Franciscan Daughters of Mary at 1800 Madison Avenue, Covington , KY 41014 US - Formation

Postulancy can last from six months to one year.

The purpose of postulancy is to determine:

· If the candidate can make the transition from the secular world to religious life;

· If the candidate can adjust to the life of the community and its members;

· If the candidate is ready to pursue serious studies of our Catholic faith and its doctrines.

Formation for postulants includes:

• The daily routine of the community
• Participation in the prayer life of the community
• Spiritual direction
• Study of selected Church documents
• Deepening relationship with Jesus Christ

During this time postulants are placed under the protection of Saint Francis of Assisi, which is symbolized by wearing a Tau cross.

Women who express an interest in our community are invited to visit us and participate in our daily routine of prayer and work.  If further interest is expressed, the candidate may visit us again for an extended period of time.  A woman is welcomed in to community when there is a mutual agreement on her part and on the part of the Community Servant.

Novitiate

Novitiate lasts for a period of one year to two years dependant on the candidate's readiness.

The focus of novitiate is prayer, study, and deeper discernment of your vocation to this community.

At entrance, the following promises are made:

* To dedicate yourself to a deeper study of the Catholic Faith and the Evangelical Counsels;
* To obey the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church;
* To obey the Reverend Mother of the community and the local servant.

Formation consists of:

* Supervised study of Church documents
* Study of pro-life/pro-family issues
* ScriptureStudy
* Spiritual Direction
* Study of the history of the community
* Retreats

During this time, the novices will be consecrated to

Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Profession

Following Novitiate, upon approval by the Servant of Novices and the  Community Servant, the sisters make their first profession of vows for a period of one year.  This profession is renewed for another year and then for a period of three years.  After five years of temporary profession, she is eligible for perpetual profession.