CONTACT STAGE

If you feel that God is calling you to this life, contact a Sister of St. Mary, either in writing or through a personal visit. Subsequently, you might spend a year or two discerning your call with the sisters, entering into dialogue with them, becoming more in touch with the Lord, with yourself, and with the community.

If by then you feel called to religious life, you will become a Candidate.

CANDIDACY

The Candidacy is a time of service or study and of some initiation into community living and a life of prayer. It lasts for one or two years.

Ordinarily the Candidate continues to be financially independent while living in community. Circumstances may call for other arrangements. One who discerns a call to religious life should never hesitate because of finances.

For you, the integration of human development and spiritual growth within the community will be a positive sign of religious vocation.

For the Sisters of St. Mary, it is a time to share the special charism we have received while being enriched by God's gifts to you.

NOVITIATE

The novitiate usually lasts two years. One of these years offers time to study Scripture, Theology, religious life and the spirituality of our Congregation, while the other involves the novice in ministry.

PROFESSION

Following the Novitiate, the sister makes temporary vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in the Congregation.

The time of temporary profession ordinarily lasts six years. The renewal of vows is made annually the first three years and then for a three year period or annually until perpetual profession.

By her profession the sister hands over her whole life to God, and the Church unites her offering to that of Jesus Christ offered totally to the Father for his glory and for the salvation of the world.

When a sister is accepted to pronounce her final vows in the Congregation, all the members of the community welcome her.

Do you have questions? Click here to see questions that we are commonly asked.