How do you become a nun?

The first requirement for becoming a nun is to cultivate an intense passion for God and a strong sense of responsibility to help others, then embrace the calling to begin the journey of religious life. If you plan to be a Catholic nun, you must become a practicing member of the church, join an order, become a novitiate and take your vows.

1. Fulfill the basic requirements

   You must be over 18, unmarried and a citizen of whichever country you are interested in joining religious life. You must be in good health. A college degree is preferred, but not required.

2. Become a practicing Catholic

   Receive the sacraments of Baptism, Communion, Penance and Reconciliation and Confirmation and follow the tenets of the Catholic Church. Contact the Vocations Office in your diocese to join a religious community.

3. Choose and join an order

   Choose an order that you are passionate about. Live in the order as a candidate for up to a year to become familiar with its mission and rules.

4. Become a novitiate

   Work in the community as a novitiate for at least a year or until you are certain that you wish to become a nun.

5. Take your first vows

   Make temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Live life as a religious candidate for 5 to 9 years.

6. Take your final vows

   Make sacred vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for life.