“As a sign of their conversion and consecration to the Gospel life they are to . . . live in simplicity.”  Rule of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis

As Franciscan Sisters, we live our Franciscan life simply and share in the common gift of our Franciscan call.

Formation is a lifelong process, and each Sister has an individual journey. We follow our personal call to be of service and to journey with Francis and our Community.

The goal of our formation program is to assist the woman to mold her life according to the Gospel and to be transformed into Christ.  (Gen. Constitutions #72)

There are several stages in our formation journey: Pre-novitiate Novitiate Temporary profession Perpetual profession

PRE-NOVITIATE: 
This phase usually last 1-2 years and is a time of orientation for the candidate to our Franciscan vocation.  During the pre-novitiate phase, the woman shares in our Franciscan prayer life, Community life, and healing ministry.

NOVITIATE:
Twelve months of these two years are spent in the novitiate community. The first year of the novitiate is known as the canonical year. During this time, the novice fosters the contemplative, spiritual, and community aspects of religious life. This prepares her to live per consecrated vowed life of witnessing to the Gospel.

During the second year of the novitiate, the woman shares in the healing ministry of service in our Franciscan Community. At the completion of the novitiate, she may express her desire to make temporary profession in our Franciscan community and sharing more deeply in the joys of community life.

TEMPORARY PROFESSION:
“The time of temporary profession is a continuing development of the Sister in preparation for perpetual vows through deepening the values of life in community.  This time integrates religious development with ministerial preparations.” (Gen. Constitutions #88)

PERPETUAL PROFESSION:
This usually takes place within three to six years after making the first commitment. In special cases, the time may be extended up to nine years.