A Complete Guide to Answering the Call

How to Become a Nun 

For centuries, women across the world have devoted their lives to God by How to Become a Nun. Whether through a cloistered life of prayer or active service in education, healthcare, and community outreach, nuns live out a unique vocation marked by faith, sacrifice, and joy. For those who feel drawn to this sacred calling, the journey can be both exciting and overwhelming.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I called to be a nun?” this guide will walk you through the steps, requirements, and spiritual process of becoming a nun in the Catholic tradition and beyond. While details may vary depending on the religious order, denomination and community, the overall path follows similar stages of discernment, formation, and lifelong commitment.

This is not just about “joining a convent” it’s about dedicating your entire life to Christ and His Church.

Understanding the Call to Religious Life

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand what becoming a nun truly means. Unlike other professions or lifestyles, a religious vocation is not simply a personal choice it is a response to a call from God.

In the Catholic tradition, this call is often referred to as a “vocation.” Just as some are called to marriage or priesthood, others are called to religious life as sisters or nuns.

• Nuns: Typically live in cloistered (enclosed) communities, dedicating their lives primarily to prayer and contemplation. Examples include Carmelite nuns and Poor Clares.
• Sisters: Live more active apostolic lives, working in schools, hospitals, or missions while maintaining a life of prayer. Examples include Dominican Sisters or Sisters of Mercy.

Both are considered forms of consecrated religious life, though “nun” and “sister” are often used interchangeably in everyday language.

Step 1: Discernment and Exploration

Prayer and Reflection

The journey begins with discernment a process of prayer and reflection in which you seek to understand whether God is truly calling you to religious life. This stage may take months or even years. Ask yourself:

• Do I feel drawn to a life of prayer, simplicity, and service?
• Am I willing to give up marriage, children, and personal possessions for Christ?
• Does the thought of living in a religious community bring me peace?

Many women begin by deepening their prayer life, attending daily Mass, and spending time in Eucharistic Adoration. Journaling and spiritual reading can also help clarify your inner desires.

Learning About Religious Orders

There are hundreds of religious orders worldwide, each with a unique charism (spiritual focus or mission). Some are contemplative, others are active, and many blend both.

Examples include:

• Benedictines – Focus on prayer, work, and hospitality.
• Carmelites – Contemplative communities devoted to silence and prayer.
• Dominicans – Preachers and teachers, dedicated to truth and study.
• Franciscans / Poor Clares – Embrace simplicity, poverty, and care for the poor.
• Missionaries of Charity (founded by St. Teresa of Calcutta) – Active service among the poorest of the poor.

Researching different orders is crucial because each community lives out its vocation differently.

Spiritual Guidance

Most women find it helpful to talk with a spiritual director or vocation director. These mentors help you sort through your thoughts, pray with you, and connect you with communities.

Many convents also host “Come and See” retreats, where you can spend a weekend or longer with the sisters, experiencing their prayer schedule, meals, and daily life. These visits often give women clarity about whether they feel “at home” in a particular order.

Step 2: Meeting the Requirements

While spiritual desire is central, communities also have practical requirements. These help ensure that candidates are prepared for the demands of religious life.

Common Requirements:

• Baptized Christian (usually Roman Catholic for Catholic communities).
• Single, widowed, or annulled – Married women need a Church annulment to enter.
• No dependent children – Children must be independent adults.
• Good health – Both physical and emotional stability are necessary.
• Debt-free – Many orders require women to be free of major financial obligations, as nuns live without personal income.

💡 Did you know? There are organizations such as the Laboure Society and Fund for Vocations that assist women in paying off student loans so they can enter religious life.

Step 3: Stages of Formation

Entering religious life is not immediate. The Church provides a gradual process so that women have time to test their vocation and grow spiritually.

1. Aspirancy or Postulancy (1–2 years)

• You live in the convent and share in community life.
• You learn about the order’s charism, spirituality, and daily routine.
• You may still wear regular clothing, though some communities provide a simple uniform.

2. Novitiate (1–2 years)

• You are formally received as a novice.
• You deepen your prayer life, study Scripture, Church teachings, and the vows.
• Many novices receive a habit (religious dress) and sometimes a new name.
• This stage is often more secluded, with less outside activity, to allow for deeper spiritual focus.

3. Temporary Vows (3–9 years)

• You profess temporary vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
• You continue living in the community and may take on ministry assignments (teaching, nursing, parish work).
• These vows are renewed annually or every few years.

4. Final or Perpetual Vows

• The lifelong commitment to religious life.
• You profess perpetual vows in a solemn ceremony, often with family and parish present.
• Many sisters receive a ring symbolizing their mystical “marriage” to Christ.

This entire process may take 7–12 years, reflecting the seriousness of the commitment.

Life as a Nun

Once a woman makes her final vows, she begins a sacred and structured life devoted to prayer, community, and service. This way of life is deeply spiritual, rooted in centuries of tradition, and is often reflected not only in daily practices but also in the distinctive nun habit or nun robe she wears as a sign of humility, devotion, and religious identity.

While daily schedules vary depending on the religious order, most nuns follow a rhythm that includes:

• Liturgy of the Hours: Morning, Midday, Evening, and Night Prayer.
• Daily Mass and Personal Prayer: strengthening spiritual union with God.
• Work or Ministry: which may include teaching, nursing, parish service, or cloistered labor such as baking, sewing, gardening, or publishing spiritual works.
• Community Meals and Recreation: moments of fellowship and shared life.
• Silence and Reflection: providing space for deeper contemplation and spiritual growth.

The balance between prayer and work depends on the type of community. Contemplative orders often remain cloistered, with nuns spending most of their time within the convent, while apostolic sisters are more outwardly engaged in society through schools, hospitals, and parish ministries.

Challenges and Joys of Religious Life

Becoming a nun is a profound calling that requires sacrifice. Women who enter this vocation willingly give up personal independence, financial freedom, marriage, and the opportunity to have children. Even their nun outfit the traditional habit or robe symbolizes a visible separation from the world and a complete dedication to God. In today’s fast-paced, individualistic culture, this choice may appear countercultural or even difficult to understand.

Yet, countless nuns testify that their lives are filled with joy, peace, and spiritual abundance. The daily rhythm of prayer, the deep relationship with God, the strength of community, and the privilege of serving others bring fulfillment that far outweighs the sacrifices. For many, the nun habit is not just clothing it is a sacred garment that embodies commitment, identity, and spiritual beauty.

At Holy Clergy, we are dedicated to providing high-quality clergy wear that reflects dignity, tradition, and faith. From classic nun habits and robes to elegant clergy shirts, cassocks, and preaching attire, our collection is designed with care to support the spiritual journey of pastors, priests, and religious communities worldwide. We combine timeless craftsmanship with modern comfort, ensuring every piece embodies respect, devotion, and authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do you become a nun step by step?
The process of becoming a nun begins with discernment, prayer, and guidance from a spiritual director. Typically, the steps include:

• Contacting a religious order and spending time learning about their way of life.
• Entering as a postulant (a period of initial formation, usually 6 months to 2 years).
• Advancing to the novitiate (1–2 years of deeper training and living in community).
• Taking temporary vows (poverty, chastity, and obedience) for 3–6 years.
• Making final or perpetual vows, fully dedicating one’s life to God.

How long does it take to become a nun?
On average, it takes 7–9 years from the first inquiry to final vows. The timeline may vary depending on the religious order and the readiness of the individual.

What are the requirements to become a nun?
Requirements can vary, but most communities ask that a woman:

• Be Catholic and practicing her faith.
• Be single (not married or divorced without an annulment).
• Be in good physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
• Be free of major financial debt.
• Be at least 18 years old (some orders prefer candidates under 40).

Can anyone become a nun?
Not everyone can. A woman must feel called to religious life, meet the basic requirements, and be accepted by the community. Some orders are stricter, while others are more flexible, especially with age or background.

Do nuns get married or have children?
No. Nuns take a vow of chastity, meaning they do not marry or have children. Their lives are dedicated entirely to God, prayer, and service.

What is the difference between a nun and a sister?

• Nuns usually live a contemplative, cloistered life inside a convent or monastery, spending most of their time in prayer and wearing the traditional nun habit or robe.
• Sisters are more active in society, working in schools, hospitals or parishes while also living in community.

Do nuns still wear habits?
Yes, many nuns still wear the traditional nun habit or nun robe as a visible sign of humility and dedication. However, some modern religious communities allow simpler dress or modified outfits while keeping the spirit of modesty and devotion.