A person who asks to join the congregation desires to give herself entirely to God, to be united with Jesus Christ and to serve him in her brothers and sisters in an apostolic religious congregation. This is her response to a call which she senses within her.
To live their vocation as a Sister of Saint Mary, it is important to have these qualities:
- an active faith or at least a real desire to grow in faith and to know the person and mystery of the Lord Jesus more intimately;
- a firm will, balanced personality, and sufficient physical and mental health;
- a desire and esteem for simplicity;
- a readiness to serve others and to love them to the point of self-sacrifice;
- a respectful concern and preference for those considered to be the least of all and for the suffering.
A candidate who wishes to discern her vocation will be directed above all to the Gospel of Christ while she learns of their way of life, their mission, and their constitutions.
The length of the candidacy varies from six months to two years. The novitiate lasts two years. The time of temporary profession ordinarily lasts six years.
To learn more, see their website.