Stages in the Formation Process
The Sisters of Charity invite others to join us
Pre-Candicacy
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)