What do religious do all day?
This varies from person to person but a balance of prayer, work and play is attempted.
As far as ministry we have one main ministry such as parish ministry, counseling, teaching, hospital chaplains. We share our lives with others and try to reveal Christ in all we do.

Is it always easy to pray?
Most certainly not. Prayer can often seem uneventful but our community structure helps us during these difficult times. It is important to try and be faithful even when prayer seems dull.

How are religious orders different from one another?
Each religious order or congregation has its own founder or foundress, charism or spiritual gift, and focused mission that members hope to accomplish in community.

What is the difference between a sister and a nun?
A nun is a part of a community that is contemplative (dedicated to prayer) and they fill their days with a combination of prayer and work. Sometimes they will grow their own food and do income producing work, such as baking and selling altar breads or making and selling candy. Their prayer usually consists of Mass, silent prayer and reading, and praying the psalms-based Liturgy of the Hours (an ancient collection of psalms and prayers prayed together every few hours).
A sister is part of an apostolic community and they fill their days with their ministry while balancing prayer and play with this ministry.

What vows do religious take?
The three vows we take are:
Poverty – sharing our goods in common, living a simple life and realize we depend on God and our community for our needs.
Celibacy – choosing to love God, serve God and all God’s people rather then choosing to love one person exclusively in marriage.
Obedience – Living in community and trying to obey the will of God by taking part in the community’s goals, hopes and work.

Can sisters date?
No we can’t because dating is meant to lead to marriage and as celibates we plan not to marry. Friendship is important and we have friends of both sexes.

Are religious ever attracted to others in a romantic way?
Of course! We still experience normal, human needs, feelings, and desires. As celibate persons we choose to channel these feelings – our sexual energies into other healthy directions. We work at remaining faithful to our vow of celibacy through prayer, closeness to Jesus, good friendships and healthy physical exercise.

Do you have to be a virgin to be a sister?
Past sexual activity does not in itself prevent someone from becoming a sister. A person’s past life is not the main concern. The question is whether from now on a person is willing and able to live and love as a celibate in the service of others.

Does it matter what your sexual orientation is if you want to be a sister?
Religious orders are seeking women who are sexually integrated which means having a strong sense of self and understanding your own needs for affection and closeness. A woman should also have the gifts and talents to live celibately. They should understand what are appropriate expressions of love in a celibate context.

Why do some religious wear a habit and others don’t?
Those who wear habits do so for various reasons. One is that religious dress is a sign, or recognized symbol, of faith in God and commitment to Christianity.

Another frequent rationale is that religious clothing is simple dress and therefore a way to live out the vow of poverty.

Some communities wear street clothes, preferring to make their lifestyle, rather than their clothing, their main outward sign of faith. They feel that religious dress creates an undesirable barrier between them and other people. Futhermore, those who have discontinued wearing habits often say the original reason for them was to wear the dress of the common people, and street clothes are now the common people’s dress.