The postulants were each asked what advice they would give to other young women who are discerning a vocation to religious life.  Here are their answers:

Sarah

From: West Salem, Wisconsin

I think that the best advice I received during this period of my own life was that circumstances outside of my control are times when I can know for certain that God’s will is being done in my life because He alone ordains these situations.  This knowledge gave me a point of reference, a starting point for discerning God’s will.  He had impressed upon my heart from a young age a desire to love Him alone through total consecration to His service, given me certain strengths and weaknesses to prepare me for this life, and then placed the right Community in my life at His appointed time.  My advice to those discerning is this: spend a lot of time in prayer, read the Scriptures, frequent the sacraments of the Eucharist and Penance, do not be afraid to talk to your family and friends about the step you are considering, and then just live your life in a way pleasing to God.  Don’t worry, He will let you know when He is ready for you, and when you know, do it. God wants you to be happy even more than you desire it for yourself, and there is nothing in the world that is not worth giving up for the interior peace and joy which accompanies the choice to follow God’s will.
 

From: Hastings, Nebraska

After discerning religious life in high school and college, my advice to young women is to don’t just sit back and wait for that lightening bolt that will tell you God’s will, but to go and actively pursue His will.  Find out about different communities and visit the ones to which you feel drawn.  Then as you visit communities, my advice is to listen to your heart and to be honest with yourself.  When you see and experience the life to which God is calling you, your heart will be joyful, peaceful, and fulfilled deep down because God made you with that plan in mind.  The call to religious life is beautiful, but can be scary so pray for the courage to make that “leap of faith” if He is calling you to religious life.  May God bless you as you discern your vocation!
 

From: Royalton , Minnesota

I have found it is all about TRUST.  He has written your vocation on your heart, knowing what will bring you true happiness.  By talking to Him in prayer, He brings you closer to Himself and to what He has written.  No matter how unworthy you feel of what He calls you to, have faith in that He knows you much better than you know yourself and will use even your weaknesses to help you do His will.  His plan might not make sense to you, but it doesn’t have to.  After all, a vocation isn’t something to be “found” or “figured out”.  God doesn’t ask for your certainty, but for your humble and faith-filled “yes”.