beginnings

The young woman interested in becoming a Visitation sister first visits the community for a few weeks. If the Sisters and she think God may be calling her to Visitation, she is invited to become a postulant in the community. This is what happened to Maureen.

About a week after she had arrived and settled in, Maureen made her petition to begin her training to become a Visitation sister in our community.

As a sign of her acceptance, Maureen received a medal depicting Mary's visit to Elizabeth in the mystery of the Visitation.

On leaving the Sisters' Choir, Maureen was greeted by each of the Sisters in turn. We welcome Maureen and pray for her perseverance.

Maureen will be a postulant for six to eight months. During this time she will pray, work, and study with the Sisters. Then if both the Sisters and she think Visitation is the community in which she may best serve and love God in His people, Maureen will become a novice. The first year of her novitiate is called the canonical year because her studies will concentrate on her spiritual growth and development as a Visitation Sister. During the second year of her novitiate she will sample the various activities of the Visitation Sisters to see where she will best minister to God's people.