A sister is a female who shares one or both parents with another person. There are different types of sisters, including uterine, half, and consanguine. They are also referred to as sisters-german, full, or stepsisters.
A Sister’s Vows
In most apostolic religious communities, nuns and sisters take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, which are the three evangelical counsels or counsels of perfection in Christianity. These vows are considered a solemn promise of good to God and the Church.
They are publicly made and witnessed as they commit themselves to a life of prayer, service and witness to the Gospel. They assist the mission of their Church in a variety of ministries, and their witness to the joy and beauty of community living gives hope to those who are hungry, homeless, lonely, and oppressed throughout the world.
Being a Sister is a Spiritual Vow
A young woman who wishes to become a nun, or sister, enters into a process of spiritual formation that can last from five years to many decades. During this time she receives spiritual, scriptural, and theological instruction, assists her fellow Sisters in prayer and experiences the joys and struggles of community life.
The Sister’s Vow is Her Life
In the Catholic Church, a nun’s vow is a deliberate and free promise made to God about a possible and better good that the Church has recognized as such. In addition to vows, nuns are bound by a Code of Conduct and a disciplinary process.
She also has a commitment to her community and is dedicated to helping her fellow Sisters in the same way she does herself. She believes that by following her calling she will have a greater impact on the world around her and will bring God’s love to those who are suffering.
During her religious education, she is taught about her own faith, how to live the evangelical counsels and how to help others find Christ in their lives. She also learns about her community, their history and the values and beliefs that govern their daily lives and mission.
The Sister’s Community is Her Life
Most apostolic religious women live in a common house with other members of their community. A small number live with other Sisters of a different community, and some live in isolation.
When they are older, a Sister may have her own home or apartment. Often, she is responsible for providing meals and taking care of the laundry for her own household.
She may have her own car or van, and she might even own a pet dog, cat, or horse. She may also have her own office or computer and a phone line to communicate with her fellow Sisters and other people in her community.
The Sister’s Vow Is Her Life
She is a member of a religious community that observes the simple vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. She is an active member of her community and is dedicated to the mission of her Church in a variety of ministries.