Called To Be A Face Of Providence!
Stages Of Formation
Becoming a Sister of Divine Providence is a five-stage process:
- ASPIRANCY: (not more than two years)
The aspirant – “One who hopes”
- A woman between 18 and 45 years of age
- Discerns her call with the support of a vocation director and prayer support of the religious community
- Shares occasionally in the life of the CDP community – meals, prayer, and celebrations
- POSTULANCY: (one – two years)
The postulant – “One who seeks”
- Lives in community for further discernment
- Continues full-time work or education
- Deepens her understanding of prayer, theology and CDP life
- NOVITIATE: (two years)
The novice – “One who is ‘new’ in living the religious lifestyle”
- Studies theology of the vows, charism, history and constitutions
- Develops an intimacy with God through prayer and spiritual reading
- Does some volunteer work
- Integrates prayer and apostolic ministry by means of some formative activity
- TEMPORARY PROFESSION
The Sister – “One who announces her commitment to God” (three – six years)
- Lives the commitment to the vows of poverty, obedience and celibacy
- Continues personal and spiritual growth and study
- Deepens personal incorporation of CDP charism
- Prepares for perpetual vows
- FINAL PROFESSION The Sister makes a life commitment to God and to the community.