Steps in becoming a Sister
Formation in our Congregation is a time to grow into the love of God and to identify with the incredible mission that God shares with each one of us. It is guided by our belief that when God calls a woman to dedicate herself to be a sister, He calls us to an intimate relationship with Jesus, the Incarnate Word.
Affiliate Stage – is the first formal step of relationship with our Congregation. It is a time for prayer, dialogue, and discernment; a time for becoming familiar with our mission, spirituality, story and ministries.
Pre-Novitiate – During this time you enter into a more formal relationship with the Congregation. You will live and participate in community and ministry for two years.
Novitiate – This is a time in which you deepen your relationship with Jesus through personal and communal prayer. You will begin to live as a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Some of the time will be spent in quiet, solitude, prayer and study. You will learn about religious vows and grow in your understanding of Consecrated Life and the spirit of our congregation. Through study; you will become familiar with the lives of our Founder, our charism and mission. During the second year you will participate in our ministries.
Annual Profession – (5 years) Upon completion of the Novitiate, you profess vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. These vows are renewed on an annual basis for at least 5 years. During this stage of initial formation, you continue to integrate prayer, community life and ministry as a CCVI.
Perpetual Profession – This is the time you proclaim your commitment and vow chastity, poverty and obedience to live as a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word for the rest of your life.
Ongoing Formation – Throughout her life, a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word seeks to deepen her relationship with Jesus, the Incarnate Word. She continues her spiritual, personal and professional development towards the fullness of her person, thus becoming ever more fully the person that God calls her to be.