This period covers six months and is a time of discernment, The very first step toward life as a FSJ sister is the aspirancy . This Period paves way in making a woman’s deepening interest in the Franciscan way of life. Learning about the History of the FSJ sisters and prayers, and deepening the understanding of the Catholic Doctrine. It is an Invitation to grow in relationship with God. It helps to make a difference in the world, to experience and discover the diverse areas of ministry of our times. This period is spent at the Aspirantate.
A one year period of pre novitiate is known as the Postulancy is a transitional year from secular to religious life as postulants, women entre into this time of transition – a time of letting go of their former way of life and of embracing a new religious .The period of Postulancy is the first stage of formation to the religious life of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph. The postulants are introduced to a life of prayer, a life lived in community, a life dedicated to God and the church, and a life imbibed with Franciscan values and the FSJ mission. It is intended as a time for deepening Christian living and increasing one’s knowledge of Catholic Doctrine.
The Novitiate is a time of discernment and of development unique to each woman. It is of two years, a canonical year and an apostolic year . The Novitiate accept each woman for who she is and what stage of life she is in. The Novices spend two years in the Novitiate.
The first year is the Canonical year. During this period, the novices are helped to better understand their divine vocation as Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph. They experience the manner of life of the congregation and form their minds and hearts in its spirit. They learn that prayer and daily Eucharist supports, nourishes, and directs the sisters outreach efforts in service to others. The whole year is spent in the Novitiate is a relatively solitary year as each woman focuses on coursework, prayer, and a deepening of her relationship with God, community and self.
The second year, or the Apostolic year, The novices in this period especially indulge in the study of vowed life – with a new emphasis on apostolic service, going outside of the novitiate for three months to live in communities and in different apostolate of the Congregation. A holistic program of the novitiate strives to develop a balance cultivating the spiritual and psychological aspects.
The first profession of vows takes place upon completion of the two year novitiate program. No longer a novice, a sister begins the formative period known as temporary profession where she lives the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. She makes her vows before God and the FSJ community in an investiture ceremony that takes place within a Mass of Religious Profession.
The investiture ceremony is a momentous occasion in a Sister’s formation process, marked by several symbolic rituals. She receives the Franciscan crucifix for the first time, which is the sign of the infinite love of God for His people. She also receives the constitutions and Directory, her guides for living a life in response to the Gospel call of Christ.
During the five years of temporary vows, a Junior Sister lives with Sisters of all ages in community and engages in a full-time apostolate. The Junior Sister also benefits from a close mentoring relationship with a perpetually professed Sister in the community. The Junior Sister may receive education toward a degree or other professional training as needed. While pursuing further education, the Sister lives in community with other professed Sisters.
The Juniorate provides for a guided deepening of spiritual and personal growth as well as the shared support and friendship of peers.The Junior Sister deepens her understanding and living of the vows in our community that she may be fully prepared to renew them, and then make her perpetual profession as a Sister of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph
Perpetual Profession marks the beginning of a Sister’s total commitment to follow in the footsteps of Christ through a life of poverty, obedience, and chastity, as a Sister of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph. Perpetual profession is a sacred commitment to dedicate the rest of her life in service to God and Church as a FSJ Sister. She publicly professes perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience following a formation period of temporary profession. During a special Eucharistic liturgy, friends, family and members of the FSJ family gather with the Sister to witness and celebrate her profession of perpetual vows.
The call to religious life is one of continuous conversion of heart, mind and spirit based on an open and loving response to the Will of God. On-going spiritual, apostolic, and personal formation continues throughout the course of our lives as consecrated women religious.
The finally professed sisters participate in seminars and conferences aimed at equipping them with an insight and knowledge that would enhance their ministry. Batch wise seminars and retreats are arranged for the sisters regularly. It is the obligation and right of every sister to apply herself to her continuing formation
