Some common questions and answers about investigating a religious life with the Edmundites.

How do I know if I’m really being called to religious life? The call of God is a gentle invitation that comes and goes throughout our lives. It is the felt sense that God is calling me to a different way of life that involves prayer, service, and a life in community.

How do I discern whether my commitment to religious life is permanent?
I would encourage you to contact our vocation director, Fr. Stanley Deresienski, S.S.E. He will help you in the discernment process. All religious communities invite interested candidates to spend time living in community and actually experience our life.

What does it mean to take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in the 21st century?
Members in the Society of Saint Edmund live in community. We share our goods in common (poverty), remain unmarried and chaste (chastity) and are responsible to the community (obedience).

Where will I live?
Those discerning a call reside in our house of formation in South Burlington, Vermont.

How will I be assigned to a ministry?
We work to match the gifts of our members with the needs of the Society of Saint Edmund. After prayer and consultation, the Superior General assigns you to a ministry.

What happens if I come to investigate life with the Edmundites, but decide it’s not for me?
Our formation and discernment process takes four years. You can leave at any time with our blessing.

Have more questions? E-mail Vocation Director Father Stanley Deresienski at sderesienski@smcvt.edu