Stages in the Formation Process
The Sisters of Charity invite others to join us
"It wasn't a straightforward journey to discover that religious life was where I felt called, but it certainly has been - and continues to be - a fulfilling one." S. Maryanne Ruzzo talkes about her journey in Choosing a Life.

Imagine for a moment where you want to be ... the rest will come in its time.

"Our congregation came into being through the action of the Holy Spirit in the heart of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton who found in the rule of Saint Vincent de Paul the expression of its purpose ... to honour Jesus Christ our Lord ... in the persons of the poor, sick, children, prisoners or others ...We strive to show forth the love of God by serving those in need in a spirit of humility, simplicity and charity and according to the circumstances of the times."

For the sake of the kingdom which Jesus proclaims to the poor we are moved to leave all and to share with joy whatever we have... living simply and using created goods with respect and freedom.

The love of Christ urges us to spend ourselves for others .... to right in great ways or small the injustices we see around us, to heal the wounds of the embittered, to speak peace to the troubled, to urge the mighty to right wrongs..." (Constitutions of the Sisters of Charity-Halifax)

If you imagine yourself in a life of prayer, community and service ... If you imagine yourself giving joyful witness to the love of God and of all persons ... you may want to explore the possibility of journeying with the Sisters of Charity - Halifax.

A number of Sisters have committed their time and energy as part of a Charism Promotion Resource Team which plans retreats, outreach and educational programs, and opportunities to meet Sisters in an informal setting. If you'd like to attend an event, or perhaps just chat with a Sister, please contact the Sister nearest you:

Canada - S. Jeanne Cottreau (jeannecottreau@aol.com, 902-852-4212)
New York - S. Susan Dean (srdean2424@aol.com, 516-741-0718)
or call 1-800-371-9613 from anywhere in North America.

Pre-Candidacy
This is a time of inquiry and discernment: Am I called?

Discernment involves mutual listening and conversation. During this time you will live independently as you take a closer look at Religious life as a life choice, spend time with individual Sisters and local communities, and share your journey with a vocation director as you move towards making formal application.

Candidacy
This is a time for you to live with Sisters of Charity in a community and to experience life with members of the Congregation as you and they continue to discern your call to this particular Congregation. During this time you will continue your current work, maintain your financial independence, participate in community life and celebrations, prayer and ministry, and continue to learn about the spirit and mission of the Sisters of Charity.
Initial Commitment
Initial Commitment is when you make your first vows as a Sister of Charity. These vows are usually for a 3 to 6 year period. During these years you will live as a Sister of Charity in a community, participate in ministry and discern with the Congregation your readiness for permanent commitment as a Sister of Charity.
Permanent Commitment
As you vow Poverty, Chastity and Obedience in community for mission, you dedicate your entire life to God forever, for service to God's people, "relying on the faithfulness of the one who calls." (Constitution of the Sisters of Charity)