Your journey
In an earlier era, young Catholic women saw ‘becoming a sister’ as a possible choice in life: they knew others who had made it. Today it is a rarer consideration. However, in every religion and every age, women and men have been drawn to make their relationship with God the focus of their lives. Through church history, religious women and men have looked at the needs of the world and the church, and asked: is this what God wants for our world or our church? How can Jesus' dream for us become more real?
When you make an enquiry a sister will be available to answer your questions and guide you. You will also be introduced to a welcoming community. You will have the chance to get to know the Loreto Sisters, to reflect on your personal faith journey and your call to enter religious life. If it seems you have the personal attributes to make this life a possibility, there are a number of stages that you will be guided through.
"The great thing today is that there is a long period of ‘induction’ or formation, that allows us to deepen our relationship with Jesus, and to explore reasons for considering this way of life, our sense of belonging in this group, our strengths and weaknesses, and to ask: does this energise me for service to others? I’d say 'go for it!' and trust that God will carry you through, or clarify with you, that this is not the way for you."
Christine Burke ibvm
What is a candidate?
Being a candidate means that you continue your normal life:
- work
- study
- friends
- independence.
You take a much closer look at the Loreto Sisters:
- our spirituality
- our tradition
- lifestyle
- works, missions and projects.
Candidacy normally lasts 6 months to 2 years and involves:
- regular contact with someone to walk with you in this spiritual search
- some experience living in a community.
If and when it seems right (to you and to the Institute) you apply to begin your Novitiate.
What is a novice?
Being a novice is a much more serious commitment, geared towards a deeper involvement in the life you can make a free choice for if it seems right.
Novitiate program: Formal two year period
The novitiate program lasts two years and offers time for reflection and opportunities to grow in self knowledge and your relationship with Jesus, within a lived experience of IBVM life.
1st year novitiate
This year focuses on your inner spiritual journey and relationship with God. It can also involve voluntary commitments to areas of social outreach. Central to this year is a 30 day retreat, where your responses to Jesus' call is the focus of discernment.
2nd year novitiate
This year is more outward-looking, involving further studies in theology and scripture, and active preparation for future ministries.
At the end of two years, should you so wish, you ask to take vows for a period of one to two years.
Temporary Vows
What does it mean to be in Temporary Vows?
Being in Temporary Vows, you continue to have special support and guidance, and you live as a fully committed member of the group. During this time, you may be called upon to have a variety ministries and experiences of community. You also may undertake further studies.
Temporary Vows are usually taken for six to nine years.
Final Vows
What does it mean to make Final Vows?
When you make your Final Vows, you have decided to make a life commitment. You are happy and at peace with this choice. This is a decision made by you, in consultation with those who have supported you in your journey. You have had time to deeply explore your personal, spiritual, psychological and professional maturity and have reached a truthful outcome that is right for you.
Throughout your vocation, your personal, spiritual and professional growth will be encouraged. You will have the chance to experience many areas of the Loreto Sisters' works and will be surrounded by a community of Loreto Sisters, friends and colleagues all working together with a commitment to Gospel values and the enduring vision of Mary Ward.
"I would give this advice to a young woman considering entering: Foster cheerfulness, hope and a thankyou relationship with God. To me they are at the heart of our charism."
Denise Desmarchelier ibvm
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