Candidacy

The purpose of this initial stage of formation, under supervision of the Director of Formation, is to provide an opportunity for the candidate to get to know themselves more deeply and experience the way of life of the community, to review the candidate’s understanding of the official teaching of the Church, and to learn how to cultivate the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love in the common life.

Postulancy is a formative training period to confirm the motivation, disposition and vocation of each candidate. Duration of the postulancy is a minimum of six months and maximum of one year. The Superior sets the duration of the postulancy with the evaluation of the Director of the Formation. A postulant has full liberty to leave, and the Superior has the right to dismiss her if she is unsuitable for life in the community.

Novitiate is the period of intense prayer and religious study. The novice is directed toward a more intimate union with Christ and a deeper understanding of her personal commitment to Him in our community. The novice is introduced to the various dimensions of living of the evangelical counsels with ardent prayer and labor of following in the footsteps of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

Temporary Profession

The community requires an individual to pronounce temporary vows for four years prior to perpetual commitment.

The temporary professed continues to receive professional education and it assigned to apostolic work at least for a years from the first profession.

Perpetual Profession

When the individual sister and the Director of Formation determine that she is approaching readiness to pronounce her perpetual vows, the sister freely submits a written request to the Superior and her council. Ordinarily, this request is submitted three months prior to the expiration of her temporary vows.

Continuing Formation

The community recognizes the need for continual ongoing spiritual formation for all the professed sisters. Each sister is responsible for ongoing formation program. However, the Superior and her council share in this responsibility.

The formation journey continues throughout the life of a woman religious. Ongoing-formation insures that she continues to grow in her life of prayer, and love of the Church and her community, through self-evaluation, study and community experiences.  Communities often provide formation programs appropriate to the various stages of life.