Stages of Formation

Affiliate
In the affiliate phase, the candidate while still remaining in her own environment is guided in a process of discernment to determine whether she has a call to the religious life.

Postulancy
The postulancy, the first formal phase of formation, lasts six months to a year.  While living in community the postulant continues to grow in her knowledge of the Catholic faith and is introduced to St. Francis and his way of life.


Novitiate
The novitiate, the second phase of formation, is comprised of two years.  The first year is a period of intese spiritual formation apart from active involvement.  The novice is provided with opportunities for growth in self-knowledge, prayer, and a lived awareness of the presence of God.  Classes focus on the Rule of Life, the vows, community life, and other areas relevant to our consecration.  In the second year, the novice is challenged to integrate her spiritiual life with active ministry.  While continuing her spiritual studies, she may participate in ministry experiences or continue her education.

Temporary Vows
At the end of the two years of novitiate, when both the novice and the Community feel she is ready, the novice professes temporary vows of poverty, consecrated chastity and obedience for two years and then renews them for three years.

Final Commitment
At the end of temporay commitment, if the sister and the Community feel she is ready, the temporary professed consecrates her life to God forever by professing her life vows.  The preparation is completed, but the sister continues seeking to "grow in all ways into Christ." (Eph. 4:15)