Being a nun is not permanent. It’s a good way to be until you are ready for marriage and find the good guy that you want to marry.
What do you do with a problem like Catherine?
Maybe being married is a way to prepare oneself to become a nun? As a wife and mother, one practices self-denial and living for others, and the outward rewards can be great: a living partner and the fun and challenges of children.
But the ultimate purpose of our lives is to love and serve God. Some are called to love and serve God in a way other than marriage and parenthood.
Being a sister is not permanent. This is before their final vows and they usually do lots of missionary work in the community.
Being a nun can be. Technically, they marry Christ and take final vows. It can take years to reach this stage.
Very few nuns leave once the final vow is taken.
It is indeed permanent and is certainly not a way station on the road to marriage. Becoming a nun is a serious commitment and made with the intention of it being for life.
Being a nun is as permanent as marriage. It is committing to God.