A religious vocation is a gift and special calling from God, received in faith and cultivated and discerned in prayer. This process of formation allows the young woman to grow in her response to God’s Call.

Is Christ knocking on the door of your heart?

Some basic requirements for entrance include:

     .: a sincere desire to serve God in the religious life
     .: good physical and mental health; good character.
     .: average intellectual ability and completion of high school
     .: age 18-35

When a young woman first feels called by God to serve Him, she is encouraged to contact one of our vocationl directors, who are available to answer any questions and help her discern God’s Will in her life.  During this time of discernment, if the Aspirant decides to respond to her call as a Servant of Mary, she will enter the Formation Center called the Novitiate which offers a training program for three years. This time of formation is the beginning of a lifelong process of identification with Christ, Mary and the spirit of the Congregation. It is divided into the following stages:

Postulancy:  1 year, the Postulant participates in the activities of the Novitiate with other young women who share the same ideals. She is provided time for personal and community prayer, spiritual direction, and attends classes and conferences which help her discern her calling and strengthen her spiritual life.

Novitiate:  2 years, the Novice continues to deepen her relationship with the Lord, prayer and understanding of the consecrated life.  She receives classes and conferences on the history of the Congregation, the Constitutions of the Servants of Mary and their spirit and charism. During the second year she will experience for herself the apostolate with the sick before deciding to make her First Profession.  Upon completing the Novitiate, she will profess temporary Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience.

Juniorate:  6 years, the Junior Sister is now integrated into the community and apostolic life while receiving at the same time further guidance, conferences and classes to deepen her relationship with God. During this period she will renew once a year her Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. Following the first two years of intensive Juniorate she may pursue her nursing education.

Third Probation: an intensive 6 month period is offered to the young Sister in preparation for her total consecration to God by her Perpetual Vows.

Ongoing Formation: Personal formation does not end with Perpetual Vows, but continues throughout all aspects of our life on a human, religious, apostolic and professional level. This requires a personal renewed commitment to God on a daily basis, in fidelity to Him in all our apostolic endeavors.

www.sisterservantsofmary.org