Sisters of Bon Secours: Journey With Us/Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can become a Sister of Bon Secours?
You may think, "I'm not good enough or holy enough." Relax!

Many feel that way when first thinking about religious life. God calls all kinds of people. Characteristics that fit a person considering religious life are:

love of God and others
interest and ability to be of service to others
desire for prayer and sharing faith
concern for people who are poor, suffering, vulnerable, or dying
generosity of heart and wholesome attitude
openness to the Spirit and willingness to grow
ability to relate well with others
Catholic women generally between ages 18–50 and free of marriage bonds
good physical and emotional health

What is a vocation?
We all have a vocation in life whether it is to marry, stay single, or become a vowed religious or priest. And, each is called very personally. We are also called to holiness and to be of service to others. Our first vocation is to be our truest selves and to be happy. As we grow in faith, we come to understand our call in life, usually by God nudging us. My vocation in life may be different from my friend's.

What does discernment mean?
Discernment is a spiritual process in which we try to decide who God is "calling" us to be and what we are being asked to do in specific instances now and in the future.

What is the process of becoming a sister?
Inquiry/Pre-Candidate
The first step is to become acquainted with us and decide to explore your call. It is a time to determine your call. This stage can last between six months to two years. A sister prayer partner prays for you, as you do for her. You may be matched with a companion sister at this stage depending on the direction of your discernment, and she will introduce you to various aspects of religious life and to the local community. If your call is affirmed, and you feel drawn to Bon Secours and our charism, you would ask to become a pre-candidate.

Candidate
Once you are accepted and enter, you live in a community of sisters. You fully participate and experience our life, spirituality, traditions, mission, values, community events, and ministry. This stage lasts between six months and two years. A candidate director guides you in continuing to discerning your call to religious life and Bon Secours.

Novice
Time is set aside from ministry for you to more deeply discern your call to religious life and to the Bon Secours community. You study our charism, history, constitutions, spirituality, theology, the vows, our way of life, and grow in self-knowledge. The Novitiate is two years. The second year is for integration while in full time ministry and living in community. Towards the end of this stage you prepare for temporary profession.

Temporary Profession
This is a time to fully integrate a life of ministry related to prayer, the vows, and community life. This phase lasts three to six years. Time is given for continued reflection, personal development, and meeting with a mentor. This period ends by making final vows.

What is required if I choose to explore more with the Sisters of Bon Secours?
The discernment process requires active participation as well as personal freedom and openness. Prayer and dialogue are essential too. You would:

obtain a qualified spiritual director (the vocation director helps if needed)
meet regularly with the vocation director
meet with a sister companion
attend "Come & See" vocation days
do spiritual reading
request material on the Sisters of Bon Secours
participate in community events and celebrations as invited
visit local Bon Secours Sisters and attend Associate gatherings
participate in a live-in experience

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