| |
|
| |
Becoming an Ursuline Sister |
|
|
The particular form of Christian life, that is our spiritual legacy from St. Angela Merici, is one in which growth in contemplative knowledge and love of God is realised through ministry and life experience.
Our membership process offers women an opportunity to experience Ursuline life and to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
A woman would journey through several distinct steps as she grows in her understanding of God’s call for her.
|
|
| |
|
| |
These steps are: |
| |
|
Initial contact |
| |
The initial contact is that phase of our incorporation process in which a Catholic woman, 18 years of age or older, indicates an interest in our Ursuline life and enters into a period of regular contact with the Ursulines in order to consider more seriously her vocational choice. |
|
| |
|
Postulancy |
|
|
A postulant has an opportunity to come to know Ursuline life in a deeper way.
Living in community, the woman participates in our prayer and ministry. This stage, lasting from six months to two years, is a time to become better acquainted with the spirit of St. Angela and of the Order. If the ongoing discernment of the postulant and the community shows that God is calling her to Ursuline life, the woman may ask for admission to the novitiate.
|
|
| |
|
|
Novitiate |
|
|
Novitiate is that phase of our membership process in which a woman prepares to take vows as an Ursuline sister.
During this two-year process, a novice examines her call to religious life in an atmosphere of prayer. This period of time is to re-orientate one’s life to centre on Jesus as the focal point. Solitude and silence as well as healthy community living, are essential conditions for developing her relationship with Jesus and her ability to reach out to others.
The second year of novitiate normally includes formative ministry experiences. Following her ongoing discernment process, a novice may request to make temporary vows.
|
|
| |
| |
Temporary profession |
|
|
The period of temporary profession is that phase of our membership in which a sister begins her vowed life as an Ursuline.
The focus of this process is a continued response to the grace of God, and integration of the various aspects of religious life.
Temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience will be made, first for three years and then renewed for two years. The sister continues her discernment process to determine if God is calling her to a permanent commitment as an Ursuline sister.
|
|
| |
|
| |
Ursuline membership process |
|
|
The Ursuline membership process provides an opportunity for women to know themselves better and God’s call to them.
It is an extraordinarily thoughtful process that is designed to give women as much time and experience as necessary to determine whether or not they have been called to this life. It is a grace-filled time offering both challenges and joys.
|
|
| |
A group of sisters from different international communities prepare for the liturgy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
