Pre-Affiliation
(six months to two years)

This is a period of support while you discern your call. During this time you may:

• Share with a vocation minister or Sister mentor

• Meet and spend time with individual Sisters and local communities

• Live independently as you prayerfully consider your decision

Affiliation
(approximately one year)

Affiliation is a time for you to live in a Notre Dame community and to experience life with members of the Congregation. As you continue to discern you will:

• Continue your previous work and studies

• Participate in community life, prayer and activities

• Continue to learn about the spirit and mission of Notre Dame

• Maintain your financial independence

Novitiate
(two years)

"Is God calling me to a life of poverty, celibate chastity
and obedience?"

As a novice you will:

• Be given the direction and time necessary to deepen and integrate your life of contemplation, mission and ministry and the living of the vows

• Live in community with Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and participate in all aspects of community life

• Participate in a program (study of Scripture/theology/heritage of Notre Dame, volunteer or part-time ministry) designed in keeping with your gifts, potential, experience and needs

Initial Commitment (approximately five years)

Upon making your first vows of celibate chastity, poverty and obedience in a public ceremony, you will:

• Live as a member in one or more Notre Dame communities

• Participate in ministry and ongoing preparation for ministry which advances the mission of Notre Dame

• Continue to discern your readiness to make a lifetime commitment as a Sister of Notre Dame

Permanent Commitment

At the time of your final vows you dedicate your entire life to God and God’s people as a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Through God’s faithful love you will know the grace to live out and grow in that commitment.