I am a “sister” but I do not live in a convent.
A consecrated virgin and a religious sister do have much in common.
Both vocations belong under the broad umbrella of vocations to “consecrated life” in the Church
A religious sister and a consecrated virgin are both brides of Christ who forsake marriage out of love for Jesus and a desire to serve Him with “undivided devotion” (1 Corinthians 7:35, ESV).
Both pray the Liturgy of the Hours with and for the Church.
However, these vocations also differ, much in the same way that there is a difference between the life of a diocesan priest and that of a priest in a religious order.
Religious sisters (like religious brothers and priests) profess vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to the superior of their community, and these vows constitute the “form” of their life and vocation. They follow a common rule of life and a common spirituality, are united by a shared apostolate, and live together in convents or monasteries set apart from the world. Often they wear a habit that identifies them as a member of their order.
As a consecrated virgin,I am l called to embrace Gospel poverty by leading a life of simplicity in the midst of the world.
I have dedicated myself to pray for and serve my diocese under the guidance of my bishop.
I made a resolution of perpetual virginity that was affirmed and consecrated by my bishop on the day of my consecration in 2018, and it is this resolution that became the “form” of my life and vocation.
Perhaps the most important difference between religious life and consecrated virginity revolves around the notion of “charism,” which is the unique gift or spirit that a particular religious community brings to the Church and the world
The charism of a religious order is evident in their specific type of shared work and prayer, but the charism of a Consecrated Virgin, regardless of her profession or her spirituality, is simply to be the bride of Christ in the midst of the world.
I do use the title “Sister, because I am espoused to Christ and it is a sign of my commitment . I do, , wear a wedding band as a sign of my marriage to Christ. This ring is a constant, tangible reminder of Jesus’ love for me as His bride and His love for the whole Church. I live “in the world” and support myself financially through my work as a teacher.
My community is, , my church parish, I also maintain close friendships women religious and priests.