Becoming a Sister

There are several steps to becoming a sister; we call it a discernment process. During this process you determine whether the Presentation way of life is for you.

Contact Stage
This marks the beginning of your formal relationship with our congregation. You join the community for special occasions and explore how we live. You continue your study or career and live independently. This period of exploration lasts six months to a year.

Candidacy
During this time you live, work and pray with a local community of Presentation Sisters. This is an opportunity for you to grow in self-knowledge and in relationship with the sisters and with God. Candidacy lasts from one to two years.

Novitiate
This stage begins the formal study of Presentation spirituality and mission. You use the title sister and continue to deepen your faith life, study the vows and live in community. The novitiate lasts two years.

Temporary Vows
Following novitiate, vows of poverty, chastity and obedience are professed for a period of three years. During this time you live in community with other Presentation Sisters, ministering or continuing your professional preparation. At the conclusion of this time, you may request to renew your vows, to profess your vows permanently or to return to your former lifestyle. Whatever your decision, you will have enriched yourself spiritually and psychologically.

Permanent Vows
After living in temporary vows for three to six years, you make the decision to take vows to live the rest of your life as a Presentation Sister. This follows prayerful discernment by you and the congregation.