Dear Angela, 

To some it might seem either disloyal or paranoid to ask the communities you visit regarding their fidelity to the Church. It is neither.  

There are two reasons to ask the question: one is the nature of the problems that religious life in general has gone through in recent decades. The other is less circumstantial and more basic: you are simultaneously a rational creature and a believer (you can only be a believer if you are rational). It would certainly be a mistake to reduce your faith to only what you can see with reason, but it would be no less a mistake to give yourself to a vocation unthinkingly.  

As regards the vocation: you believe that Christ calls you to a specific community, and you believe that they are worthy of your trust, that they are doing what Christ means them to - and, therefore, if you join you will be too. No matter what community you join, if they are faithful to their charism and you apply your mind and your prayer to absorbing that charism into your life, you should experience the wonderful joy of discovering the deep roots it has in the sacraments, discipline and teaching of the Church. This is your reason and reflection at work.  

Now, to answer your question. Let me start with a simple truth and a warning. The simple truth is there are things so obvious they should not be denied and cannot be argued around. Like the emperor with no clothes. Everyone, even the simplest can see so. 

That's the truth, now here is the warning: However, it is also true that 'a little learning is a terrible thing', and we live in times in which some have set themselves up as judges of others while lacking the necessary knowledge or balance for such an endeavor. While we should not be blind to the obvious, we should be careful about setting ourselves up as judges.  

There are certain elements that the Church in its teachings has consistently said are essential to religious life:, prayer, community life and some form of religious habit as a sign of consecration. When you visit a community these should be readily visible.  

Other points to look for: how central is the Eucharist to the community's life? Is there a sense of obedience, service? Is there joy? Do they believe in the cross? How much prayer is there? 

Ask them about their founder, if they follow his or her rule? Do they do the apostolate they were founded for? Is there a sense of communion with the Church? What do they think of the Pope?  

Ask about the formation process too. How long, what stages it is made up of. If they take studies, where do they do them... 

These and similar questions will let you see more than just 'if they are with the Church', but they will also help you to see if it feels like home to you - necessary ingredient if God is calling you there.