Becoming A Holy Family Sister

CANDIDACY

The first stage of Religious life is a time of acquaintance and getting to know us a little better.   We often refer to this period as the candidacy.  It is a stage that is very flexible but it is usually kept to between 3 months – a year. 

POSTULANCY

The postulancy – is an informal period of initiation into a new form of life and provides an opportunity to reflect more deeply on God’s call. The purpose is to allow the Postulant to get to know the community and vice versa.

It is a time to receive the human and Christian formation necessary for entry into the Noviciate. The duration is usually one year with the possibility of shortening it to six months or prolonging it up to two years, according to the needs of the individual.

THE NOVICIATE

This is a very special time for a religious.  It is a period of initiation into the apostolic life of the Congregation. Because she is called to be a witness to Christ in an active life, the novice must learn gradually to bring about a unity between love of God and neighbour, between contemplation and action.

Living in community with other sisters and sharing in the prayer life of the community with periods devoted to solitude and to specific apostolic activities enables the Novice to consider whether she is made for such a life.   It should lead her to centre her life on Jesus Christ in the view to giving herself to him and to his people in love and service for ever.

The Noviciate of the Holy Family Sisters lasts a minimum of two years and at the end of this period of formation the Novice makes her first commitment professing her vows of poverty chastity and obedience for three years.  This is an occasion of great joy for us and for the Church. 

THE JUNIORATE

This period is a stage in preparation for Final Profession.  It allows the person to grow in her understanding and commitment to the vowed life and includes experience of mission, community living and professional studies.  It lasts for a minimum of five years at the end of which comes Final Profession.  This commitment is an act of total surrender of one’s whole being to God in Jesus Christ; it is made in the Congregation for the service of the Church.

You may want to discuss this possibility further. If so please contact us.