On-going discernment and conversion is part of the life of every Sister. Women who want to explore life as a vowed member of the Sisters of Charity engage in a process of belonging that takes them through several stages and culminates with a final profession of vows.
These stages are:
- Candidacy, which is a period of one to two years. Women live in community and share in the daily life of the members. They begin to learn about the charism (spirit) of the Sisters of Charity and what life could be like as a professed member.
- Novitiate, a two-year state of more intense study, prayer and discernment in preparation for vows. Novices live at the House of Formation and relate in a special way to the director of novices, who accompanies her on this journey of incorporation.
- Temporary Profession, which is a three to six year period of living and working as a member of the congregation in an ever deepening relationship with God and with the sisters.
Each phase of the process incorporates consistent elements of spirituality, community living and ministry to encourage growth in reflection, self-evaluation and commitment to the mission of charity to which the woman has been called.
If this process interests you, your next step might be:
- To visit us at our congregation headquarters on the grounds of the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Bronx, New York.
- To call or e-mail us for information about one of our Come and See programs.
- To send for our vocation packet.
