Our formation is a life-long process and includes:

• personal and spiritual development
• prayer and meditation
• finding meaning in life
• searching for a way to wholeness
• growing in right relationships
• experiencing a different lifestyle
• living in community
• living a vowed way of life
• living sustainably on our earth

Stages of Formation

The Enquirer
This is the stage where you make contact with a Vocations Director who will have regular meetings with you to help you on your journey of discovering God's dream in you. It begins the journey of exploration through accompaniment and mutual sharing. This stage can last from one to two years.

The Candidate
This is the pre-novitiate stage. It is a period of gradual introduction to the way of life of a Religious Sister of Charity and usually lasts from six to twelve months. During this time, you will participate in the life of the community, and become familiar with the different ministries of the Congregation. Meanwhile, the discernment process of reflecting on God's call continues in your life.

The Novice
This stage lasts for two years. The first year focuses on personal reflection and study. During this time you will learn more about the life of our foundress Mary Aikenhead, about the charism and mission of our Congregation, and what it means to live a vowed life. During the second year you will be given an experience of ministry and community life outside the novitiate.

The Sister with Temporary Vows
When you have completed your novitiate, vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and service of the poor are made for a period of three years and can then be renewed for a further three years. During this time, you will live in community and continue your spiritual, personal and professional development.

The Sister with Final Vows
Following a period of preparation and prayerful discernment, you can then request to make final commitment as a Religious Sister of Charity. This decision is made in consultation with the leadership of the Congregation.

Life-long Formation
As formation is a life-long process, Religious Sisters of Charity continue to engage in spiritual, personal and professional renewal throughout their lives.

For more information about the Religious Sisters of Charity we invite you to visit our website at rsccaritas.ie