Watch The Sisterhood

The Sisterhood is a docuseries that premiered on Lifetime in 2013. The show follows the lives of five women who are considering becoming nuns in the Catholic Church. The women come from diverse backgrounds and are in different stages of their lives, but they all share a desire to deepen their relationship with God and serve others.

The first episode introduces viewers to the five women: Claire, a 26-year-old from New Jersey who is leaving behind a successful career in fashion to pursue a life of service; Eseni, a 23-year-old from California who grew up in a strict Pentecostal household and is drawn to the spiritual discipline of the Catholic Church; Francesca, a 27-year-old from Brooklyn who is a former party girl looking for a new purpose in life; Stacey, a 27-year-old from New York who has been in a long-term relationship but feels called to something greater; and Christie, a 29-year-old from Philadelphia who is a former drug addict who credits her faith with saving her life.

Over the course of the series, viewers get an inside look at the women's journey as they attend discernment retreats, meet with spiritual advisors, and participate in various community service projects. The show also delves into the challenges the women face as they try to balance their desire to become nuns with their relationships, careers, and families. Can they really make such a drastic change in their lives? Will their loved ones support them or abandon them?

One of the most powerful aspects of The Sisterhood is its depiction of the women's vulnerability and questioning. The women are not portrayed as blindly obedient or naive, but rather as thoughtful individuals who are wrestling with some of life's biggest questions. They are shown grappling with issues like their own worthiness, the role of women in the Church, and the challenges of living in community with other women.

Another fascinating aspect of the show is the glimpse it provides into the Catholic Church and its varied traditions. Through the women's experiences, viewers learn about the different orders of nuns, the role of prayer and meditation in the religious life, and the history of the Church's teachings on social justice. The show also touches on some of the current controversies within the Church, such as the sex abuse scandal and the debate over women's ordination.

The Sisterhood is not without its flaws, however. Some viewers may find the show's heavy-handed editing and melodramatic music to be off-putting. There are also moments when the women's stories become repetitive or overly staged. Additionally, the show has been criticized for its narrow focus on Catholicism and its failure to explore other religious traditions or the perspectives of non-believers.

Despite these criticisms, The Sisterhood remains a compelling and thought-provoking series that offers a rare glimpse into the world of women discerning religious life. The show's focus on vulnerability, questioning, and community provides a valuable counterpoint to the often-perceived rigidity and dogmatism of the Catholic Church. For anyone interested in questions of faith, purpose, and service, The Sisterhood is a must-watch series.