Religious Sisters of Charity

If you are searching for something more in your life and would like to know more about our way of life then please contact our Vocation Ministry Co-ordinator who can be contacted at rscenquiries@yahoo.co.uk or for other contact details go to our Contact Us page.

Each one of us is on a life-long journey to discover how we can become the person that God created us to be, this is God’s dream for each of us. As religious sisters we use a process of formation to help us in this search. The following will give you an idea of the process a young woman can undertake that could help her discover the dream God has for her.

Process of Formation

At each stage of your journey you will be accompanied by a sister who will help you to discern if you are ready for the next stage of formation.

ENQUIRY –
This is the initial stage when you make contact with the Vocation Ministry Co- ordinator and begin to meet regularly to explore where God is calling you to at this stage in your life. These meetings usually take place once a month for a period of one to two years. If at the end of this you want to know more about the life of the Religious Sisters of Charity then you can apply to become a Postulant.

POSTULANT –
This next stage is a gradual introduction to the way we live our lives. This period lasts from six to twelve months and during this time you will live with one or two of our communities and become familiar with, and participate in, some of the different ministries that we are involved in. You will also continue to reflect on and discern God’s call in your life.

NOVICE –
If at the end of the Postulancy you feel that God is calling you to continue your journey with the Religious Sisters of Charity, then you can apply to become a Novice. The Noviciate lasts for two years. During the first year you will learn more about the life and spirituality of our foundress Mary Aikenhead, what it means to live a vowed life and about the charism and mission of our congregation. The second year will focus on an experience of ministry and community life outside the novitiate.

TEMPORARY PROFESSION –
On completion of the novitiate, and after prayerful consideration, you make your First Profession. Here vows of poverty, chastity, 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 to discern God’s call in your life.

FINAL PROFESSION –
After a period of six years in temporary vows and following a period of preparation and prayerful discernment you can apply to make your Final Vows to the Religious Sisters of Charity. This decision is made in consultation with the General Leadership Team of the Congregation.