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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 is ''called'' to serve [[God]]. Nuns usually work inside a [[convent]] and are part of an [[order]]. A nun will often wear a [[habit]], a covering for the [[head]]. It is black and white 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. |
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| − | Each order has a [[mission]], ordained by God. 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. |
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| − | A woman who is a [[widow]] or is 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 spell 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. |
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| − | 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]]. | + | 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]]. |
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| − | ==Buddhist Nun== | + | ===Episcopal Nuns=== |
| − | [[Buddhist]] nuns are required to shave their [[head]]. | + | The [[Episcopal]] and [[Anglican]] Churches also have women religious who are known as "[http://www.stmaryseast.org/nuns_episcopal.htm nuns"]. They take vows of poverty and chastity as their Catholic counterparts do. |
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| | + | ===Buddhist Nun=== |
| | + | [[Buddhist]] nuns are required to shave their [[head]]s. |
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| | ==Famous Nuns== | | ==Famous Nuns== |
| | * [[Mother Teresa]] | | * [[Mother Teresa]] |
| | * [[Sister Helen Prejean]] | | * [[Sister Helen Prejean]] |
| | + | * [[Catherine McAuley]] |
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| − | ==External Links== | + | ==External links== |
| | * [http://www.vocationsplacement.org/ Should I Become a Nun? Take the test!] | | * [http://www.vocationsplacement.org/ Should I Become a Nun? Take the test!] |
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| − | ==References==
| + | [[Category:Catholic Church]] |
| − | <references/>
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