If the idea of a being a sister keeps tugging at your heart, then it’s very important to explore whether the option of religious life is for you! Ask for God’s guidance. Spend time with sisters. Join them for meals and prayer. See how they live and serve. Ask them questions about why they chose this life. What happens inside you? As you listen, do you feel drawn to this life? Then talk with a vocation director. She can answer your questions and help you discern God’s call. She will not pressure you to make decisions too quickly or to join her congregation.

What do you mean by God’s call?
God calls each of us to a way of life that will lead to our happiness. However, God does not call your cell phone to inform you of what choice to make. Rather we “discern” God’s call. Discernment is a process of prayer and reflection, taking quiet time to listen to God. Discernment also calls you to honestly listen to your own heart to see where you are drawn, to discover what you want to do with your one precious life. It helps to talk with a spiritual director and sisters who can offer advice and encouragement. Ask your friends who know you well. In time you come to clarity, but don’t think you’ll have all the answers in a short time. 

Do Sisters pray all day?
Daily prayer is a priority to us. We set aside time for our own personal prayer and time for community prayer. Prayer inspires us, brings us new insights and carries us through hard times. Since each of us has a ministry that we are involved in, we try to have a healthy balance of prayer, community life, ministry and fun.

Isn't it hard not being married and having your own children?
Sometimes people have the idea that Sisters are lonely or sad. That isn't true at all. Our lives are filled with love and we have close friends, family members and other SSNDs who support us and care about us. So it's not like we feel that we have "missed out" on anything. We are happy in our commitment to God and to following Christ. On the other hand, we do realize that we have made a sacrifice in not having our own families. Yet because it is God who calls us to this lifestyle, we gladly respond to the invitation to give our lives completely and totally to God.

Where do SSNDs live?
SSNDs make every effort to live in community. The size of the community may vary from one to several sisters. Several types of living arrangements, such as living in a convent, an apartment or a regular house, are possible. Much depends on where a sister ministers and where we have a community near that site. Interested women have the opportunity to visit communities for live-in experiences to help them understand our lifestyle.

Do sisters receive a salary?
Most sisters receive a salary for their service from the organization for which they work. For example, a sister who teaches is paid by the school. As sisters we share all things, so our salaries are placed into a common SSND fund. The funds in this central account are used to support all sisters, both active and retired. From this fund money is also given to those in need, to support the ministries we sponsor, (such as our shelters for women) and to provide for our missionaries. Many of our retired sisters volunteer their time in parishes and schools and are not paid.

Will I have a choice as to which areas of ministry I'd like to serve?
A Sister looks for a ministry that is in keeping with her abilities, educational background and skills. She dialogs with the congregation’s leadership about the ministry openings she has found. The leadership helps her discern a choice and gives the consent of the community before the sister accepts a position. At other times the congregation may be aware of a specific need in a ministry and ask a sister to consider accepting the assignment.

Since you have the word "School" in your name, does everyone have to teach?
When our congregation was founded in 1833, Blessed Theresa believed that the education of girls, particularly those who were poor or had no access to education, was a critical need of her time. She felt that girls educated both in academics and in faith, would be mothers who would influence families and help transform society for the better. Today, we understand education as helping people reach their God given potential, understanding that they are valued and significant. You will find School Sisters in formal classroom teaching, and also in social service, parish ministries, health care services, campus ministry, retreat work, direct service programs with those who are poor, and social justice advocacy. With our educational vision of empowering others to transform lives, women who feel called to share in the life and mission of the SSNDs today, respond to the urgent needs of God’s people in our day according to their gifts and talents. Many women are surprised to learn that a career they are thinking about can be done as a sister.

Can I maintain relationships with friends and family?
Yes, you are encouraged to keep those relationships and to continue visiting with family and friends. They are an important part of your life and we believe you need to stay connected to those important people. And they need you, too!

Do SSNDs get time off or take vacations?
Sisters try to live a balanced lifestyle. Having time for leisure and vacation is very important to that balance. Sometimes sisters do things with their community members such as going out to dinner or to the movies. Some sisters enjoy painting, pottery, hiking and other activities. Sisters also go on

vacations because having time away from their ministries enables sisters to return to work refreshed and renewed.

Will I be able to study or take classes in the future?
Sisters have the opportunity to continue their education. Many study to receive a Masters Degree in the field in which they are ministering. We also have the opportunities to attend workshops, mini-courses, lectures on topics that interest us. New members who have not had classes in theology are encouraged to take classes in Scripture or Sacraments.

If I am interested, where do I start?
Contact our vocation director or the vocation director of a community that you are interested in. She can begin to answer your questions and take you to visit her sisters. She will journey with you as your discover God’s call. Remember that this is a process and it takes time to know where God is leading you. But don’t be afraid to take that first step. To reach the SSND vocation directors just email:

Sister Carolyn, SSND at cjost@amssnd.org or

Sister Maria, SSND at miannuccilo@amssnd.org

Our Vocation Team

Becoming an SSND

Meet our newest members

Upcoming events

Q&A

Dinner and Prayer

Web site links

Suggested Reading

Vocation test

SSND Resources