VOWED LIFE

What can you expect when making this life choice?

First, you will become an associate
You will start by becoming acquainted with the life of our Franciscan community. You will discern your choice with guidance from the Vocation Team, but live independently.

Candidacy, the first year, living in community
You will live with the Sisters and experience life in community. Though you may become involved in a community ministry, you will be expected to continue to support yourself financially.

Novitiate
You will learn the charism, history, and customs of the congregation and study its constitutions. You will study and practice the vowed life, participate in community ministries and discern whether religious life in our community is God's will for you.

First Commitment
For a temporary period of 3 to 7 years, you will commit yourself to living the vowed life in a Franciscan community. You will work actively in ministry as you complete your preparation for final vows.

Final Profession
You will follow in the footsteps of Francis as you make a life commitment to the Third Order Rule and to this religious community, professing your vows and answering the call to ongoing conversion.

CO-DISCIPLE PROGRAM: An Associate Program

What can you expect when becoming a co-disciple?

First, you will become acquainted with the community.
You will start by getting to know the Sisters and learning about the values, charism, and ministry of the congregation.

Next, you will be matched with a contact Sister who will companion you as you complete your orientation and work out a discernment plan.

Finally, you will make a temporary commitment to share with the community in prayer, works, or ministry.

FRANCISCAN VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The goal of the Franciscan Volunteer Program is to provide an opportunity for women and men to assist the Sisters of St. Francis with their ministry and for women volunteers to have an experience of community life and prayer.

Adult volunteers are women and men, usually over 21 years of age, without dependents, who spend up to a year at La Verna Heights with the option of a one-year renewal.

Special volunteers are younger women under the age of 21 who spend a year, usually less than six months with us, at La Verna Heights and who participate in a modified form of the volunteer program.

Both types of volunteers have the opportunity to participate in the prayer life and work of the community.