How long does it take to become an IHM sister?

Once a woman decides to enter the initial formation program of the IHM sisters, the process normally lasts between three and nine years.

A woman interested in membership first becomes a candidate. During this time she lives with a community while working and/or studying. This period enables the candidate to participate in religious life and it gives the congregation an opportunity to see if the candidate has potential for living the religious life. A woman may be a candidate for one or two years.

The candidate moves on to the novitiate. This period marks one’s official entrance into the congregation. A novice spends time in study and prayer and learns more about her relationship with God, the congregation and herself. At the end of the novitiate, the novice prepares for temporary profession of vows.

After the novitiate, the woman vows poverty, chastity and obedience for a period of three years. Usually after a period of three to five years of temporary profession, the woman professes her final vows.

Read more about the formation process in Interested in Joining Us?.