Nun and Sister — What’s the Difference?
Did you know that there is a difference between “nun” and “sister”? For many people, the terms are used interchangeably to describe women devoted to a vowed life of faith in the Catholic Church, but there are some significant distinctions between the two.
Much of the confusion comes from what you see in movies and TV shows. People often use the term nun if they see a woman in a habit (a traditional religious dress). But the chances are, if she is walking around in public or engaging in your local community, she’s not actually a nun.
Learning the terms
Nuns and sisters are both referred to as women religious. This is the general term used to address all women living a vowed life within a religious institute. Both categories of women religious are addressed as “Sister”—as in “Sister Mary” or “Sister Catherine.” So, while a nun is also a “sister,” what we call an apostolic sister is not a nun.
Both nuns and apostolic sisters profess vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Their initial vows are most commonly temporary, lasting a period of no less than three years. This gives the woman an opportunity to live the vowed life before making her final vows. When ready, both will then make perpetual vows as a final commitment to living in the religious community. For a nun, this larger community is referred to as an order, while for an apostolic sister it is referred to as a congregation.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s compare both to get a better understanding of some core differences in their vows and lifestyle.
Vows
Nun
Most commonly, their vows are made in public and are referred to as solemn vows. This means she completely renounces all personal ownership of money and possessions.
Apostolic Sister
Most make their vows in private settings within their congregation, with family in attendance. Their vows are typically referred to as simple, meaning they can retain ownership of some property but give up all rights to its use or income.
Community
Nun
Live together in a cloistered community and typically remain within the boundaries of their convent or monastery.
Apostolic Sister
Live together in open communities where family, friends and guests can visit and engage.
Ministry
Nun
Work within their convent to support their order. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, engaging in deep spiritual reflection to intercede on behalf of the world.
Apostolic Sister
Contribute to the needs of their congregation and/or the world. They engage in a deep prayer life as well as apostolic ministry, participating directly with society through public engagement, jobs and/or projects.
Attire
Nun
Nuns often wear a traditional religious dress called a “habit” that reflects their institute’s customs and signifies their consecrated life.
Apostolic Sister
Sisters may wear modest, contemporary clothing suitable for their ministry or culture, or a habit, depending on their institute’s customs.
Still have questions?
We hope this overview has helped to clear up some misunderstandings and build a little more knowledge about women religious. Both nuns and sisters are committed to living lives centered in prayer and the teachings of the Church. But how they are lived can vary quite greatly.
We encourage you to share this information with others or open conversations with us if this life interests you. We have plenty of information on becoming a sister and the various steps of formation. But you can also send your questions to one of our vocation coordinators. After all, she probably had similar questions when discerning if this life was for her!
Learn more about the apostolic lives and ministries of Holy Cross sisters
Sister Brenda assists and advocates for survivors of human trafficking
Modeling compassion, inclusion through services
Conversations about service, prayer and community
What are the steps to becoming a Sister?
Don’t let words like discernment, postulant, novice or vows overwhelm you. We will help you understand formation process and the time it takes to become a Sister of the Holy Cross. We welcome your questions.
Ready to take the first step?
Considering a religious life as a sister or a nun starts internally but leads to conversations with others. If you are ready, please fill out the contact a vocation coordinator form today.