What would my first years with the SCCs be like?
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| Sister Maria Martin renews her vows for a period of one year. |
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The first year, which is called Postulancy, is a transition year. The woman lives in Community with the Sisters, but usually continues her ministry or education. During that time she also learns more about prayer, religious life, community and herself in order to continue discerning her call.
The next two years are called Novitiate. In the first year, the canonical year, the woman ceases to work or study full-time. The purpose is to have a year of intense prayer, study and reflection to grow in deeper knowledge and union with the one calling her ... Jesus Christ.
In the second year of Novitiate, the woman has an experience of ministry by living and working with our Sisters somewhere other than the House of Formation for a period of 8-10 weeks. After this time she continues with her education for professional ministry and preparation for vows. If she has already had experience in ministry and is finished with her professional preparation, a different process of experience will be developed for her specifically. She will still prepare for vows in a like manner.
At the end of these three years, if both the woman and the community feel it is appropriate for her to continue, she would prepare and profess vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience for a period of one year. This marks the beginning of the next phase of formation which leads to the perpetual profession of the vows.
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