The growth and formation of a Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart takes a lifetime. It begins with the first initial contact with one of our Sisters.
  
Inquiry Stage
  • The first step involves asking for information and seeking help in the discernment process.
  • This first stage is referred to as the Inquiry Stage. During this time there is an exchange of information so that the inquirer and the community can get to know one another.
  • If the inquirer is interested in more information and feels our way of life may be where God is leading her, she may decide to visit the Sisters for a "Come and See" experience.
  • A date is set for a two or three day initial visit that includes a visit to the Motherhouse in Frankfort and may also include a short visit to one of the nearby smaller convents.
  • Depending upon where the discerner lives, she may choose to visit a convent that is near her home, prior to arranging a visit to the Motherhouse.                                                       Come and See Weekend 2010

Pre-candidacy Stage

  • Once the inquirer decides to discern with our community, she reflects on our Franciscan form of life using the Franciscan Journey discernment program.
  • It is within this stage when both the woman and the community mutually determine when the application process may commence.
  • This stage may last from several months to a year, depending on situations unique to each discerner.
Candidacy Stage
  • This stage begins after the application process, once the discerner has been approved to join our community. It ordinarily lasts one year, and allows the candidate to more deeply discern her call to live religious life particularly as a Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart.
  • With an appointed candidate minister/companion, the new candidate lives in the Candidate House with the Sisters sharing in prayer, community and ministry while learning more about St. Francis, the charism of the Franciscan Order, as well as deepening her own understanding of the Catholic faith. 
  • The Candidacy period is a minimum of one year, not to exceed two years.

Irmãs Angela Moraes, Iaci Miranda, e Priscyla Silva Pastana
(Brasil, America do Sul)
 
Novitiate         
  • Following the Candidacy stage, with mutual agreement between the candidate and the community, the woman may request reception into the Novitiate.
  • The woman officially becomes a member of the community and becomes “Sister”.
  • This stage lasts two years, and the novice is primarily companioned by the Novice Minister and the local community of the Novitiate House.
  • One year is the canonical or “Clare year,” a special time of discernment mandated by the Church which incorporates extra time for prayer and solitude.
  • The other year is the “Francis year,” during which the woman participates in active ministry of the community as well as necessary studies.
  • She will begin to live the life of a vowed Sister in preparation for the day when she will publicly proclaim her vows to God.


    Sister Cristina Soyao     with Sister Norma Janssen (left)
    and Sister Mary Barbara Hassler (middle)

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First Profession of Vows
  • After mutual discernment, the novice takes the next step - the profession of vows outwardly signified by the wearing of the Congregational cross, the San Damiano crucifix.
  • After first profession of the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, the new temporarily professed Sister carries out the mission of the community in full-time ministry. She is accompanied by the Temporary Professed Director as well as her local community.
  • She spends a minimum of three years in nurturing her call as a Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart. In the spirit of St. Francis and our founding Sisters, she continues to deepen her personal relationship with Jesus through prayer, both communal and personal, and spiritual direction.
  • During this time the young Sister seeks an ever more authentic response to the action of God in her life until she is ready to pronounce her final vows as a total gift of self. This is the final step ending initial formation. 

Irmãs (Sisters) Ariana Braga dos Santos and Cristiane Pantoja

   Final Profession of Vows

 

  • Perpetual profession is the last step of the membership process. The woman becomes a full-fledged member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart.
  • Her promise of a lifetime commitment is symbolized by the gold ring she receives during the vow ceremony. The words engraved on this gold band, "My God and My All," become one with the heart of the newly perpetually professed religious.

   

Sister Maria Brizuela, OSF
Perpetual profession August 8, 2009
(shown with Sister Judith Plumb, General Community Leader)
 
Ongoing Formation
  • The formation story does not end with final vows; rather this is only the beginning of a lifelong process of growth in love.
  • As part of ongoing formation, each Sister is asked to develop a yearly plan to set goals as she strives to continue her journey in faith, understanding and prayer through on-going study and reflection.

       

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