A Glossary of Terms Commonly Used by Women Religious

Some terms and words commonly used within religious communities are often unfamiliar to the general public. Following is a list of “sisterspeak” terms and their definition in “everyday speak.”

 A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   X   Y   Z 

Discernment

The process of prayer and reflection that seeks to understand what God wills in particular circumstances.

Dispensation

A release from vows granted by the Catholic Church allowing a sister to leave a congregation.

Denomination

a name or designation for a group of local churches sharing a common identity and profession of belief

Divine Office

Also called Liturgy of the Hours, the Divine Office is prayed at regular intervals of the day.

 

Used with permission of NCNWR