Inquiry - The first step is a time of Inquiry, a "no strings attached" time to explore your desire to serve God as a religious. During this time, you will have a sister as a contact person. She will help you get acquainted with our community, its life, its goals, its mission. You will have the opportunity to visit our sisters, to learn what it means to them to be a sister in this community. All these experiences will help you decide if, at this point, religious life seems right for you. If your decision is "Yes," you are ready to formally apply for admission to the community and move into Candidacy.

Candidacy - The time of Candidacy is spent living the regular community life with a group of sisters. Depending on your life experience and needs, you will be involved in a combination of activities: prayer, study and ministry experience. You will have a sister sponsor who will accompany you during this stage, helping you in your process of integration into the life, spirit, heritage and mission of the community. In accord with your life experience and needs, the time of Candidacy may be from six months to two years. If your time of Candidacy confirms in you that God is calling you to life with the Sisters of St. Francis, you are ready to be admitted to Novitiate.

Novitiate - Novitiate is required by the Catholic Church for anyone wanting to profess the vows of poverty, consecrated celibacy and obedience. The church requires one year of Novitiate, usually called the canonical year. It is a time set aside for prayer and study, for deepening your personal commitment to the life and mission of Jesus Christ. It is also a time for deepening your understanding of the vowed life and Franciscan spirituality. Besides the canonical year, our congregation requires a second year. This second year emphasizes the integration of contemplation and ministry. Upon completion of Novitiate, you will make an initial vowed commitment for three years.