to Consecrated Virginity. Sr. Clare expresses that this book is dedicated specifically to the discernment of religious life, but does not hesitate to mention there are other forms.

My main critique for the book would be that it is very clearly for someone at the beginning stages of discernment. As the heart opens more and more to God and journeys more deeply on the path of discernment, there is a desire for something deeper. Even to hear more of the sisters stories than just the short anecdotes would be helpful. Perhaps the answer here is the accompaniment of a spiritual director or vocations director. Or perhaps there could be a part two at some point in the future. Either way, I would highly recommend to young women who are discerning, and even to those who may be accompanying young women in their discernment process - whether it is friend, family, or a spiritual director.

[Audrey Monahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent starting point for any Catholic woman at virtually ANY point in discerning the religious life—even those who are in NO place to be doing so *cough, cough, me*

I picked up this book in what I can only describe as a spiritual spiral, hoping it would provide me with some clarity and it certainly did. It gave me some excellent questions and considerations to ponder/bring to prayer which I will include below to reflect upon in case this same spiritual warfare starts raging again:

- “If your heart is not opening naturally to discerning a call, do not force it. A call is a very personal thing, between God and you. I don’t think God wants you to be wrangled into discernment by guilt trips. If you begin to feel your heart opening to the possibility, follow a plan for discernment and pay special attention to your thoughts, feelings, and desires, especially in times of consolation, which is how you will begin to notice authentic indicators of a call.”
- “I felt like it would be a great sacrifice, but I’d be willing to do it for the Lord. My whole perspective on discernment changed when my spiritual director told me that God wasn’t calling me to do something I didn’t desire, something that was only a sacrifice. He said God made me with the desires that I had and He wanted to fulfill them.”

- “This is the whole point of the spiritual life: to be led… Let the Lord lead; yours is to follow.”
- “God, our Father, created His children in freedom, with freedom, for freedom. Your life’s vocation is meant to be chosen by you in freedom. You must want it and choose it.”

- “Can you identify what obstacles are preventing you from being sincerely open to God’s will?”

*Thank you Janelle for recommending/lending this book!

[Meredith Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good. I read this out of pure curiosity and found myself wanting to know more. I had a lot more questions than the books answered. The schedules at the end were very nice and my favorite part. I liked the testimonials interspersed throughout. It would have been nice just to see a little bit more about the practical side of things though, although since this book is angled more towards discerning and not just information, I probably misunderstood the purpose of the book. I can see it being very helpful for those discerning as it walks them through a six months process and gives lots of testimonials. It shows the highs and the lowsm

[Monica Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was integral in my discernment period. It is a sample and straightforward read, and provides real-life example of the what the discernment process often looks like for women. The book provides lots of practical steps to discern the Lord's will, and I would highly recommend the read as a starting point for any woman seeking clarity in discernment. (Seriously I have like 5 extra copies just in case)

[Brenda Conyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all ages

This is a very good book for young and old. As we go through different seasons of life we may need help discerning how we can love and serve our Lord. This book is easy to read—the author is clear. She gives resources to supplement the text. And, the book has heart. It is NOT just a text itself—it feels written from the heart of Jesus to your own heart to help you find your unique path.

[Marie Not Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for women considering becoming a sister or a nun. After converting I realized that religious life was suddenly an option, so I picked this up to give it some thought. I’m definitely still marriage-minded and won’t be entering a convent any time soon, but I’m glad to have learned a bit more about another vocation. The book was well-written and quick to read.

[Caroline Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You are obligated to discern religious life because it is the surest and fastest path to heaven” -Fr. Chad Ripperger 💕 this is a beautiful book and I would recommend it if you are looking for practical advice written with a very loving and encouraging tone

[Grace Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book fulfilled its purpose. Super clarifying and included great variety of perspectives! So many nuggets of information that will be helpful in prayer!

[Anna Maria Cartaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

its so beautifullll

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This truly inspired book is full of helpful and encouraging tips, which are wanted by the women in this stage of their lives. Not only that, it is sprinkled with just enough humor to lighten the often heavy weight that the word "discernment" carries.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, best suited for girls just beginning their discernment of religious life who have already developed a beginner prayer life.