Stages of formation
Stage 1
Having a look!
If you feel that God wants you be a
sister, you come and spend time in our
communities.
You begin to pray and eat with the
sisters.
You talk to the sister responsible for
newcomers. Should
I??
If after a period of time you feel you
want to look more closely you ask to
become a postulant.
Stages of formation
Stage 2 - Postulant
Having a look in more detail as you live and
work with the sisters.
You can go home and work outside the
community.
There is a gradual introduction to the
essential elements of our life such as prayer
and work.
Active participation in the prayer of the
Church. (Divine Office)
Lasts between 6 months to 2 years.
If you and the community feel this what God
is asking of you, you become a novice.
Stages of formation
Stage 3 - Novice
Having a look more closely!
A deeper introduction is given into
prayer and the liturgy.
More time for study and reflection on
the elements of our monastic life.
You become a member of the
community and attend meetings.
Lasts about 2 years and you wear your
own clothes, not a habit.
Both you and the community reflect on
whether you are ready for the next
stage - profession.
Stages of formation
Stage 4 - Junior
You make a commitment before God and to your sisters!
You give away all of your possessions – yes, all!
You make vows of obedience, stability and conversion of
life according to the Rule of St. Benedict and our
Constitutions.
These are for a period of 3-5 years.
You wear a habit and take an active part in the work and
prayer life of our Order.
You may be involved in study or professional development.
With the sisters you reflect on whether you are ready to
take the final step!
Stages of formation
Stage 4 – Solemn profession
You make a solemn commitment before
God to make vows of obedience, stability
and conversion of life according to the
Rule of St. Benedict and our
Constitutions for LIFE.
You become a full member of the Order.
You have signed a blank cheque for God
to write on as He wants.
You put your trust in God and in the
Order.
Then you discover it is only the
beginning!!!