In as much as religious life is a life totally dedicated to God it is a life that requires a whole-hearted commitment. Most communities require life-long commitment following a period of temporary commitment. There are a few communities, such as the Daughters of St. Vincent de Paul, whose members renew their vows annually though most remain in their communities for life.

The reason the question is so often raised has to do with fear. Any choice for how to live one’s life has a certain amount of insecurity and fear at first. Fear of commitment is not a reason to avoid looking at the possibility that you are called to make a life-long commitment to religious life. The peace of God always accompanies those who make their choice in prayer and seek the grace of God to live it.