Feedback please

Categories: convent

Tags: convent life

Date: 04 April 2004 19:44:35

I've been talking to many people about my experiences living in community, both before I arrived and since I've been here. One of the things I've heard many times is 'how on earth can you do it?' Well, I'm not committing for life, or anywhere near that long, but that got me thinking... (Dangerous habit I know)

I was wondering what would make people join one for longer than the 6 months I'm here...

Am I really *that* rare in my ability to live in community?

From discussions I've had with all sorts of people there seems to be a declining number of people feeling called to such a life. Okay, so fair enough - I can hardly talk, I don't feel it would be right to make it a long-term thing.

If the communities where vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience are declining in numbers, what is going to happen in 10, 15 years time?

Can you see a future for the Religious, and if so, doing what? This is a somewhat academic question but it is something that occured to me.

If you have any comments or cunning suggestions, even if it is to stop thinking about this, please let me know as I'm really interested.