Becoming a Sister of Saint-Gildas

How does one become a sister? What are the stages involved?
Becoming a sister is a human journey, much like the commitment of marriage.
It is a spiritual journey: I realize that I desire to be a sister—to give my life, to teach, to care for the sick, to lead youth groups, and so on. But above all, I become aware that it is God calling me, that Christ is saying to me: “Come, follow me.” It is something profound that brings joy.
Yet, it is an adventure. There are many unknowns. Many questions fill my mind: Am I up to the task? Are specific qualifications required? And at the same time, I have such a strong desire to give my life, to serve, to pray, and to be with others!

Journeying with us: the aspirant stage

 The adventure begins to take shape when, one day, I cross paths with a Sister of Saint-Gildas and think to myself: “That is how I would like to live; I really like this way of being and living.” So, I take a step forward: I say, “I would like to become a Sister of Saint-Gildas.”
I am then invited to discover the sisters’ way of life—perhaps through parish meetings or visits to a nearby community.
Alongside other young women who are also considering religious life, I come to appreciate the importance of my life as a baptized Christian. I begin to sense the significance of prayer and of being attentive to others.
I continue on this path for several years, participating in the various vocation-related activities offered.

“Come and see…” – the postulancy stage: 

This is an important stage, another step in the process. I decide to take a closer look at whether this is what God is calling me to: I discover the history of the Congregation and what gives the sisters life and spirit—their love for Christ and the Gospel, their mission, and their love for the little ones and the poor.
In practical terms, this calls me to discern—to see if this is truly my vocation, my path to a fulfilling life.
For a time, I am called to share in the day-to-day life of a community. Then, I share life with other young women who also desire to follow Christ and become Sisters of Saint-Gildas. It is a lived experience and a time of formation that allow me to deepen my vocation.

“Come and stay with us.” – the novitiate stage:  

Then comes the moment of decision—another step forward to go deeper. After all these years of searching, questioning, and deepening my understanding, I ask to become a Sister of Saint-Gildas.
I am offered two years of formation to deepen my Christian life, gain an awareness of what religious life entails, and get to know religious life at Saint-Gildas better.
It is a time of “desert” to draw closer to Christ and savor the Gospel; a lived experience that puts the demands of religious life into practice: life in fraternity; a life of chastity, poverty, and obedience; a life of prayer; a life of service and mutual support; and openness to others.

“Living with You, Lord…”  

The moment arrives for a first commitment—a decisive step to bind myself to Christ and be sent into a community to proclaim God’s love for every person: making the Gospel accessible to all.