Stages of Formation

A young woman (at least 18 years of age) who believes God is calling her to our community and desires to dedicate her life to Him as a Sister, may ask to become a "postulant." The postulancy is a time for the woman and the Congregation to become better acquainted with each other. A postulant generally comes to live in one of the convents of the community for a period ranging from six months to two years. By participating in prayer, study, work and recreation with the Sisters she comes to know if God is calling her to THIS Franciscan Community. She learns to become a more caring person, aware of her responsibility for herself and others.

During this period we are given time to deepen our personal love for Jesus Christ. Growth in our understanding of "life-time" commitment to Jesus Christ lived in religious poverty, consecrated chastity, and obedience is a special fruit of the Novitiate. His words: You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you come to have a more profound meaning in our lives as we spend these two years focusing more on prayer and study. When a young woman becomes a Novice, she receives the white veil as a sign of her new life in Christ as well as a copy of our Franciscan Rule and Constitutions. "Mary" is added to her baptismal name, or a new name, and we now address her as "Sister."

This period extends from the profession of temporary vows to the profession of perpetual vows, and generally spans at least five years. At the time of temporary profession the Sister receives the black veil signifying her departure from the world and a simple gold ring on which are depicted the instruments of the Passion of our Lord and our Congregation's Mission Cross. When the ring is put on her finger the presiding bishop or priest prays: "I espouse you to Jesus Christ, the Son of the Most High God." The time of Juniorate deepens and continues the formation begun in the Novitiate. Formation classes continue, but the Sister now learns to integrate her prayer life with her apostolic service to which she is called by her Superior.