Whats next?

Women sometimes ask what they can expect in terms of the process and requirements involved in joining a religious congregation. While the process is unique to each individual, some basic steps include the following:

• Time of Discernment
Regular contact with the community and with the vocation director
Participation in a discernment retreat and/or live-in experience

• Candidate
Usually about one year
Completing the application process

• Postulant
One to two years
Living with the Sisters, coming to know more about the community

• Novice
Two to two-and-a-half years
Intense studying and preparing for vowed life

• Temporary Professed
Five to nine years
Living the vows in community, focusing on integration of prayer, community and ministry

• Final Professed Forever!