Next Steps in Becoming
Our Franciscan Sister
What steps do I have to go through?
How long will it take?
Because this is a serious step in anyone’s life, ample time is given to live and learn what this life is like.
In marriage most couples commit first and then learn to live the life. With us it is the other way around; you live the life with us in preparation for a solemn commitment.
Entering into this process requires an attitude of openness to the Holy Spirit. Here is what you will experience:
- Inquiry—This lasts at least six months; the Vocation Minister gets to know you better and possibly invites you to begin a more formal discernment with our community. You fill out the application forms and go through an assessment.
- Mentoring—This ranges from six months to two years; you live in a House of Discernment with a Sister Mentor to guide you as you learn the nuances of religious life. You continue your relationship with the Vocation Minister during that time.
- Pre-Novitiate—This ranges from six months to a year; you continue in the House of Discernment and begin more formal studies with a Formation Minister.
- Novitiate—This lasts two years and is the Catholic Church’s requirement for those beginning religious life. Now with the title of “Sister,” you experience the Canonical year as a time of contemplating Christ and includes study of a variety of things including the vows. The Ministerial year continues in the House of Discernment and is the time to study the Franciscan rule and our constitutions as well as participating in some form of ministry.
- Temporary Professed—The Church provides for a time frame of three years to nine to make a decision for a permanent commitment as a vowed religious. It is during this time that a Sister lives in a local house and engages in ministry or furthers her studies in preparation for ministry.
What if the Community says “no” …or I want to leave the process?
There may be reasons why you would get a “no” from us—that would be a part of the mutual discernment that is involved in exploring religious life.
After time, if you feel your exploration of religious life with us is not a good match for you, you are free to tell us. We would send you off with a blessing for your future choices.
