Discover the voluntary year: time out for the soul in Austria!

Discover the voluntary year: time out for the soul in Austria!

Wien, Österreich - Vienna, February 6, 2025 (Cape) - In Austria, the innovative project “Voluntary Order Year” is enjoying growing popularity. This program offers men and women of all ages the opportunity to live in a Catholic religious community and to participate in their spiritual life without having to bind in the long term. Sr. Anne Buchholz, who has been a coordinator since September, said in an interview with Vienna Sunday that this offer is not primarily about recruiting new religious members, but rather enabling people to take a special break and to show them new perspectives that can lead to a "new quality of life", as kathpress.at reported.

The voluntary religious year is open for a period of three months to one year and offers an intensive experience of community, prayer and social commitment. People between the ages of 17 and 72 can participate, with the individual background being very diverse. So some are looking for a break from hectic everyday life, while others want to deepen their lives and faith. Participation is flexible, and many remain in contact with “their” community even after their voluntary year, as Sr. Buchholz stated. Around 19 people are currently being actively looked after in various communities - a number that will soon increase. The different kind and diversity of the religious communities offers a suitable environment for everyone, reports