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When entering into a religious community there are various stages in the process. Here are the different stages for our particular community: |
 Once a woman's application has been accepted, she comes to live with us as a candidate. This is a period of time to help the woman transition from life in the world to life in the monastery. During this time she begins to become accustomed to our way of life and also
begins formation classes.
Click to read their testimonies :
Sr. Maria Clare Smith, Sr. Sarah Rose Dent
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 After living with us for approximately 4 months, the candidate becomes a postulant, donning a gray jumper, white shirt and
a Tau Cross. Her adjustment to prayer, work and ministry in the community will continue,
along with study and classes in the formation house. Postulancy can last from one to two years. |
 When the postulant, in dialogue with her sister servant, is ready to make a deeper commitment to the community, she is
invested as a novice. At this time she receives a short white veil, her religious name (she begins to be called "Sister..."), a copy of the TOR
Rule and our community constitutions. Novitiate lasts for nearly two years. During this time contacts outside the community are lessened to allow for a time of deeper prayer and study. |
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 After all the requirements for novitiate are met, the sister vows poverty, chastity and obedience for a period of one year. She receives the community habit with a long white veil and the crucifix. She continues to take part in formation classes and various ministry and work experiences. She renews these vows every year until final vows.
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 After a period of three to six years, the sister will apply to profess her perpetual vows in the community. At this very special time in 
her
life and in the life of the community she receives a gold ring,
signifying her permanent commitment. This day is a very special day for the
Sister and for the community. It is her wedding day. She makes
her eternal yes to Jesus her spouse. She vows to live the counsels of
poverty, chastity, and obedience for the rest of her life. The
Sister's family and friends are usually present for this big
celebration that takes place in the ultimate celebration of the Holy
Sacrifice of the Mass.
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The red roses
in the bridal crown highlight our charism of crucified love through
our call to lay down our life for others. The white roses
represent our call of self gift in the events of daily life.
The white cape not
only is a nuptial garment but also symbolizes the purity and beauty of
our baptismal garment.
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"Relying on His mercy, I entrust my life to the chaste, poor, and obedient Christ. I freely choose to join our Sorrowful Mother at the foot of the cross, and, with St. Francis as my model of Gospel living, I place myself at the disposal of this religious congregation, to glorify God and to make known His merciful love." ~Profession formula |
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"Our call as religious is not only to give witness to Christ's loving presence here on earth but to show that the Incarnate Son of God is the eschatological goal toward which all things tend, the splendor before which every other light pales, and the beauty which alone can fully satisfy the human heart." ~Const. |
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