Does it matter? Even if a 20 something should apply, the order is dead. Not far from home, is the motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
Like the Erie Sisters, these nuns doffed their habits and moved out of their motherhouse. It now serves as a residence for the aging nuns. One of the empty wings has been turned into a convention center, with all the amenities (I attended a mandatory day of retreat at the center ... no comment). Here is one of their guest speakers.
Dr. Alfredo Sfeir-Younis, founder of the Zambuling Institute for Human Transformation, talks with Sister Margaret Jean Murphy.
Among the mission objectives of the sisters is to serve the needs of the "dear neighbor." This has resulted in the acquisition of a decent sized tract of land directly across from their provincial house, on which they have constructed senior housing.
The public section of the commons building, The Pointe, will include a fitness and aquatic center, multiple recreational rooms, convenience store, hair and nail salon, barbershop, three distinctive dining venues and more. Shaker Pointe residents will be provided many services and amenities, including a 24-hour staff, concierge service, scheduled daily transportation, housekeeping service, indoor and outdoor maintenance and extensive activities and programs, among many other services.
FWIU, to live there is not cheap. It entails making the sisters the beneficiaries of the property at time of death, or something like that. Regardless of how it all works, these "sisters" have moved beyond worshiping our Lord and into the realm of high finances, to keep their community going.
I find it truly sad to watch this process evolve. And it is not limited to this community, it is found in other older groups, as well. Two years ago, I accepted a position as database administrator, at a local catholic school. Much like the Erie Benedictines and Carondelet Josephites, he Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary share the ranks of those who gave up the habit. The nun who initially provided some training came dressed in sweats. There were still a few nuns, dressed in lay garb, who taught at the school. Not surprisingly, they were well intentioned but grey haired and ready for retirement. They also found some very creative ways to support their community.
Last Sunday, Fr. Benedict Groeschel invited two "habited" Sisters of the Renewal on his program to discuss religious life. Fr. Benedict cited statistics to demonstrate how those who abandoned the habit are floundering. If you missed it, you can watch that discussion here.
It is most disheartening to watch these communities self implode. We need to pray that they will rediscover the path back to community life.