Stepping Stones
1 - Affiliation
(one to four years)
Prior to entering the Congregation, a woman enters into an affiliation period with the community. Through prayer and study, an affiliate continues her discernment about her call to be a Sister of Charity, while maintaining her own lifestyle. The affiliation period includes a one-to-three month live-in with a local Sister of Charity community.
2 - Postulancy
(ordinarily one year)
A postulant makes a commitment to live in a Sisters of Charity local community. While experiencing the life of a Sister of Charity, she also engages in active ministry.
3 - Novitiate
(two years)
A novice lives in the novitiate for one full year and devotes the year to prayer and study about the Congregation's mission, spirituality, and lifestyle. During the second year, a novice engages in apostolic work or academic study.
4 - Temporary Profession
(three to five years)
The sister who makes temporary vows deepens her active participation in the life and mission of the Sisters of Charity. A sister will renew temporary vows annually for up to six years.
5 - Full Profession
Through vows of poverty, obedience, and consecrated celibacy, the fully professed sister makes her perpetual commitment to God. She lives out her life of service in fidelity to the charism of the Sisters of Charity.