How do I know what God wants me to do with my life? Probably the best answer to the question is: You don't! As we come to know God, we learn to notice our inner movements and impulses, the different inner tugs and pulls, the movements toward love or selfishness, taking a risk or getting stuck in fear.

These come to our awareness mostly through our feelings such as joy, fear, peace, restlessness, wonder. Prayer in its many expressions and manifestations is the key to this awareness.  

Sisters in the news!

Women and Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America - a traveling exhibit sponsored by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in association with Cincinnati Museum Center.  It reveal the mystery behind a small group of innovative American women who helped share the nation's social and cultural landscape.  Click here to learn more! 

Video - Reflections on vocations ministry by Sister Liz Sjoberg 

Video - Looking back 200 years to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Video - Sisters ministering through God's love

Video - Day in the Life of a Novitiate 

Discernment Retreats

How is God calling you to use your gifts?  Is God calling you to be a Sister?  Read several reflections of previous retreats to explore, learn, and to prayer about the possiblity of a religious vocation. 

The weekend of March 5-7, 2010, proved to be a meaningful experience.  "The first night I was a little unsure if I could get anything out of the retreat,” remarked a discerner.  “I was pleased to know that after participating in the prayer and activities, I came to know myself better and become more comfortable with God leading me." Read the full story here.

Personal Reflection - On January 15-17, Choices of the Heart was held in Evansville, IN.  Whitney Kimmet, discerner commented, "That it was a blessing to spend time with other women in discernment, and the weekend confirmed that she is where God wants her to be right now."  Read about Whitney's experience.

Discernment retreats offer a time to reflect on your life, to pray, to talk with others, and to ask questions.  Our Frequent Questions page is a good starting point. You might even think about finding a spiritual director to help you sort out your questions and feelings. Above all, God wants you to be happy and free. Religious life may be a creative, loving option for your life. For inspiration and a taste of life as a Sister, review some of our Sisters' vocation stories.

Remember that God invites us to taste life to the fullest, enjoy it, and find out the truth about who we are.

The Sisters offer you this prayer in your time of discernment.

The first step is up to you. Make a commitment to prayer. Listen for God's input. Pay attention to insights that surround you. God may be inviting you to a deeper way of living out your Christian life. 

• God may be inviting you to explore the possibility of a vocation to Religious Life
• God may be inviting you to explore a life with the Daughters of Charity.

The English speaking Daughters of Charity from around the world meet.  View more.

For more information about Vocations or about the Retreats, please contact us.