Steps to Becoming a Sister
 

Discerning whether religious life is for you is more like a journey than a task. Being open to God in prayer and to the movements, feelings, you experience, sharing openly with others who can walk with you on this path will help you take each step along the way.

Step One – Affiliation
If you feel that religious life with the School Sisters of Notre Dame just might be right for you, you can begin as an Affiliate. Many young women become affiliates while they are in college or working. As an Affiliate you would meet with the sister who is vocation director on a monthly basis. You would be provided with opportunities to experience our community, learn more about our values and life, as well as meet other women who are exploring SSND life. The length of Affiliation can be up to two years.		  
 
Who can be an Affiliate?
Single women, ordinarily between the ages of 20 and 50, who are attracted to the mission of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, can seek affiliation. A woman must be a member of the Catholic church, baptized and confirmed, for at least two years and have at least two years post-high school college or training.		  
 
Step Two – Postulancy
If becoming a sister continues to feel right, becoming a Postulant is the next step. As a postulant you would be invited to live with a community of our sisters. The members of the community would actively participate with you in mutually discerning whether you and SSND are a match.

As a postulant you would financially be independent and continue to work at your job or studies. The length of Postulancy is six months to two years.
 
 
Step Three – Novitiate
Upon discerning during the Postulancy that becoming a SSND continues to fit you, you would then ask and be invited to take the third step, Novitiate. As a novice you would be involved in a year of theological study, with focus on vowed life, and also a year in apostolic ministry. Thus, the Novitiate length is two years.
  
 
Step Four – Temporary Profession
Temporary vows are taken after your novitiate. Sisters vow to live out their love for God and their neighbor in celibacy, poverty and obedience. 		 
 
Step Five - Perpetual Vows
Perpetual (forever) Vows are usually taken after six years.
 
 

 

 
 
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