I've read that both nuns and sisters take a vow of poverty along with other things. But, there is a Catholic "Sister" who teaches at my college (a Catholic University). She has worked several years in secular jobs, dresses nicely and fashionably, wears jewelry, and does not look "poor" to me. What's the rules for Catholic "Sisters?" Can they marry? What other things can they do? I'm not Catholic, so I need your help. Thanks.
2007-09-26 09:45:59 · 12 answers · asked by Peachy Keen 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A 'nun' and a 'sister' is the same thing, really. These women take vows of chastity and are 'married to Christ (look at their left hands ... they have 'wedding bands' on just as if they were married to a live man). These days most of the 'sisterhoods' (there are several different ones) don't wear 'habits' any more ... they dress the same as most 'middle class' people do, although it's a bit more 'plain.' No, a 'sister/nun' can NOT marry if they are in 'good standing' (they can 'quit' and renounce their vows, but they are no longer 'sisters/nuns' if they do that, and then they can marry). The 'rules' are different according to the 'sisterhood' a nun belongs to. Why don't you go to a Catholic church and ASK if you can talk to a sister to get your questions answered. I know at my church (the Cathedral church) there are several who would be HAPPY to answer your questions.
There is another kind of 'group' that is made of women who live in the 'regular world' but who are 'associate sisters' of the 'nuns' ... in our area they are Carmelites. I'm married, but I could become a Carmelite and stay married ... I'd just have to go to the 'monthly meetings' and attend the 'retreats' and do 'volunteer work' according to my 'agreement' ... I am not, because I have 'ill health' and can't commit my time ... but I may join if I can get my 'health problems' worked out. I'd still be married, and I'd still live with my husband. Sisters/nuns usually live in 'convents' with other sisters/nuns, but some do have 'apartments' of their own, depending on their 'order' (sisterhood) and its rules.
2007-09-26 09:56:47 · answer #1 · answered by Kris L 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hello, For nuns, that was to be modest; working and devoting her life to God a nun cannot flaunt herself in provocative dress like a show girl. Anyway nuns no longer are required to wear habits since about 40 years ago. It is optional, especially when they are out doing public service. Some Muslim women who are single or married, not a member of a particular religious order are required to cover up just the same. Cheers, Michael Kelly
2016-04-06 02:32:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nun Jewelry
2016-12-12 18:55:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nuns are nuns, not Sisters. The difference is that nuns live in a cloistered community cut off from the world (Enclosed Religious Order). Sisters belong to a women's religious order and usually work within the wider community (Secular Order). In each case the religious order will be governed by a "Rule" laid down by the founder and accepted by the Vatican. Nuns and sisters each take vows according to their particular rule.
2007-09-26 10:31:40 · answer #4 · answered by latics7 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The two terms are often used interchangeably these days. However, traditionally nuns were sisters who lived a cloistered life, that is they lived within a convent which they never left, and their ministry was prayer. Other sisters live in a variety of situations, including convents, but are active in the outside world, and often have ministries such as teaching, nursing, parish ministry, youth ministry, etc.
2007-09-26 09:54:59 · answer #5 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
nuns and sisters are the same thing. It depends on the order they join as to their dress but, no they cannot marry. They have chosen this so there is no "Oh poor nuns" stuff.
2007-09-26 09:51:44 · answer #6 · answered by Midge 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They're actually the same thing, but if she dresses in regular clothes she may just be a consecrated lady. The requirements are different but I'm not sure which.
2007-09-26 09:57:30 · answer #7 · answered by Thom 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on the order I believe.
2007-09-26 09:48:03 · answer #8 · answered by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
"Sister" is more of an address (ie: "good morning, sister). Nun is more descriptive of the vocation.
Try these links:
Nun: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11164a.htm
Sister: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14028b.htm
(or) http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14029a.htm
2007-09-26 09:50:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
no they dont marry and both words mean the same thing...
2007-09-26 09:49:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋