Section:
vocations
Centered on the Gospel and rooted in a contemplative stance, formation in the Franciscan tradition prepares the new member to live a vowed religious life as a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia in the prophetic spirit of Saints Francis and Clare.
Requirements for Application
- Single, Catholic woman
- Minimum high school diploma or GED
- Capable of obtaining a college degree
- 21-40 years old, ordinarily
- Good mental, emotional, physical health
- Financially responsible during candidacy
- Debt-free before novitiate (educational debt is negotiable)
- Free of canonical impediments and family responsibilities
Discernment: Getting to Know Us, Getting to Know God's Will
- Talk with a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia to become familiar with the charism of our congregation and to learn more about us.
- Prayer and reflection are central to discovering God’s will in your life.
- Meet with a spiritual director or mentor.
How to Apply
Meet with a vocation director to begin discerning and planning.
Vocation Program
The vocation program will help you in the areas of vocational growth, personal growth, and vocational assessment. You will meet regularly with a vocation director while continuing to live in your own geographic area; working and/or attending school; and giving service to those who are poor, marginal, and oppressed. Our Mission and Commitment Statements will become familiar to you. Interaction with members of the congregation is essential. During this time, all forms, interviews, and assessments for application are completed.
Candidacy
Following the vocation program is candidacy. You will live in community (six months to two years), but there is no commitment from you or the congregation. You are financially responsible for yourself, including insurance, room and board, transportation, personal needs, education (if enrolled in school), etc. The congregation covers any costs related to programs/activities that you are required to attend. This is a time to discern your call to our congregation and for us to get to know you better. You will be given information about novitiate and temporary profession.
Novitiate
Novitiate is the beginning of initial formation. It will last two years. The main components are: living in a local community; study which includes our Rule and Constitutions; a two-month ministry experience; and, an opportunity to live the Franciscan values. The congregation assumes most expenses. At completion of novitiate, you will publicly profess to live the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in accord with the heritage and Constitutions of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia.
Temporary Profession
Temporary Profession is the next step and usually lasts five years. You make a commitment to the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for one year at a time and the congregation makes a commitment to you. The congregation is responsible for all your expenses. Ministry and living in local community balanced with prayer and social/family time is the emphasis.
Profession
Upon completion you will publicly profess the vows and your commitment to this congregation for life.
Artwork by Sister Christopher Marie Wagner
