Sisters Formation Studies

[RPSisters]

Would the Relgious Sisters on the Forum please list (and or contact me) with the subjects that they studied in the various years of Religious formation? We have been told that this is essential, have gathered our own list and still told that we need to be “formed” first. We realize that the practical side is living the vows, living together in community and knowing our faith. Please tell us what the “secret” is that we don’t know of religious formation. Thank you very, very much!

 

[Rey_McOnor]

As far as I know, they study scripture, Catholic Teaching, Spirituality of their congregation, how to pray and meditate, and various skill they need in their apostolate.

 

[Sister_Rose]

You can visit our website formation section, franciscansisterspeoria.org/formation.htm.
The first page gives some of the general perspective. The pages on postulancy and the novitiate give details about classes from our constitution and directory.
Hope this helps.

 

[RPSisters]

Thank you Sister! and to think that you are so close by. Our emerging community comes out of the two of being formerly in another 14 year old community that was failing and we felt called out of it for various reasons. Under the guidance of our Spiritual Director appointed by the Cardinal we have been doing the steps necessary to prepare ourselves and future women to start with us, if it is God’s will. We were asked by the Cardinal to have a year of discernment and formation with a trained Formation Directress in an approved Community who would then report to him if we were ready to begin and for him to let us. That was in Jan. 2008. We have tried for two years for a community to take us (hopefully in Chicago, but elsewhere if needed). Even with the knowledge of our try by the CMSWR we still have not been able to find ONE religious community of Sisters to help us! This has saddened and surprised the Cardinal and us. So we go to the next plan of continuing on our own, but with the immense help of our SD and many, many relgious friends and laypeople who are supportive of us. We have college educations, are 48 and 53 yrs. old respectively and have had many years of religious classes, conferences and spiritual guidance from amazing Priests and Sisters. We do not feel unready but can understand the reasoning of the Cardinal and why the Formation year (a Canonical Novitiate if you will) needs to be done. However if no one will help us we will continue anyway. But you have helped us! and we are forever grateful. May I call you someday if we have questions? I will give you my personal tel and email if you like. SRPOLJC@catholic.org 773-984-8725.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

You might want to contact the Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center and see if they can put you intouch with the Internovitiate program that meets there.

In my novitiate, during the school year, we went there every week for two days of workshops. There were about 10 or so novitiate groups, it was mixed, by that I mean two of the groups were men, the rest were women.

Now I believe that they do not go as often but they still meet. I am sure they can help you with some information.