Novitiate

After this time of learning and clarification you are invited to the Novitiate. This stage consists of two years.

Is God enough?

Is God enough?

In the first, the “Canonical Year” you will have to ask yourself about the strength of your vocation. “Is my relationship with God deep enough to live with God alone? Can I pray with St. Theresa from Avila? “Nada de turbe. Solo Dios basta!” Nothing can trouble me. God only is enough!” In this full year there will be a special emphasis on a prayerful study of the Word of God. Like the disciples left there homes to follow Jesus it will be a time to leave all other commitments and engagements in order to follow Jesus. Living in the novice’s community you will study the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience in link with our congregational charisma. To learn about this charisma you will study the constitution, the congregation’s history, spirituality and its apostolic responsibilities.

The second year is called “Apostolic Year”. As novice you try to integrate all the studies and spiritual experiences of the past years in the ordinary life of another community of Notre Dame de Sion, not living in the novice’s community. You would do some daily work as volunteer in a parish, social or educational organisation. Or there could be a chance for a regular employment in a field of your interest which has some connection with the Charism of Sion. In order to find the Mission in which you would like to express the Charism and call in following Jesus in your vowed life in Sion.

Vows and time of consolidation

At the end of this first formation program you will ask the provincial team (responsible sister) in a formal letter to get the permission to pronounce your temporary vows. Our congregation has to declare that your personal call to follow Jesus can also become a call to follow Jesus in the Congregation of Notre Dame de Sion. As a newer member you will deepen this commitment in a second period of formation which can last up to six years. This will lead you then into the final vows.