Resources for older discerners or those with physical and developmental differences

By VISION editors

While most religious communities have age restrictions or restrictions for candidates with certain disabilities, many consider candidates on a case by case basis. There are also other options for community, fellowship, or support for candidates faced with impediments who feel called to religious life.

Older people discerning a vocation to religious life

For older discerners

Some places to turn for help:


1. The Community Search section of this website, filtered by age 45.

2. See the “Older vocations” article by Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M. in the VISION Vocation Network’s Q&A: On Vocations section.

3. Some Benedictine women’s communities who may consider older candidates. (Note: Policies and contact information may change and VISION cannot guarantee these communities now consider older candidates. Check with the communities individually):

• St. Martin Monastery, Rapid City, SD 605-343-8011, srmarywegher@yahoo.com, Limit: 55.
• Sacred Heart Monastery, Cullman, AL, 256-734-2199, vocations@shmon.org. Limit: 50 but will make some exceptions.
• St. Scholastica Monastery, Duluth, MN, 218-723-6646, vocations@duluthosb.org. Limit: 50 but will make some exceptions.
• Monastery of St. Gertrude, Cottonwood, ID, 208-962-5024, vocation@stgertrudes.org. No age limit.
• Mother of God Monastery, Watertown, SD, 605- 822-6609, vocations@dailypost.com. Limit: 60.
• Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, Bristow, VA, 703-298-5337, vocations@osbva.org. Limit: 21 to “no cut-o