Phases of Formation

 

Formation
in our Congregation
is a life-long process
of conversion
and transformation in Christ.

All the various phases of formation
are to be seen as a whole,
with particular emphases
and goals for each phase.

We can differentiate
six phases of formation:

 

1 - Awareness Phase

The Vocation Awareness Phase involves
being in communication with the S. Sp.S. vocation director
for a period of at least three months.

During this time:

  • You will be encouraged to continue your growth
    in developing a life of prayerful reflection.

  • You will be asked to get in touch with your attraction toward religious life and with your reasons for desiring to become a missionary.

  • We will ask you to explore other Christian lifestyles such as
    marriage and the single life as ways of serving Christ
    in His Church.

  • We will also encourage you to ask questions about us,
    Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, our lifestyle, our mission,
    and our formation process.

 

2 - Affiliate

The Affiliate Phase offers you the opportunity
to discern your call to religious life.

This phase offers you the opportunity to:

  • Develop a more personal relationship with us

  • Meet periodically with our vocation director

  • Participate in retreats and live-ins

  • Spend time in one of our small communities

  • Learn about the spirit and ministries of our community

3 - Pre-Novitiate

The Pre-Novitiate Phase is essentially a time
of self - discovery and God discovery.

During this year, you will:

  • Live in our house of formation with other young women

  • Prepare yourself for your future missionary service
    through study or work experience

  • Learn about the spirit and charism of our community

  • Receive personal guidance to help you make
    a mature vocation choice
4 - Novitiate

The Novitiate Phase is a two-year period of intensive
spiritual preparation for your total dedication to God
through religious profession.

You will be given time and space to:

  • Deepen your personal relationship with Christ

  • Experience alternate times of solitude and missionary service

  • Develop your relationship with God through
    study of scriptures,theology, and the spiritual life

  • Deepen your understanding and experience of poverty,
    celibacy and obedience through intense prayerful reflection

  • Learn how we, as missionaries,
    live our dedication to Christ and His people
5 - Temporary Profession

Temporary Profession takes place at the end of the novitiate.

  • You will spend some time in study and time in ministry.

  • You will have the opportunity
    to experience missionary service in a cross-cultural situation.

 


6 - Perpetual Profession




 

Perpetual Profession
takes place after six years
in temporary vows.