What are the steps to becoming a religious sister?
Our Formation Process
Don’t let words like discernment, postulant, novice or vows overwhelm you. This page will break down the various phases and the time it takes to become a Sister of the Holy Cross. Our Congregation accepts Catholic women ages 18–35, and we welcome questions from women around the world. We encourage you to spend time learning more about this process and listen to your heart. And if you think becoming a sister is the right path for you, we have a team of vocation coordinators who are well-qualified to guide you in discovering more about this vocation and Congregation.
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It starts with curiosity
6 months+
The initial step to becoming a Catholic sister is simply one of inquiry—both within yourself and with us. We call this step initial discernment, and a woman at this stage is referred to as an aspirant. This phase varies by culture and country and can last anywhere from six months to two years.
Essentially, as an aspirant, you will carry on with your day-to-day activities while gaining knowledge, spiritual direction and hands-on experiences with us as a potential order. Curiosity is key for a aspirant, which is why you’re not alone. Your vocation director will be an important connection for you at this stage.
Individuals interested in going forward then apply to enter the formation process. For the Sisters of the Holy Cross, formation is approximately a nine-year process that prepares a woman for her final commitment as a religious. Our process follows canon law and is guided by our Constitutions and charism. It is a time of mutual exploration where the individual and/or the Congregation may choose to continue or discontinue their progress at any time.
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Becoming More Acquainted
6 months– 2 years
If after the initial discernment process you feel that you are called to become a Holy Cross sister, you may apply to become a postulant. During this phase, you will more fully engage with our religious community and immerse yourself in our life of prayer and service.
If you think of step 1 as an interview, then you can think of this step as a full-time internship with the goal of helping you determine your capacity to live this life.
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Entering the Novitiate
2 years
If all goes well and you feel called to this life, you may apply to become a novice. If accepted, you are given the title of “sister” and enter our International Novitiate.
The novitiate is a house of formation where you will live with other novices as you discern together. Novices engage in prayer and reflection, community building, faith formation, outreach, and service ministry. This is truly a time of growth as you become more fully educated in religious life and our Congregation.
As an international order, you can expect to engage with women from around the world, making it a rich and full experience for all.
Answering With Yes
2+ years
After two years with the Sisters of the Holy Cross as a novice, you may apply to fully enter the Congregation. If accepted, you will make your initial vows and be given the initials “CSC” after your name, which are a Latin abbreviation for Congregation of Holy Cross.
While making first profession launches a new phase of your religious life, the mutual exploration and discernment continue. You will be assigned to a community and ministry and often may attend school to assist in your ongoing growth.
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Want to talk about the steps to our formation process? Contact a vocation coordinator in your country by clicking below.
We currently accept postulants from the United States, Mexico, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Keyna, Uganda, Brazil and Peru.
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Becoming Fully Committed
You may reach a point where you are certain this is the right vocation and Congregation for you. At this point, you will profess your perpetual vows, fully committing as a Holy Cross sister. This is a sacred commitment to dedicate your life in service to God and the Church.
While this is seen as the end of your initial formation, the desire to deepen a relationship with God never ends for a sister. We refer to this as “ongoing formation.”
Still Curious About Our Formation Process?
The journey of religious discernment is a sacred pilgrimage—a testament to the transformative power of faith, prayer and contemplation. It is a journey of self-discovery, surrender and profound communion with the Lord. But it is not one to take alone.
We are here to offer a listening ear, spiritual direction and wise counsel. This is not a recruitment process for the Sisters of the Holy Cross. It is simply an open invitation to learn from women who were once where you are now.
Contact a vocation coordinator in your country today!
We currently accept postulants from the United States, Mexico, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Brazil and Peru.