Vows

"Today many people like to keep their options open, to be flexible, and to be able to reinvent themselves. They don’t like to be restricted. There can be a fear of being trapped by commitment. Taking religious vows means that certain options are being closed off. The vows set your life in a particular direction to be followed until death. Members of Religious Communities believe that God calls us to take such vows because there are some worthwhile things that only come to full fruition through the commitment and dedication of a lifetime. Vows anchor us in the way of discipleship that we have chosen. They are a support in difficult times – and there will be difficult times. They are a solemn promise to which we are constantly called back, a reminder to live our life in Christ to the full." (arlife.org.uk)