Becoming a member of a community of religious women has come a long, long way since Audrey Hepburn’s late show novitiate in “The Nun’s Story.” 

Today’s religious life values freedom and individuality, honesty, openness and genuine concern for the welfare and health of every member. It requires people who have a sense of self and who seek a lifelong relationship with God as integral to their human growth and development. For Humilities, the "humility spirit" is both a challenge and a consolation.

Growing a spiritual garden is a continuing and lifelong process but women who seek vowed membership prepare by participating in a three stage integration program that is individualized for each person because of her unique talents, experiences and future goals. 

Mentors

Each person in the program is accompanied by a mentor, a sister who has experienced life as a member of the community. The mentor is committed to teaching and to calling forth the best from others.

Three stages in the membership process

I:  Affiliation – The first 12 months in the community are an opportunity to become familiar with living religious life, day by day. You’ll learn about the community – and you’ll learn about yourself. You’ll explore a variety of ways to seek God in a religious environment, including service to the poor, involvement in issues of justice and participation in community prayer and events.     

II:  Novitiate –  In the first of these two intense years of prayer and study, you’ll have the luxury of time … time to read ... time to reflect, to pray and to deepen your understanding of the spiritual life and the vows that are at its core. Through classes, spiritual direction, Scripture study and regular conversations with your mentor and other community members, you’ll prepare a firm foundation for growing your spiritual garden for the rest of your life.

In the second novitiate year, you will

… find it both challenging and rewarding to explore ministries that call forth your gifts and talents. 

… gain knowledge of important issues of justice and peace, especially those involving the poor and disenfranchised, the rights of women and minorities, challenges to the environment and to the earth itself. 

… expand skills for community living by living and working with others committed to building a vibrant community that nurtures the personal, professional and spiritual growth of its members. 

III:  First Profession – Following a community celebration where the novice promises to live the vows and the community accepts her commitment, the integration program takes on more informal rhythm. During the years of first profession (typically three), the goal is balance –  learning to balance work and prayer, reflection and action, contemplation and concern for others. Humilities call it a life of search and service.

“Joined in religious community, sisters can accomplish what one alone cannot do in creating an environment of justice, love and peace. Hence, each one shares self and talents in response to a corporate vision of search and service.”  (#14- S&S)

Living the Vows