Formation: Becoming an FCJ Sister
What is formation for?
When a woman comes to join us in community she begins to live the life of a sister. Formation aims to help her to develop this. The goal of formation is to prepare us for mission, so that we become effective instruments in God’s hands, for the good of God’s people everywhere.
How long does it take to become an FCJ Sister?
Although from the time a woman first joins the community, she lives the life of a sister, there are three formal stages of training before she will make her final vows. These are called; Postulancy, Novitiate, and Temporary Profession. After this a sister makes her Final Profession of vows.
Postulancy (6 months – 2 years)
Postulancy is a time of personal spiritual growth with a focus on human development. It is a time of asking questions and ultimately of asking to join our Society as a novice.
Novitiate (2 – 2½ years)
During this time the new member is encouraged to:
- Cultivate and nourish her relationship with Jesus through formation in prayer and spirituality.
- Deepen her understanding of the FCJ Society through study of its Constitutions and history, and through the experience of living in FCJ community.
- Develop her sense of being a missionary woman through experiences of serving others.
Temporary Profession (6 – 9 years, before making Final Vows)
Temporary profession offers the newly professed sister an opportunity to live as a religious woman.
Each FCJ sister recognises that formation for mission is a lifelong process. We are encouraged to make full use of opportunities for personal, spiritual and professional development.
A key moment in each sister’s ongoing formation is the Tertianship (or third year of study and reflection). This year is described in the Constitutions as The School of the Heart.
Some Vocation Stories
Read some FCJ vocation stories or take a look at the following videos about vocation and religious life:
Sr Lynne fcJ speaks about religious vocation
Consecrated Life: religious men and women of different forms of religious life tell their story
