Formation
As Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, we recognize formation as an important time of growth and discernment in religious life. It allows new members to gradually discover this way of life and to become familiar with our community, our spirit, and our mission. While formation looks different in every community, it usually follows a shared path. What follows is a simple introduction to how we live and experience formation as Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary.
The Courses
As Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, we live our formation in a special way through what we call “courses.” A course is a group of young women who enter the community together, share their formation, and remain connected as a lifelong “little family.” Each course chooses a unique mission — a particular way of reflecting Mary in the world. This mission shapes the course’s identity and helps each sister live her calling more deeply. Through the different courses, our community reflects the many qualities of Our Lady. Formation for us is always a shared journey. We grow, learn, and follow God’s call together — never alone.
The steps of formation are as follows:
Candidacy – minimum three months
This period is a time of growth into our community way of life and into the meaning of a religious vocation. It is meant to be a bridge between the world from which the young women come and the totally new world of a community dedicated to God. During this time the candidates work, receive a solid foundation on knowledge of our Catholic faith and have time to pray and relax. Their daily time-table is flexible and open.
Postulancy – six months
During this time the postulants continue to receive instructions on our Catholic faith and on Schoenstatt. At the same time they begin to follow more closely the daily time-table of a sister and are introduced little by little into some of our community customs. They get to know the community and thus have the chance to test their vocation. They also grow more closely together as a course group.
The Solemn Clothing
The novitiate begins with the solemn reception of the dress and veil. On this day the novices process into the church in white bridal dresses. Through a solemn rite, they then receive the individual parts of the Sister’s dress, leave the chapel and return with joy clothed as Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary. They also receive their chosen name as a sister on this day.
First Incorporation
At the end of the novitiate the novices sign their first contract with the community and receive the brooch in place of the medal and chain they received during the postulancy.
Tertianships – two periods of five months each
The tertianships deepen the foundation of the novitiate in every aspect. At the end of the second tertianship, the sisters sign their final contract with the community, promising their faithfulness forever. They then receive the ring as the outward sign of their promise.
The total time of formation is approximately nine years.