Women today continue to respond to God's invitation to a life of ministry in
community. When a woman shows interest in the MERCY way of
living, the journey she takes to discern the truth of that path for her has
periods of particular emphasis marked by ritual celebration.
For the woman and those who accompany her, the journey is marked by mutuality and collaboration, by attention to the personal needs and gifts of
the woman, and by our sharing of the traditions, vision, and spirit that
give life to this gift we call MERCY.
In each period the new member meets regularly with a mentor, a community
group, a spiritual director, and the incorporation minister.
This is an overview of the stages marked by ritual, in this journey of
exploration and discernment.
1. Vocation Discernment/Pre~Candidacy
Initial exploration of personal call
Opportunities to meet sisters and associates
No fixed duration of time
Regular conversations with contact person
Admission processes with coordinator of vocation ministry
2. Candidacy
Begins with rite of welcoming
Period of two years (usually)
Participation in community life
Accompanied by a reflection group, an incorporation
minister and a mentor
Gatherings with other women in candidacy
Pursuing goals of personal growth
Vocation discernment
Learning opportunities:
Catherine McAuley
Constitutions of the Sisters of
Mercy/Institute
History/tradition of Mercy
Prayer/church/community/ministry
Theological education
3. Novitiate
Begins with ritual of reception
Period of up to two years (usually), which includes a
canonical year
Involves participation in the Mercy Collaborative Novitiate
during the canonical year
Accompanied by a peer group of novices, a regional
minister and a minister from the Collaborative Novitiate
Involves learning opportunities:
Gospels
Study of religious life
Mercy charism and spirituality
Vows
Constitutions
Vocation discernment
Participation in community life
4. First Vows
Begins with celebration of first vows in community of
Mercy with sisters, family, and friends
Period of three to six years
Accompanied by a mentor and incorporation minister
Provides further study/reflection on religious life and the
vows as a Sister of Mercy
Provides full participation in vowed membership,
apostolic service and/or academic preparation for
apostolic service
Participation in community life and prayer
Provides opportunity to gather with others in temporary
vows
Includes retreat time prior to perpetual vows
5. Celebration of Perpetual Vows
In a public ceremony
6. On~Going Development as a Vowed Member
On~going education and updating renewal
For more information on Becoming a Sister,
contact:
Mercy New Membership Office
7262 Mercy Road
Omaha, NE 68124
402-393-8225
Email: vocations@mercyoma.org
