"I felt the misery and suffering of others, and it seemed to me that I could not love Jesus, or even expect heaven if I were concerned only about myself... not suffering any inconvenience, but simply living in comfort."
- Mother Theresa Dudzik (Learn more about the Beatification Cause of the Venerable Mother Theresa Dudzik)
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The purpose of the
Pre-candidacy
Program is to help you discern your vocation
and to more deeply understand yourself as a person. During this period which
may last from one to two years, through various activities, you will discover
the meaning of community life as a Franciscan Sister of Chicago.
The next step of
Candidacy
provides a realistic experience of community living, so that both you
and the community can make a descision regarding your entrance into our Congregation.
This period lasts anywhere from six to twelve months.
The
Novitiate
is two years of more intense formation wherein you come to know and live
Franciscan life and values. The first year is a canonical one, which includes:
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study and meditation on Holy Scripture
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the doctrinal and spiritual formation indispensable for the development of a
supernatural life of union with God
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an understanding of the principles of Franciscan religious life
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an initiation into the liturgical life and spirituality proper to our Congregation
It holds the central place in the formative life of the religious.
In the second year, the novice may take part in the works and activities of the
congregation to help her integrate her life of prayer with service. She may pursue
academic or professional preparation but always with emphasis on continuing
spiritual formation.
Profession
is the final stage of formation, and it consists of two stages - Temporary Profession and Perpetual Profession.
During the temporary profession, a commitment of poverty, chastity, and obedience are professed.
The sister lives in one of our local communities and participates in our works and activities or
is enrolled in a program of studies. During this phase of formation, she integrates prayer and
the continuing discernment of her vocation as a Franciscan with the needs of community life and
ministry. This period of deepening spirituality and service may be no less than three years nor
longer than nine years.
When the sister makes her perpetual profession, she gives herself completely to God forever as a
Franciscan Sister of Chicago. She continues to live out her vows of poverty, chastity and
obedience, and the essential elements as chosen by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.
After making their perpetual professions, the Sisters participate in a life-long
on-going formation,
where they take part in events both inside and outside of the Congregation, including study days,
workshops, and annual retreats. This continuous stage of formation keeps the Sisters updated
and current, and helps them to continue their spiritual growth in living the vowed life.
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