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The Process of Becoming a Sister 

When I was first discerning becoming a sister, I thought that the process of discerning only lasted until I discerned which congregation I wanted to join. I soon learned that discernment does not end once you enter into a religious community! Religious congregations have different stages a person must complete before becoming a member of the community, and potential members are encouraged to discern whether to go forward into the next stage. The process of becoming a sister takes several years, allowing a woman to have full confidence in her vocation before her final commitment. 

When a woman enters a community, she begins an intense process known as formation, which takes place over a few years. During these years, a woman learns about the community’s history and constitution and studies the vows. She also learns the skills needed to be a sister, including how to live in community and pray in community and receives training to participate in the community’s ministry. 

The first part of a sister’s formation is to become a candidate. Candidacy looks very different from congregation to congregation, but some constants are that a woman lives and prays with the community and receives some mentoring in entering into community life. Often, she is expected to regularly receive spiritual direction during this time as well. In addition, some candidates are expected to work full time, while others are expected to spend their time in study. At this point, a woman’s finances are separate from that of the congregation, and she is not yet given the title of “Sister.” 

The next stage of formation is for a woman to become a novice. At this point, it is considered that a woman has entered into religious life, and she is given the title of “Sister.” However, she is not considered to be a member of the congregation. As in candidacy, she is free to leave at any time. The novitiate can last from one to two years and is set aside for prayer, discernment, and learning more about the congregation. 

After completing the novitiate, a woman can request to make temporary vows. Usually, temporary profession lasts from three to six years. During this time, a woman is living out the vows and is considered to be a member of the congregation; however, she is still discerning whether she wants to remain a sister in the congregation. During temporary profession, a sister is generally engaged in ministry, living in community, and participating in the life of the congregation. She is also allowed to put the initials of the congregation (e.g. OP, OFM, RSM, etc.) after her name after her first profession. She is free to request dispensation from her vows at this point and to return to her previous state of life if she determines she is not able to live the life.

If a woman discerns that she wishes to make her commitment to the congregation permanent after three years, she is able to make a perpetual profession of vows. These vows are considered binding until death. After making her perpetual vows, a sister is fully a member of the congregation, and she is responsible for her own formative experience moving forward, whether taking workshops to deepen her spirituality or pursuing further studies. 

Becoming a sister is not a quick process! But the most important thing to know is that the process is set up so that a woman has enough time to discern whether this is a good fit for her before making a final commitment. In addition, the woman will receive a great deal of support throughout the process, giving her the resources she needs to make a good decision for herself and for the congregation, because, ultimately, the point of being in a vocation is to find a place that brings you joy and leads you closer to God. 

Blessings, 
Sister Katherine 

We will soon have some exciting additions to our weekly reflections! In the meantime, enjoy this English audio version of "The Process of Becoming a Sister" on Amazon Podcasts. 

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