Q. How long does it take to become a Franciscan Sister of the Poor?

A: After the application process is completed, a woman is invited to enter the pre-novitiate of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor. The pre-novitiate phase usually lasts about a year. During this time a woman is introduced more deeply into a relationship with God, the spirituality of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, the way of the Sisters, and their ministries. After the pre-novitiate and novitiate phases, the new member can choose, if accepted by the congregation, to profess first vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. These vows are renewed over a period of several years, after which the Sister can choose to make perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as a Franciscan Sister of the Poor. The time frame of the entire process last about six years, but this can vary based on individual circumstances and needs.

Q: Are there any age restrictions?

A: Usually applicants are accepted between the ages of 21-45 years. The final decision regarding the age of a possible applicant is dependent on individual situations and the cultural practices of the specific country.

Q. When does a woman begin the application process?

A: A woman has usually been in regular contact with a vocation minister and a spiritual director before beginning the application process. This process helps the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor and the woman to come to know each other. The vocation minister and the candidate both need to agree on this step.

Q. What would I do as a Franciscan Sister of the Poor?

A: Franciscan Sisters of the Poor are religious women who participate in the mission of the Roman Catholic Church. Through their participation in the charism of Blessed Frances Schervier, they heal the wounds of Christ in the poor. They are aware of Christ's presence in the poor.

They offer their talents and resources entirely to God for the creative healing of all people. As a result, their ministries are varied. They can be found feeding the poor in a soup kitchen, nursing the sick poor at home, serving as a technician in a hospital, directing a transitional home for the homeless, providing a safe haven for battered women, serving as a public health nurse, managing a clinic, offering counseling and personal support, or serving in retreat ministry.

For further information:
Contact a Vocation Minister