Religious Vocations

Catholic Resources for Parents about the Priesthood
March 14, 2026

Books for Parents: Priesthood

A Parent’s Guide for Vocations by Fr. Todd J. Petersen (2012) 

A Priest in the Family: A Guide for Parents Whose Sons Are Considering Priesthood by Fr. Brett A. Brannen (2014) 

And You Are Christ’s: The Charism of Virginity and the Celibate Life by Thomas Dubay (1987)

Called By Name: The Inspiring Stories of 12 Men Who Became Catholic Priests by Dr. Christine Anne Mugridge and Jerry Usher (2011)

Forming Families, Forming Saints by Fr. Carter Griffin (2024) 

Raising Catholic Kids for Their Vocations by John and Claire Grabowski (2019) 

Resting on the Heart of Christ: The Vocation and Spirituality of the Seminary Theologian by James Keating (2009)

The Joy of Priesthood by Stephen J. Rossetti (2005)

The Sacred Heart and the Priesthood by Mother Louise Margaret Claret de la Touche (2009) 

To Save a Thousand Souls by Fr. Brett A. Brannen (2010) 

Why Celibacy?: Reclaiming the Fatherhood of the Priest by Fr. Carter Griffin (2019) 

Why Priests Are Happy: A Study of the Psychological and Spiritual Health of Priests by Stephen J. Rossetti (2005) 

Websites for Parents: Priesthood

Parents of Vocations: https://parentsofvocations.com/ 

Seminarian Parents: Parents’ perspectives on a Catholic vocation journey by seminarianpriests.com: https://seminarianparents.com/ 

Advice from Parents of Priests by Diocese of Davenport: https://davenportdiocese.org/advice-from-parents-of-priests

Catholic Parents by Archdiocese of Portland: https://archdpdxvocations.org/resources/catholic-parents/ 

For Parents: Six Myths About Priesthood for Parents by Archdiocese of Chicago: https://vocations.archchicago.org/where-do-i-begin/for-parents 

Parent to Parent: Real Answers to Frequently Asked Questions by DCPriest: https://dcpriest.org/parent-to-parent/ 

Parents Resources: Parents Page by Diocese of Trenton: https://godiscallingyou.org/parents-resources/ 

Mommy, I Want to Be a Priest by Rebecca W. Martin: https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2016/08/24/mommy-want-priest 

Mothers, Encourage Your Sons to Be Open to the Priesthood by Catholic Exchange, Constance T. Hull (2025): https://catholicexchange.com/mothers-encourage-your-sons-to-be-open-to-the-priesthood/ 

The Family – Think Priest: https://www.thinkpriest.org/The-Family 

Towards the Grace of Uncertainty: When My Son Wants to Become A Missionary by Rubianto Satrio: https://rsatrio.com/2020/05/22/towards-the-grace-of-uncertainty-when-my-son-wants-to-become-a-missionary/ 

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Catholic Religious Life Resources for Parents

Catholic Resources for Parents About Religious Life
March 14, 2026

Books for Parents: All Religious Vocations 

A Guide to Religious Ministries for Catholic Men and Women by Nancy Lappin (2014)

A Right to Be Merry by Mother Mary Francis (1956)

And You Are Christ’s: The Charism of Virginity and the Celibate Life by Thomas Dubay (1987)

Called by God: Discernment and Preparation for Religious Life by Rachael Marie Collins (2017)

Come and Follow Me by Stefano Manelli (2000)

Forming Families, Forming Saints by Fr. Carter Griffin (2024)

Paths of Love: The Discernment of Vocation According to Aquinas, Ignatius, and Pope John Paul II by Joseph Bolin (2008)

Raising Catholic Kids for Their Vocations by John and Claire Grabowski (2019) 

The Monastery of the Heart: An Invitation to a Meaningful Life by Joan Chittister (2012) 

When God Asks for an Undivided Heart by Fr. Andrew Apostoli (1995)

Vita Consecrata by Saint Pope John Paul II (1996)

Websites for Parents: All Religious Vocations 

For Families by Dominican Nuns, Marbury Alabama: https://marburydominicannuns.org/families

For Parents: Office of Vocations by The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix: https://dphx.org/office-of-vocations/for-the-parents/

foryourvocation.org 

Home of the Mother – The Consecrated Life (2017): https://www.homeofthemother.org/en/magazine/selected-articles/spiritual-life/8272-consecrate-life 

Parents of Vocations: https://parentsofvocations.com/

Resources for Parents by Office of Vocations, Diocese of Springfield, MA: https://www.myvocation.com/resources/for-parents/ 

Vocation Resources for Parents and Families by USCCB: https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/vocation-resources-families 

Vocation Resources for Parents by Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church: https://ctrcc.com/vocations-for-parents 

Vocation Resources for Parents by Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis: https://tertiarysisters.org/vocations/for-parents/

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Catholic Religious Life Resources for Parents

Ways to Support Catholic Religious Vocations & Consecrated Life
March 7, 2026

Supporting Religious Vocations and Consecrated Life 

When we help Catholic men and women who have been called to religious life serve Jesus, we serve Him too. 

 

No task is too small. No act of kindness is too little. 

 

PDF DOCUMENT: Support Religious Vocations and Consecrated Life

 

Fundraise for the Area of Greatest Need – Ask the Community’s Permission First

  1. Hold a Parish Bazar
  2. Organize Parish Raffle Baskets 
  3. Sale of Baked Goods 
  4. Make and Sell Rosaries

 

Volunteer Your Time 

 

Religious Communities often have a variety of tasks to perform to keep operations running. Ask if there is any way you can assist. 

 

Bake or Cook 

 

Baking or cooking a large dish that the community can enjoy will often be appreciated. Do not forget to ask about allergies and food restrictions.

 

Help with Vocations

 

Ask the community if they are open to receiving new vocations. If so, ask for a card or some information you could give to people in your local parish community.

 

Volunteer your Expertise or Services

 

Do you know how to make a website? Build a barn? Fix a roof? Are you a nurse? Lend your services without charge. 

 

Start a carpool group with your parish so multiple parishioners can lend their services. 

 

Are you a Parent? 

Visit the Community with Your Children

 

Catholic children are the future of the Catholic Church. If religious life is close to their hearts as children, it is more likely to be in their hearts as adults. 

 

Are you a Teacher? 

Visit the Community with your Class. 

 

Catholic children are the future of the Catholic Church. If religious life is close to their hearts as children, it is more likely to be in their hearts as adults. 

 

Are you a Parent, Relative, or Teacher?

Organize a Weekly Religious Movie Night/Lunch.

 

Each film can focus on a different religious vocation of the Church (i.e, priests, nuns, monks).

 

Are you a Teacher or School Faculty?

Organize a Religious Vocation Day.

 

Organize a time for priests and religious to speak to your students about vocations.

 

Are you a Teacher or School Faculty?

Organize a Religious Vocation Club.

 

Each time the students meet, they can do different activities associated with different saints in religious life (i.e., Saint Francis of Assisi was a friar).

 

 

Are you a Farmer?

Provide Fresh Produce

 

Provide the religious community with your own fresh milk, cheese, jams, vegetables, or fruit. 

 

 

Lend Your Car and Driving Skills

 

Do you have a car? Do you like driving? Offer to drive members of the religious order to doctors’ appointments, do their shopping, or complete other errands. This helps them save on gas and time. 

 

Start a carpool service (or grocery service) with fellow parishioners for the religious order. 

 

Pray for the Community/Order

 

Never underestimate the power of prayer. Pray for the community/order independently or host a weekly or bi-weekly prayer group. 

 

Your Talent + Their Need = Success 

 

What are you good at? Where do you thrive? What does the religious order need? Put these together, and there will be success. 

 

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Religious Vocations

Catholic Resources for Cloistered Life
February 23, 2026

A Hidden Light. A Joyful Life. All for Christ.

Books about Cloistered Life

Cloister and Community: Life within a Carmelite Monastery by Mary Jo Weaver (2002)

Cloister Talks: Learning from My Friends the Monks by Jon M. Sweeney (2009)

Flowers of The Cloister by Sister Mary Wilfrid La Motte (2011)

Praying the Hours by Suzanne Guthrie (2000)

Inside the Cloistered Life: Personal Letters of a Carmelite Nun by Sr. Marie of the Trinity (2024)

Reflections on Faith: Life in the Cloister by O.S.B. Sister Mary Agnes and Agnes Repplier (2025)

Saint Clare of Assisi: Light from the Cloister by Bret Thoman OFS (2017)

The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris (1996)

The Story Of Saint Clare Of Assisi: Life story and nine days novena, litany, devotions and prayers to the light of Assisi by Cole M. Gabriel (2024)

The Wisdom of the Cloister: 365 Daily Readings from the Greatest Monastic Writings by John Skinner (1999)

Websites about Cloistered Life

A Nun’s Life Ministry (anunslife.org) 

chartreux.org 

Cloistered Life (cloisteredlife.com)

Trappist.net (trappist.net)

YouTube Videos about Cloistered Nuns

A Day in the Life of the Passionist Nuns (Passionist Nuns of St. Joseph Monastery, 2022)

Day in the Life of a Cloistered Nun | w/Poor Clare Sister John Marie #cloister #nun #religiouslife (Kept In Her Heart, 2025)

Hidden: A Life All for God (The CatholicTVNetwork, 2019)

Life in Hidden Light (Carmelite Monastery, 2017)

Passionist Nuns Vocation DVD 2007 (Passionist Nuns of St. Joseph Monastery, 2021)

Real to Reel – Visitation Sisters, Part 1 of 2 (Diocese of Springfield Massachusetts, 2011)

Telling your parents you’re joining the cloister | Poor Clare convent (Kept in Her Heart, 2024)

The Call to Carmel: The Carmelite Nuns of Sioux City (Carmelite Nuns, 2024)

The Charism of the Carmelite Sisters (Archdiocese of Brisbane, 2022)

The web designer who became a cloistered nun (Times of Malta, 2025)

Two #Augustiniansisters say the cloister opens “unexpected horizons” (Rome Reports in English)

YouTube Videos about Cloistered Monks

A Day in the Life: Benedictine Monks of Mount Angel Abbey (MountAngelAbbey, 2025)

Benedictine Monks of St. Anselm’s Abbey: A Day in the Life (Vocations Outreach: Religious Life & Discernment, 2020)

Benedictine Monks (O.S.B.), Aurora, IL, Marmion Abbey [8562] (VISION Vocation Guide, 2023)

Inside a Cistercian Monastery (Rick DeSanctis, 2020)

Small order of monks living hidden lives in South Canterbury hills | Sunday (1News, 2022)

Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Peosta, IA, New Melleray Abbey [8642] (VISION Vocation Guide, 2025)

Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Piffard, NY, Abbey of Genesee [8641] (VISION Vocation Guide, 2023)

Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Trappist, KY, Abbey of Gethsemani [8645] (VISION Vocation Guide, 2021)

Watchmen of the Night – Benedictine Monks of the Barroux Abbey (MaroonLion, 2019)

What’s It Like to Become a Monk? (Journeyman Pictures, 2017)

“Work, Prayer, and Fruitcake: Meet Virginia’s Trappist Monks” (Arlington Catholic Herald, 2023)

Glossary Terms for Cloistered Life

Cell: A monastic term for the individual room of a sister or monk where one can pray and work in solitude, as well as read and rest.

Chapter room: A room near the choir in some communities where the members come together each day for the procession to the choir before Lauds and Matins, as well as for the Solemn “Salve” and community meetings.

Nuns in the choir, wearing mantles and praying the Divine Office. Maybe one of them is the hebdomadary.

Choir: The chapel within the enclosure where the sisters or monks gather for Mass, the Divine Office, and other prayers throughout the day.

Clappers: A stationary piece of flat wood to which are attached two loose pieces of wood, one on each side. By holding the handle and moving one’s wrist back and forth, the loose boards clap against the stationary one. The clappers is used instead of a bell at certain times during the day.

Collation: The light meal taken in the evening during the time of the monastic fast, September 14 to Easter day.

Communion window: A small opening in the choir grate in some communities used for receiving Holy Communion at Mass as well as for the reception of the veil at a sister’s solemn profession.

Cowl: Choir mantle with long, large sleeves; worn for the Office except for the Little Hours and on warm summer days.

Divine Office: In his Rule, St. Benedict uses this term to indicate the organization of the prayers covering the whole day.

Domestic bell: A small bell used inside some monasteries to call individual sisters or monks who have special duties or offices, such as the prior(ess), subprior(ess), etc. It is also used for some of the Hours of the Divine Office when the tower bells cannot be rung or may not be heard throughout the monastery where the members are working.

Great Silence: The time of strict silence prescribed by the Rule from after Compline in the evening until after Lauds the next morning.

Hebdomadary: The sister or monk whose duty it is to begin and end the Hours of the Divine Office and the Solemn “Salve,” and to lead the prayers at the graces before and after meals. A hebdomadarian is the one who carries out this task.

Lectio divina: A time for prayerful spiritual reading, such as the Holy Bible, the Fathers of the Church, the lives of the saints, spirituality, theology, etc.

Mantle: A long cloak worn by some nuns during Holy Mass and Liturgy of the Hours

Night silence: Silence is kept by the nuns or monks from the end of Compline till the end of Prime the next morning, save in an emergency.

Novitiate: Strictly speaking, this refers to that part of the monastery reserved for the use of those in formation. This initial formation includes from the time one enters the monastery until the end of the second year of simple vows. The sisters or monks in formation are sometimes referred to as “the novitiate.”

Recreation: A time for communal sports and relaxation.

Refectory: A large room where members take their meals in silence.

Stall: The place assigned for a nun or monk in the choir.

Vigils: The night Office, 15 minutes after Compline.

This information is from cloisteredlife.com

Cloistered Saints and Blesseds

*Nota Bene: This list is not exhaustive and does not contain every cloistered saint or blessed.*

Blessed Anne of St. Bartholomew (Discalced Carmelite)

Blessed Antonia of Florence (Poor Clares)

Blessed Cunegundis of Hungary (Poor Clares)

Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi (Trappist)

Blessed Maria Candida of the Eucharist (Discalced Carmelite)

Blessed Maria Gabriela Sagheddu (Trappist)

Blessed Jane Scopelli (Discalced Carmelite)

Blessed Teresa of Saint Augustine (Discalced Carmelite)

Saint Agnes of Assisi (Poor Clares)

Saint Agnes of Montepulciano (Dominican)

Saint Agnes of Prague (Poor Clares)

Saint Andrew Corsini (Discalced Carmelite)

Saint Anselm of Canterbury (Benedictine)

Saint Berthold (Carmelite)

Saint Brocard (Carmelite)

Saint Bruno of Cologne (Carthusian)

Saint Catherine of Bologna (Poor Clares)

Saint Catherine of Ricci (Dominican)

Saint Clare of Assisi (Poor Clares)

Saint Colette of Corbie (Poor Clares)

Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity (Discalced Carmelite)

Saint Euphrasia Eluvathingal (Discalced Carmelite)

Saint Eustochia Smeralda Calafato (Poor Clares)

Saint Hildegard of Bingen (Benedictine)

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal (Visitandines)

Saint John of the Cross (Discalced Carmelite)

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (Visitandines)

Saint Maria Maravillas of Jesus (Discalced Carmelite)

Saint Mary Magdalen de’ Pazzi (Discalced Carmelite)

Saint Mary of Jesus Crucified (Discalced Carmelite)

Saint Odilo of Cluny (Benedictine)

Saint Rafael Arnáiz Baron (Trappist)

Saint Robert of Molesme (Benedictine, Cistercian)

Saint Scholastica (Benedictine)

Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) (Discalced Carmelite)

Saint Teresa Margaret Redi (Discalced Carmelite)

Saint Teresa of Ávila (Discalced Carmelite)

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (Discalced Carmelite)

Saint Teresa of the Andes (Discalced Carmelite)

Saint Veronica Giuliani (Capuchin Poor Clare)

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Brotherhood (Discernment Rersources)  / Religious Vocations  / Sisterhood (Discernment Resources)

Health Conditions & Joining Catholic Religious Community: Joining Catholic Religious Community with Holy Orders
August 25, 2025

Be honest and open with the vocation director about your health needs and medication requirements. This allows them to assess whether the community can support you.

 

Your health condition is merely a factor in discernment, not a barrier. Do not let your health keep you from embracing your heart’s call and entering into religious life. The right religious order is waiting for you and will be blessed to have you as part of its family. You are valuable and worthy. Do not loose hope.

 

Please do not let the information here deter you from inquiry. Please contact the Religious Order for more information. 

Can I Enter a Religious Order If…

 

I Have A Health Condition:

 
Each religious community has its own requirements, and some are more lenient regarding health than others. Some communities prioritize a candidate’s ability to participate in their specific way of life. Some orders, particularly contemplative or monastic ones, may have physically demanding routines or environments (e.g., lots of kneeling, stairs), which might be challenging for certain individuals. Contact the individual Order you are discerning and inquire into their health requirements. Be as specific about your situation (as you feel comfortable) and what your condition requires.

I Have A Terminal or Progressive Illness:

 
While having a terminal or progressive illness could make joining a Catholic religious order it does not outright disqualify someone with a terminal or progressive illness from entering a religious order. In some cases, a Papal Dispensation may be given or there may be cause to lead to an expedited process of Holy Orders. It is important to talk to the Order and share your concerns. But if you have a terminal or progressive illness, please do not let it eliminate your hopes of joining religious life.

I Have to Take Medication or Carry an Epipen:

 
Taking medication or carrying an Epipen does not exclude one from being able to join a religious order. While good physical and psychological health is generally required, “healthy” doesn’t automatically exclude individuals with managed illnesses or disabilities. Many communities have accepted individuals with various health conditions throughout history. Each religious community will evaluate your situation individually.

I Have A Chronic Illness with Temporary Flare-Ups (Epilepsy, POTS, Fibromyalgia):

 
Generally, a chronic illness with temporary flare-ups does not automatically disqualify you from joining a Catholic religious order, but it depends on the specific community and the severity of the illness. Orders need to determine if your condition is well-managed and if the treatment is sustainable and practical within their community. What matters most is whether you are physically and psychologically able to engage in the order’s specific mission.

I Have Diabetes:

 
A person can generally join a Catholic religious order with diabetes, but you must be able to meet the specific physical and spiritual demands of the order and demonstrate that your condition can be managed sufficiently to live its way of life. 

I Have Drug-Resistant Illness (i.e., drug-resistant Epilepsy):

 
The decision rests with each individual community, which will evaluate your specific situation to determine if you can live a healthy religious life and engage in their mission. The community needs to ensure you are physically and psychologically capable of handling the demands of religious life. The new Code of Canon Law (1983) removed blanket prohibitions against conditions like epilepsy and instead focuses on evaluating if a “psychic defect” would render a person unqualified for ministry.

I Am Deaf and/or Blind:

 
Deaf or blind individuals can join Catholic religious orders (such as The Sacramentine Sisters of Done Orione), and many have done so. While there may be certain practical considerations for ministry, neither deafness nor blindness is an obstacle to a vocation. Many orders exist for members with disabilities, and the church has moved toward greater inclusivity over time. 

I Have Depression or Anxiety or Other Mental Health Conditions:

 
Having a diagnosed mental health condition like depression or anxiety does not automatically disqualify you from joining a Catholic religious order, as the Church has become more accepting of mental health treatment and recognizes the value of individuals with these conditions. While your condition will be a factor in the discernment process, the ultimate decision depends on the specific order’s rules, your ability to fulfill their requirements, and whether your health condition would hinder your ministry or community life.

I Have Temporary Lapses in Consciousness (i.e., Fits, Faints, Collapses, or Seizures):

 
Generally, a history of temporary lapses in consciousness—such as fits, faints, or seizures—does not automatically disqualify someone from entering a Catholic religious order. However, each case is judged individually based on the nature, severity, and stability of the condition and its potential impact on religious life. The primary consideration is whether the condition would prevent the candidate from properly fulfilling the obligations of religious life. This includes participating fully in community life, prayer, and ministry. For example, a candidate for the priesthood must be physically and psychologically able to celebrate the sacraments.

I Have Anaphylaxis:

 
Whether a person with anaphylaxis can join depends on the specific religious community and their ability to safely accommodate the candidate’s health needs. It is best to be open about your condition and work directly with the vocation director of any order you are considering.

I Have Migraines:

 
In many cases, it is possible to enter a Catholic religious order if you have migraines, especially if the condition is manageable. However, admission is decided on a case-by-case basis and depends on the specific requirements of the religious community and the severity of your condition. You will need to be transparent about your health during the application process and work closely with the order’s vocation director.

I Have a Physical Disability:

 
A physical disability does not automatically disqualify you from entering a Catholic religious order, but it depends on the specific order’s requirements and the nature of your disability. While most communities look for candidates in good physical and psychological health, some orders have a special charism (guiding spirit) of accepting those with physical limitations. 
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Catholic Health Resources  / Religious Vocations

Catholic Books for Religious Life, Consecrated Life, & Holy Orders
December 1, 2021

For All Discerning or Interested in Consecrated Life: Priesthood, Brotherhood, Sisterhood, and Laity 

A Guide to Religious Ministries for Catholic Men and Women by Nancy Lappin (2014) 

 

A Maryknoll Book of Inspiration: Spiritual Readings for Every Day of the Year by Michael Leach and Doris Goodnough (2010) 

 

A Maryknoll Book of Prayer by Michael Leach (2003)

 

A Shepherd in Combat Boots: Chaplain Emil Kapaun of the 1st Cavalry Division by William L. Maher (1997)

 

And You Are Christ’s: The Charism of Virginity and the Celibate Life by Thomas Dubay (1987)

 

Autobiography of a Hunted Priest by John Gerard

 

Blessed Mary and the Monks of England: Benedictines and Cistercians, 1000–1215 by Matthew J. Mills (2025)

 

Blessed St. Francis Xavier Seelos Novena: Biography, Life, And 9-Day Journey Of Prayer And Reflection, Finding Hope And Healing With The Saint Of Compassion by Sister Catherine Agnus (2024)

 

Called by God: Discernment and Preparation for Religious Life by Rachael Marie Collins (2017)

 

Called to Holiness: On Love, Vocation, and Formation by Pope Benedict XVI (2017)

 

Catholic Update Guide to Vocations (Catholic Update Guides) by Mary Carol Kendzia (2012)

 

Christifideles Laici – Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World (Cartas dos Papas) by Pope John Paul II (2025)

 

Discerning Religious Life by Clare Matthiass (2017) 

 

Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making by Timothy M. OMV Gallagher (2009)

 

Discerning Your Vocation: A Catholic Guide for Young Adults by Nathanael Pujos (2014)

 

Discernment Do’s and Dont’s: A Practical Guide to Vocational Discernment by Fr. George Elliott (2018) 

 

Discernment: The Art of Choosing Well by Pierre Wolff (1993)

 

Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life by Henri J.M. Nouwen (2013)

 

Domestic Monastery by Ronald Rolheiser (2022)

 

Finding God’s Will for You by Francis De Sales (1998)


Glimpses of the Carmelite Way by Mark Davis and Gerard Barrow (2006)


Glimpses of the Franciscan Way by Mark Davis and Francis Cotter (2012)

 

Holy Man, Father Damien of Molokai by Gavan Daws (1973)

 

Jesuits Telling Jokes: A (Serious) Introduction to Ignatian Spirituality by Nikolaas Sintobin SJ (2016)

 

Mariology: A Guide for Priests, Deacons, Seminarians and Consecrated Persons by Dr. Mark Miravalle (2013)

 

Maurice and Thérèse by Patrick Ahern (1998)

 

Monastery Mornings: My Unusual Boyhood Among the Saints and Monks by Michael Patrick O’Brien (2021)

 

Moreau: Portrait of a Founder (The Story of Fr. Basil Moreau and the Congregation of Holy Cross) by Fr. Thomas Barrosse CSC (2025)

 

Paths of Love: The Discernment of Vocation According to Aquinas, Ignatius, and Pope John Paul II by Joseph Bolin (2008)

 

Personal Vocation: God Calls Everyone by Name by Germain Grisez (2003)

 

Pioneers of Latino Ministry: Claretians and the Evolving World of Catholic America by Deborah E. Kanter (2025)

 

Prophetic Witnesses to Joy: A Theology of the Vowed Life by Juliet Mousseau RSCJ (2021) 

 

Raising Virtuous Sons, Building Holy Fathers: How Parents, Priests, and Mentors Shape Future Fathers, Priests, and Leaders by Fr. Jason Buck (2025)

 

Religious and Monastic Life Explained by Dom Prosper Gueranger (2024)

 

Saint Joseph and the Carmelite Reform of Saint Teresa of Ávila: Father, Teacher of Prayer, Intercessor in Every Need by Joseph F. Chorpenning OFS (2025)

 

Shoeless: Carmelite Spirituality in a Disquieted World by Donald Wallenfang and Megan Wallenfang (2021)

 

Solidarity and Mercy: The Power of Christian Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine by Chris Herlinger (2024)

 

The Call to Discernment in Troubled Times: New Perspectives on the Transformative Wisdom of Ignatius Loyola by Dean Brackley (2004)

 

The Courage to be Chaste by Benedict Groeschel (1985)

 

The Curé D’Ars by Francis Trochu (1949)

 

THE LEGEND AND LIFE OF SAINT ANGELA OF FOLIGNO: Mystic Of Divine Love And Witness To Sacred Suffering by Fr. Lawren ce Leo (2024)

 

The Monastery of the Heart: Benedictine Spirituality for Contemporary Seekers by Joan Chittister 

 

The Spiritual Formation of Seminarians: Learning to Live in Intimate and Unceasing Union with God by James Keating (2025)

 

This Tremendous Lover by Eugene Boylan (1946)

 

Treasure in Clay by Fulton J. Sheen (1980)

 

Virginity: A Positive Approach to Celibacy for the Sake of the Kingdom of Heaven by Raniero Cantalamessa (1995)

  

Vocations: Answering God’s Call Book by Jenna M. Cooper, Joanna Dailey, and Luke Sweeney (2013)

 

Wake Up With Purpose!: What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years by Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt (2023)

 

When God Asks for an Undivided Heart: Choosing Celibacy in Love and Freedom by Andrew Apostoli (1995)

 

Why Not Be a Missioner: Young Maryknollers Tell Their Stories by Susan Perry and Michael Leach (2002)

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Religious Vocations

Support Catholic Consecrated Life & Religious Vocations
October 20, 2021

Religious orders depend on the support of the laity to continue their work and help our brothers and sisters fulfill their vocations. If the Lord has moved you to give, please look at the information below. 
 
There are two sections in this list:
Section I: Gifts you can purchase from our religious brothers and sisters. 
Section II: Organizations which one may donate to support religious life and vocations. 

 

Section I: Gifts & Handmade Items

Gifts: Female Religious Orders: 

 

Gifts: Male Religious Orders 

 

Gifts: Male & Female Religious Orders 

 

Gifts: Rosaries 

Section II: Charitable Organizations & Foundations

To Donate to One of the Organizations listed copy and paste (Command C, Command V) the name into your browser and place the word “donate” or “give” after it. Then click, “Search” (Return Key). 
If you would like to support the religious brothers and sisters in your area, please go to your local diocese’s webpage. 
 
Supports Religious Houses, Holy Orders, and Communities: 
 
Supports Vocational Discernment and Entrance Into Religious Life: 

  • Foundation Bertarelli (Supports the Education of Children of the Swiss Guard) (https://www.fondation-bertarelli.org/community/swiss-guards/)

  • Foundation of the Pontifical Swiss Guard (https://schweizergarde.ch/stiftungen/en/foundation-of-the-guard/your-support/) 

  • Fund for Vocations (https://fundforvocations.org/) 
  • Guest House Inc.
  • Institute on Religious Life (https://religiouslife.com/) 
  • Labouré Help Rescue Vocations (https://rescuevocations.org/)
  • Mater Ecclesiae Fund for Vocations
  • Retirement Funds for Priests, Monks, and Nuns
  • Serra International Foundation (Provides Global Services) 
  • Society for the Propagation of the Faith (Propagandum Fidei) 
  • The Conference of Religious in Ireland (CORI)
  • The Congregation of Picpus (Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary)
  • The De La Salle Brothers 
  • The National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations (NFCRV)
  • vocationministry.com
Supports Priesthood & Religious Brothers: 
  • Abbey of Our Lady of Quarr, Isle of Wight
  • Abbazia delle Tre Fontane, Rome
  • Adorno Fathers and Brothers
  • Barnabite Fathers and Brothers 
  • Belmont Abbey, England 
  • Belmont Abbey, North Carolina
  • Benedictine Abbey of Christ in the Desert
  • Benedictine Monks Fund 
  • Benedictine Monks of Taos – Monastery of San Juan Diego
  • Benediktinerstift Lambach, Upper Austria
  • Caribbean Catholic Bishop’s Regional Seminary Fund
  • Certosa di Firenze, Comunità di San Leolino 
  • Conception Abbey, Missouri
  • Conference of Major Superiors of Men 
  • Douai Abbey: The Monastery of St. Edmund, King & Martyr (Berkshire, England)
  • Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn (Brooklyn, New York)
  • Fraternity of Priests 
  • Holy Cross Abbey, Virginia
  • Kloster Eberbach, Germany 
  • Mepkin Abbey, South Carolina
  • Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity
  • Missionary Society of Saint Paul the Apostle (The Paulist Fathers)
  • Monasterio de Lerins, France  
  • Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary
  • Our Lady of Clear Creek Abbey, Oklahoma
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey, Oregon (Yamhill County)
  • Pluscarden Abbey, Scotland
  • Portsmouth Abbey, Rhode Island
  • Priestly Fraternity of the Missionaries of St. Charles 
  • Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter   
  • Prince of Peace Abbey, Oceanside 
  • Saint Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison Kansas 
  • Saint Andrew’s Abbey, California
  • Saint Mary of the Lake Donor Advised Fund
  • Saint Meinrad Archabbey, Indiana
  • Serra International Foundation (Provides Global Services) 
  • Society of the Little Flower UK (www.littleflower.org)  
  • St. Augustine’s Abbey, Chilworth (Surrey)
  • St. Patrick’s Soceity for Foreign Missions
  • The Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God  
  • The Brothers of Charity
  • The Brothers of the Holy Family 
  • The Brothers of the Sacred Heart
  • The Canons Regular of Saint John Cantius 
  • The Canons Regular of the Order of the Holy Cross (Crosiers)
  • The Canons Regular of the Immaculate Conception (Santa Paula, California)
  • The Claretians (Congregation of Missionaries, Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
  • The Companions of the Cross
  • The Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudists)
  • The Congregation of St. Basil  
  • The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (Sacramentinos)
  • The Congregation of the Holy Ghost (United Kingdom)
  • The Congregation of the Holy Spirit 
  • The Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM Missionaries) 
  • The Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ
  • The Congregation of the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd 
  • The Congregation of the Mission
  • The Congregation of the Missionaries of Saint Charles Borromeo
  • The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer
  • The Congregation of the Priests of Mercy (Fathers of Mercy) 
  • The Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate
  • The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
  • The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal World 
  • The Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood    
  • The Mill Hill Missionaries (Saint Joseph’s Missionary Society of Mill Hill)
  • The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest
  • The Josephite Fathers and Brothers
  • The Little Brothers of the Incarnation  
  • The Mission Society of the Philippines
  • The Missionaries of the Precious Blood 
  • The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate   
  • The Missionary Society of St. Columba (Columbans)
  • The Missionary Society of Saint Paul of Nigeria
  • The Oratory of Saint Philip Neri (Oratorians)
  • The Order of Cistercians (The Trappists) 
  • The Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy (the Mercedarians) 
  • The Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré (Premonastratensians) 
  • The Order of the Discalced Carmelites of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel  (The Discalced Carmelites) 
  • The Order of Friars Minor Capuchin
  • The Passionists (Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ)
  • The Priestly Society of the Holy Cross 
  • The Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) 
  • The Salesians of Don Bosco (Society of Saint Francis de Sales)
  • The Society of African Missions
  • The Society of Divine Vocations (The Vocationist Fathers) 
  • The Society of Mary (Marians)
  • The Society of Priests of Saint-Sulpice 
  • The Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines)
  • The Society of the Divine Saviour (The Salvatorians)
  • The Society of the Divine Word (Verbites, Divine Word Missionaries) 
  • The Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, Pilar (Pilar Fathers, Agnel Ashram Fathers) 
  • The Subiaco Cassinese Congregation     
  • The Xaverian Brothers (Congregation of St. Francis)
  • Worth Abbey, England (Sussex) 
Supports Religious Sisters: 
  • A Nun’s Life Ministry
  • African Sisters: Leading the Way Fund 
  • Augustinian Sisters (O.S.A.)
  • Carmelite Monastery of Baltimore
  • Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd 
  • Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters
  • Dominican Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary, New Jersey 
  • Daughters of St. Paul 
  • Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia 
  • Dominican Sisters of Mary 
  • Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist 
  • Dominican Sisters of Peace
  • Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
  • GHR Foundation
  • Hilton Foundation Sisters Initiative
  • Holy Wisdom Monastery, Wisconsin 
  • Kylemore Abbey, Ireland (Galway)
  • Little Sisters of the Incarnation 
  • Little Sisters of the Poor
  • Maryknoll Sisters of Saint Dominic, Inc (Westchester, New York)
  • Missionaries of Charity
  • Missionary Benedictine Sisters (Nebraska, Norfolk) 
  • Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing (Manila, Philippines)
  • Olivetan Benedictine Sisters (Jonesboro, Arkansas) 
  • Order of Saint Ursula (The Ursulines)
  • Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (The Carmelites)
  • Order of the Discalced Carmelites of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (Discalced Carmelites) 
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe Abbey
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery – Silver City
  • Poor Clare Sisters
  • Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco
  • Schoenstatt Sisters, South Africa
  • School Sisters of Christ the King, Nebraska
  • Sisters of IHM Fund
  • School Sisters of Notre Dame  
  • Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods 
  • Sisters of Life 
  • Sisters of Mercy
  • Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur 
  • Sisters of the Cenacle 
  • Sisters of the Divine Savior  
  • Sisters of the Holy Cross
  • Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth 
  • Sisters of the Living Word Fund
  • Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
  • St. Scholastica Priory (Petersham, Massachusetts) 
  • The Monastery of the Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand (Indiana)
  • The Order of Preachers (Dominicans) 
  • The Sisters of the Holy Name of Jesus of Fanjeaux
  • The Sisters of St. Joseph
  • The Society of the Sacred Heart (Religious of the Sacred Heat of Jesus)
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Religious Vocations

Called to Catholic Consecrated Life & Religious Vocation?
September 24, 2021

Consecrated life is the realization that you are living for eternity. It is a call from Christ to start that eternal life now.

Do you feel called to religious/consecrated life (religious brother or sister) but are having trouble discerning your vocation? Do you want a more detailed glimpse into what religious life is like?

Try watching some of these videos to see just a tiny portion of what religious life has to offer! Jesus has a special plan for you, and GCRC is honored to help you and other future saints in any way we can. We are praying for you, and we hope you enjoy these videos!

For more resources about the blessings of religious life, please explore GCRC's "Religious Life & Vocations" Resources Menu. God bless!

Note: Depending on the traffic to the website, it may take a few moments for a video to load. If you are having trouble watching a video, try visiting YouTube, starting the video over, or refreshing the page.

“Being a priest or a man or woman religious is not primarily our own decision… Rather it is the response to a call and to a call of love.” 

-Pope Francis

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Catholic Quotes for Vocation to Religious Life
September 23, 2021

Someone, somewhere, is depending on you to do what God has called you to do. 

-Anonymous 

If Jesus is calling you toward religious life or the priesthood, you do not have to understand. You just have to take His hand. Your vocation is beautiful. Your vocation is needed. And you are dearly loved.

-Anonymous

Don’t try to please everybody. Try to please God, the angels, and the saints – they are your public.

-Saint John Vianney 

Have the courage to go against the tide of current values that do not conform to the path of Jesus. 

-Pope Francis 

If someone among you hears Christ’s call to a complete gift of self in the religious life, do not reject such a noble, through demanding, proposal, have the courage to say yes generously and firmly; this can give an incomparable depth of meaning to your whole life. 

-Saint John Paul The Great 

To be saints is not a privilege for the few, but a vocation for everyone. 

-Pope Francis 

If honor were profitable, everybody would be honorable. 

-Thomas More

The priest is not a priest for himself – he is for you. After God, the priest is everything.

-Saint John Vianney

Nuns are a gift, the leaven that carries the message of Christ.

-Pope Francis 

The place that God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s hunger meet. 

-Fredrick Buechner 

If you try to live in the presence of God for one year, you will see yourself at the end of it at the height of perfection, without your even knowing it. 

-Saint Teresa of Avila 

A priest is the God-bearer or Christ-bearer, a living Eucharist of the divine presence, bringing a sympathetic ear and a compassionate heart in which people find God’s consolation, understanding and love. 

-Arthur Middleton 

The most important moments in life are the hours of prayer and adoration. They give birth to a human being, fashion our true identity; they root our existence in mystery. 

-Cardinal Robert Sarah 

The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus. When you see a priest, think of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

-Saint John Vianney 

The Consecrated Life: They make the life, virtues and values of Jesus more visible and point us from the superficial to the sacred and rom the ephemeral to the eternal. They are the living signs of the Resurrection who keep the Church’s salt from loosing its flavor and its love from growing cold. 

–Father Roger J. Landry

Consult not your fears, but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do. 

-Pope John XXIII

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Catholic Prayer for Vocations
September 23, 2021

Heavenly Father, Lord of the harvest, call forth vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life from our diocese and our families. Inspire men to imitate Christ the Eternal High Priest in sacrificial service to Your Church. 


Move the hearts of men and women to offer themselves wholly to You in poverty, chastity, and obedience. Send them as laborers for Your harvest.

 
Inspire the faithful to support them with prayer and sacrifice. Raise up holy families who foster openness to Your call. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

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