• Introduction
• New Membership

How to become acquainted with the Loreto Sisters, IBVM Australia.

Every life journey is an individual one, and before any decision to join religious life, there will be a period of enquiry, a chance for both you and the IBVM to become acquainted. If it seems right to go ahead, you apply to become a candidate when you are ready to make that step. Being a candidate means that while you continue your normal life - job, study, friends, independence - you take a much closer look at the IBVM life, work and spirit; living for some of this period with an IBVM community, to see if it suits you.

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 IBVM:

• spirituality
• lifestyle
• works

Candidacy normally lasts 6 months to 2 years and involves:

• regular contact with someone to guide you
• some experience living in community

If and when it seems right (to you and the Institute) you apply to begin your Novitiate.

What is a novice?

Being a novice is a much more serious commitment, geared to you as individual in the process of making a decision.

Novitiate program: Formal 2 year period

The novitiate program offers time for reflection, alongside 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.

2nd year novitiate

This year is more outward, involving further studies and active preparation for future ministries.

At the end of 2 years, should you so wish and it be considered appropriate, a novice will take vows for 1 to 2 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 6 to 9 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. This is a decision made by you, in consultation with those in leadership positions in the IBVM.

For more information, contact:

Marg Finlay IBVM

Email: finlaymarg@hotmail.com