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Who may apply to become a Marianite of Holy Cross?
Any single, Catholic woman who:
- is at least 22 years of age;
- has a desire to deepen her relationship with God and
to live the values of the Gospel;
- is attracted to simple living in a celibate community;
- desires to respond to the needs of God's people and is
preparing for or living a life of ministry;
- has a sense of personal identity; good physical, mental
and emotional health;
- has life experiences beyond high school.
For articles on religious life and discernment:
www.visionguide.org
www.vocations.com
http://www.consecrated-life.org/
What are the Stages of Incorporation?
Vocation
Discernment.
This is a woman's introduction to the Marianites
of Holy Cross. She is invited to visit individual sisters and local
communities to begin to get a "flavor" of the congregation
and to explore her initial call to religious life.
Affiliation.
This period lasts from 6 months to 2 years.
This is a time for the woman to further discern her call
to life as a Marianite of Holy Cross. She lives at
home and meets regularly with a Contact Person and the Vocation Director
who guide her in her discernment process. She continues to spend
time getting acquainted with the sisters to test out her sense of
belonging with this particular congregation.
Postulancy.
The postulancy also lasts from 6 months to
2 years. This phase provides for an initial experience
of community living and further development of relationships
within the congregation. It also affords opportunities for personal
and spiritual development as well as for mutual discernment of the
person's readiness for religious life. The Postulant remains financially
independent until she enters the Novitiate.
Novitiate.
The novitiate lasts for 2 years. The purpose
of the novitiate is to enable the novice to learn the essentials
of religious life and the meaning of the evangelical counsels
(vows) of celibate chastity, poverty, and obedience; to
progress in forming herself in accord with the aim and spirit of the
Marianite congregation; to assume responsibility for her development
in the essential elements of our lifestyle as stated in our Constitutions;
and to provide the novice with experience, instruction and guidance
in living the contemplative and apostolic dimensions of our lifestyle.
Initial Commitment.
The initial commitment period, the
profession of vows for a specific number of years, enables
the sister and the congregation to verify that she can
live the Apostolic Religious Life of the Marianites of
Holy Cross in accordance with its particular spirit and
constitutions. During this phase the sister renews her
vows periodically, and remains under "temporary vows" from
3 to 6 years.
Perpetual Commitment.
This is the profession of vows for
life, and marks the total incorporation of the sister into
the congregation. Life as a Marianite of Holy Cross is
an ongoing process of conversion and integration.
If you resonate with the ideas here and would like to know more about
becoming a Marianite of Holy Cross, please contact:
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