Q. What are the requirements for entering the community?
A. In order to enter our community the following requirements must be met:
- At least 18 years of age and usually not over 30
- High School diploma or its equivalent
- Good physical and mental health
- Not married and does not have children
- In addition to these basic requirements, a candidate must be able to live community life and develop a deeper prayer life
Q. How often do you get to see your family?
A. During the first 3 years of formation our families can come to visit once in the Fall and once in the Spring. We also get to go on a home visit for two weeks every year, with the exception of the canonical novice.
Q. What can you bring when you enter the Convent?
A. Before entering, the Candidate is given a list of items to bring, such as plain black shoes, a black sweater, etc. Sisters do not typically have personal cell phones or other electronic devices. Items such a spiritual books and CD’s are usually welcome.
Q. Will I still be able to contact my family?
A. Postulants and Novices are not permitted e-mail or internet access. They are permitted to write and receive letters from family members. Phone calls are also permitted on holidays such as Christmas and Easter. After a Sister makes her profession of vows, she may contact her family more frequently.
Q. What does it mean to be a Franciscan?
A. It means that we follow the way of life set out by St. Francis of Assisi. To be a Franciscan is to love the Lord as your only treasure. St. Francis had a great love for the Lord Jesus in his Incarnation, in the Eucharist and on the Cross.
Q. What is your daily schedule like?
A. The daily schedule varies for those engaged in active apostolates:
- 5:30 am Meditation
- 6:00 am Lauds (Morning Prayer)
- 6:25 am Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
- 7:00 am Adoration and Rosary
- 7:30 am Breakfast
- 8:00 am Work Assignments
- 10:00 am Class
- 11:00 am Choir
- 11:45 am Midday Prayer
- 12:00 pm Lunch
- 12:45 pm Class
- 1:45 pm Personal time for prayer, taking a walk, spiritual reading, classwork
- 3:30 pm Afternoon Work Assignments
- 4:30 pm Spiritual Reading
- 5:00 pm Rosary
- 5:25 pm Vespers (Evening Prayer)
- 5:45 pm Benediction
- 6:00 pm Dinner
- 6:30 pm Recreation
- 7:00 pm Compline (Night Prayer)
- 9:30 pm Lights Out
Sisters rise during the night for hours of Eucharistic Adoration.
Q. How do I know whether or not I have a vocation to the Religious Life?
A. Through prayer, receiving the Sacraments and good spiritual direction, you can come to hear the Lord’s call to Religious Life. Once you discern that Religious Life might be a possibility, it is important to discern your charism and visit Religious communities.
Q. What work do the Sisters do?
A. The Sisters are engaged in Perpetual Adoration and the Works of Mercy such as healthcare and education.