 
our spirit
our service
prairie retreat
grow with us
 lifetime membership
forms of association
volunteer
» application
share in the mission
CHMNet
|
|
Lifetime Membership
Commitment to a Life of Search and Service
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.
Who May Apply?
- Women who are not married, former members of the community and sisters transferring from another community.
- Typically women entering religious communities today have completed college and/or have some years of work experience.
- They might even have been married and have children (or grandchildren!) but are now widowed and able to make new life decisions for themselves.
- Potential members should be emotionally mature, psychologically well balanced and have overall good health.
- The most common age is between 25 and 55, although there may be exceptions.
But most importantly,
- At her deepest core, a woman must be a spiritual seeker, to feel called . . . drawn by God . . . to devote her life and her unique personality, gifts and talents to
- searching for life’s essential meaning and
- serving others, especially the poor and those in need.
- And there must be a genuine connection with the spiritual culture, priorities and future goals of the Congregation of the Humility of Mary.
“The community is a source of support for spiritual, psychological, educational and social needs of members and a center of creative response to the needs of people. Each individual, in turn, contributes to the congregation through her personal presence, attitudes, affection and work.”
The Membership Process
Growing a spiritual garden is a continuing and lifelong process but women who seek vowed membership participate initially in a three-stage integration program individualized for each woman’s unique talents, experiences and future goals. Throughout the process she is accompanied by a mentor, a member of the community who is committed to teaching and to calling forth the best from others.
- Affiliate – 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.
- 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.
 - 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 a 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.”
|
