Consecrated Life: Religious Life
Whether brother or sister, monk or nun, those persons whom God calls to live the vocation of consecrated religious life respond to a call of living the life of Christ. While their expression of this life may differ depending upon gender, community, charism, and apostolic work, in essence they have been called to give their life to Christ in service to his Church. No one job or career defines the life or work of the man or woman who discerns this vocation. More aptly, the defining character is the witness of joy and holiness they gain through Christ’s love.
The religious brother’s commitment is one sign and living proof that Christ is still among us as the One who is Brother to us all. In his life of celibacy, poverty, and obedience the brother challenges us to be responsible with our use of power, love, and material goods.
Sharing in the intimate life of Christ as bride to the bridegroom, the sister is a sign to the world that God is love. In consecrating her life to Christ, she lives vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. She has given her life entirely to the Lord so that he may draw her deeper into a relationship of love.
Often times, brothers and sisters live in community. Together they draw strength and support for their life of sacrifice and service. They are bound together by a deep desire to live as Christ, thus witnessing to the world that the Lord is present. While each community models themselves after a particular spiritual leader, charism, and service to the church, all communities seek to give a face to the person of Christ in the modern world.
FAQs
Q. Can a woman (or man) who has had an annulled marriage join the religious life?
A. Perhaps. If a person is otherwise qualified by meeting age requirements, has no dependents, etc., the individual may be able to pursue religious life. However, it should be noted that the reason(s) for the failed marriage will be closely scrutinized by a religious community and may prove to be an insurmountable obstacle to entry into an order. For example, if the decision for invalidity of the marriage was based upon a person’s bi-polar
disorder, and the impossibility of living out the marital union stemming from it, it is highly unlikely that a community would accept such a candidate.
Communities Serving the DIocese of Sioux Falls
Sacred Heart Monastery
Benedictine Sisters
1005 W. 8th St.
Yankton, SD 57078
Phone: (605) 668-6000
Fax: (605) 668-6153
Email: jkehrwald@mtmc.edu
Web: www.yanktonbenedictines.org
Mother of God Monastery
Benedictine Sisters
110 28th Ave. SE
Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: (605) 882-6600
Fax: (605) 882-6658
Email: monastery@dailypost.com
Web: www.watertownbenedictines.org
Presentation Heights
Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1500 N. 2nd St.
Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 229-8419
Fax: (605) 229-8412
Email: psdev@presentationsisters.org
Web: www.presentationsisters.org
St. Sylvester Convent
Oblate Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament
PO Box 217
Marty, SD 57361
Phone: 384-3305
Email: osbs@charles-mix.com
Our Lady of Guadalupe Convent
Franciscan Sisters
1417 West Ash Ave.
Mitchell, SD 57301
Phone: (605) 996-1410
Email: sistersofsaintfrancis@mit.midco.net
Monastery of Our Mother of Mercy and St. Joseph
Discalced Carmelite Nuns
221 West 5th St., PO Box 67
Alexandria, SD 57311
Phone: (605) 239-4382
Fax: (605) 239-4676
Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Joseph
Perpetual Adoration Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament
521 N. Duluth Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 336-2374
Fax: (605) 336-2374
Email: adoratrices571@yahoo.com
Web: www.perpetualadorationsisters.com
Blue Cloud Abbey
Benedictine Monks
PO Box 98
Marvin, SD 57251
Phone: (605) 398-9200
Fax: (605) 398-9201
Email: abbey@bluecloud.org
Web: www.bluecloud.org
Daughters of St. Mary of Providence Convent
113 South Sixth Street
Milbank, SD 57252
Phone: (605) 432-5811
Fax: (605) 432-3165
Email: dsmpmilb@sstel.net