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[[Image:nuns.jpg|right|250px|thumb|A group of nuns.]]

[[Image:nuns.jpg|right|250px|thumb|A group of nuns.]]

A '''nun''' is a celibate [[Catholic]] woman who lives her life, under formal vows, in service to [[God]]. Nuns usually work and live inside a [[convent]] and are part of a religious [[order]]. A nun will often wear a [[habit]], a special covering for the [[head]] and body. It is usually black and white, sometimes brown or blue (depending upon the particular religious order), and signifies that one serves God.

A '''nun''' is a celibate [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] [[woman]] who lives her life, under formal vows, in service to [[God]]. Nuns usually work and live inside a [[convent]] and are part of a [[religious order]]. Like monks and religious [[priest]]s, a nun will often wear a [[habit]], a specially prescribed garment specific to their order. It is usually black and white, sometimes brown or blue (depending upon the particular religious order), and signifies one's service to God.

Each order has its special [[mission]]. Some nuns work as [[teacher]]s in Catholic schools or as [[nurse]]s in [[hospital]]s. All nuns must take a [[vow of poverty]], and any money they earn goes towards supporting their convent or order.  

Each order has its special [[mission]]. Some nuns work as [[teacher]]s in [[Catholic schools]] or as [[nurse]]s in [[hospital]]s. All nuns must take a [[vow of poverty]], and any money they earn goes towards supporting their convent or order.  

A woman who is a [[widow]] and not a virgin may become a nun, but a divorcee may not, unless approved by the [[Vatican]]. In Catholicism, women are not allowed to become [[priest]]s, but becoming a nun is considered a fulfilling and rewarding choice. Women interested in becoming nuns are encouraged to try living in a convent for a time so they might decide whether they would really like to serve God in that capacity.  

In addition to women who have never married, [[widow]]s and those who are not virgins may become nuns, but divorcees may not unless approved by the [[Holy See]]. In Catholicism, ordination of women as [[priest]]s is not possible, but becoming a nun is considered a holy vocation. Women who believe they have the vocation to religious life are encouraged to try living in a convent for a time so they might decide whether this is indeed their vocation from God.

A beginner nun is called a novice and is required to take vows of [[vow of chastity|chastity]] and poverty. Leaving the sisterhood after taking vows is frowned upon, much like [[divorce]], but has become common in the United States since the reforms of [[Vatican II]].

A beginner nun is called a ''novice'' and is required to take vows of [[vow of chastity|chastity]] and poverty. Leaving the sisterhood after taking vows is frowned upon, but has become common in the United States since the reforms of the [[Second Vatican Council]].

===Episcopal Nuns===

===Episcopal Nuns===