The transition from a secular lifestyle into religious life is a deliberate process that allows each woman her own unique experience.
Come & See
The Come & See experience is for any woman who is interested in exploring a call to religious life and the Sisters of Providence. It is an opportunity to spend time learning about and participating in the community, spirituality and ministries of the Sisters of Providence. The program may be a weekend, a few weeks, a few months or up to two years, depending on the individual.
Candidate
As a candidate, a sister-to-be spends one or two years in community while ministering and/or attending school.
Novice
During her novitiate, a woman spends two years exploring in depth the call to vowed life in community.
Read a novice story.
First vows
After taking her first vows, a woman spends between three and six years living in community under temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and sharing in full-time ministry.
Read a first vows story.
Final vows
When she has completed her first vows, a woman is prepared to make her permanent commitment within the religious community.
Read a final vows story.
Transferring from another religious community
Sisters of Providence includes women from many backgrounds and cultures. In some cases, sisters who joined a religious community in their home country transfer to another community when they emigrate to a new country. This is called a transfer of vows and follows a similar formation process.
Read a transfer of vows story.