The postulancy is ordinarily an eleven-month period that provides the gradual spiritual and psychological adjustment indispensable to the preparation of the novitiate.

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The postulants live with the sisters, share in community prayer, study in preparation for ministry, and engage in periods of apostolic service.

Religious life begins with the novitiate. Novices are directed toward a more intimate union with Christ, nurtured by silence, solitude, prayer, and the generous giving of self. The novitiate is a two-year process. 

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The first year, called the Canonical Year, is designed to initiate the novice into the essential and primary requirements of religious life and is principally devoted to deepening the sister’s spiritual life.

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The second year seeks to enable the novice to combine contemplation with apostolic love as they prepare for ministry and make their first profession of the vows: chastity, poverty, and obedience.

This stage of formation begins with the first profession of vows and ordinarily lasts for five years. During this time, a sister lives in a local mission and engages in full-time ministry. The focus of this time is personal, spiritual, ministerial, and congregational growth in preparation for perpetual vows.

Finally, when she is prepared, a sister will make perpetual vows.