Nun vs. Sister

Contemplative, Cloistered, Semi-Cloistered, Apostolic, Nun, Sister…

These are all terms that I  find myself talking about daily.  They are also terms that many young Catholics cannot define or differentiate.

I am asked frequently, “What is the difference between a nun and a sister?”

Traditionally, there   is a clear difference, but nowadays, the lines have become a bit blurry.  Both nuns and sisters are women who have dedicated themselves to live vowed religious lives (of chastity, poverty and obedience) within the Catholic Church, following in the footsteps of Jesus in ministry.  Both have dedicated themselves to God. 

So, the difference, then, to put it simply, and traditionally, is that a nun lives her life within the walls of a monastery cloister,  serving others through contemplative prayer, while a sister shares her gifts out in the world, directly impacting those in need. 

Nuns live a cloistered life within their own community/monastery, rarely going outside of their monastery.  That is where they live, pray, work and recreate. 

Sisters, however, are never called “nuns”.  They are vowed religious sisters and are considered apostolic, or active.  Some sisters live, pray and work both within their own community and its ministry, and others work outside of their community in the public.  That’s right!  Many sisters, self included, live within the areas we serve.  Sisters have professional occupations which allow serving the needs of the world according to the special mission of their congregation.  You will find sisters who are physicians, social workers, community organizers, lobbyists, nurses, therapists, spiritual directors, teachers, parish associates, lawyers, accountants, case workers, and so on. 

As I said before, this is a very simple and very traditional answer.  Give me your input on what you think…did you know there was a difference?  Do you think that the terms are used more interchangeably in current times?

If you want to find out more about the apostolic life of a Sister of Bon Secours, CLICK HERE.

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