Becoming a Sister of the Holy Cross
Where is my heart?
Some describe it as a yearning or even a calling...
Whether you yearn for something more or just have found yourself interested in knowing about religious life, this is a good place to start. Every person has a vocation... A personal desire or mission in life for which they are distinctly suited.
Realizing your vocation requires a spirit of seeking and an openness to discover who you are. This search will help you identify what gifts you bring. And through prayer, find how God intends for you to use them.
Let’s find out if this is your calling.
Do you feel a strong desire to serve others?
Are you looking to find God through prayer?
Can you live a vowed life in community?
Sister Elizangela Matos dos Santos, CSC, gives this advice to aspirants:
“Embrace the mission of Jesus with love, gratitude and with great affection. Because the call that God makes to us is a mystery and reflection of his love toward us.”
Where do I start?
The initial path to becoming a Sister of the Holy Cross is one of inquiry. And researching a religious life is most often referred to as the discernment phase. It is the first step of what can be an incredible experience for many young women.
Before beginning, a woman considering a religious life should take the time to reflect upon herself in relation to this vocation. Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself:
- Where do I find joy?
- Do I feel called to serve in a special way with the gifts I have?
- How do I enjoy serving my community?
- Do I have a relationship with God and a desire to deepen that relationship?
The Process of Becoming a Sister
Becoming a sister involves research, immersion and education. It is also a sacred pilgrimage. Most of all, it is a testament to the transformative power of faith, prayer and contemplation.
It is a similar structure among all Catholic congregations no matter where you live. And each distinct step builds on the previous experience.
The entire process takes approximately 7–9 years and gives women an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world.
About Our Religious Lives
community
We Live in Community
As Sisters of the Holy Cross, we live together in community. This arrangement allows for discovery of others and ourselves as we share in the grace of mutual support, encouragement and prayer.
Our internationality brings another level of richness and challenge to our lives and ministry, as we continually grow in valuing the diversity of our different cultures while living one common mission. Each sister of the Holy Cross, with her individual gifts, carries out that mission in unique ways.
prayer
We Live Lives of Prayer
We respond to God’s call to participate in the mission of Jesus, whose life serves as witness to God’s love for all creation. As sisters, we embrace as our core values faith, compassion, prayer and community, which shape and equip us to discern and respond to the world’s needs.
service
A Life of Service
Following the example of Jesus, Sisters of the Holy Cross embrace a life of service to others. We walk with people enduring hurt and hardship. Sisters also offer compassion and prayer alongside health care, education, legal services, essential resources, and environmental care.
In these relationships, we acknowledge the intrinsic value of every person and point to God’s love for the whole human family and our shared planet.
Are you ready to start the conversation?
You probably have questions about becoming a sister, thoughts and concerns, and we're here to help. There is no pressure. But there are experienced women who can help guide you in the discernment process.