Vocations and Formation

"At the origin of religious consecration there is a call from God for which there is no explanation apart from the love which he bears for the person he calls.  This love is absolutely gratuitous, personal, and unique.  It embraces the person to the extent that one no longer belongs to oneself but to Christ."  (Potentissimum Institutionis, no. 8).

This quotation, which is at the beginning of our document on formation, expresses very well what we all experience at the heart of our vocations.  God calls us to live a life close to him in this particular way, and many of us ask, "Why me?"  The only answer is in God's love.

When someone expresses an interest in joining our community, we take time to get to know each other as the beginning of the discernment and formation process, which lasts for several years and ends with Solemn Profession.  It takes time to develop one's prayer life and ability to live in community, to assimilate our life and the commitment it involves.  One sister is appointed to walk with the new sisters through this process.

Formation does not end, however, with Solemn Profession.  God is forming us into the persons he wants us to be throughout our lives.  Being attentive and responsive to his call on a daily basis is very important if we want to fulfill our vocations as truly as we can.