Entrance into the Institute
“These inspirations give rise to strong resolutions to devote one’s self to God without reserve & to advance in every religious virtue.”
A candidate requesting to enter formation within the Institute of the Religious Sisters of Mercy may be accepted into pre-postulancy or postulancy.
The word “postulant” comes from the Latin word, “postulare,” which means “to seek” or “to question.” Women entering pre postulancy or postulancy are seeking to know if it is God’s will for them to be a Sister of Mercy.
Postulancy
“We should labor continuously to subject nature to grace, by a general watchfulness to our exterior, as well as interior.”
Postulancy begins on August 1st. Formation during this period enables the postulant to enter into the prayer life, common life, customs, and work of the community. Postulancy ends with entrance into the canonical novitiate on July 16 of the following year.
Pre-Postulancy
After consultation with the Superior General, it may be determined that a particular candidate would benefit from an additional period of discernment and growth in pre-postulancy before living with the community. Pre-postulancy usually begins on August 1st. In pre-postulancy, the candidate enters into a formal individual relationship with a formator while remaining within her home and job. This formation is ordered toward growth in self-knowledge, growth in greater disposition for the formation in postulancy, and a greater understanding of Catholic faith and life as a Religious Sister of Mercy. The pre-postulant could be invited after one year to enter postulancy.
Novitiate
A time set apart
The Canonical Novitiate
The novitiate is when the Sister’s life in the Institute begins, and it is ordered in such a way that that the novice “experiences the institute’s manner of living [and is] formed in mind and heart by its spirit.” This is so that her “intention and suitability be tested” and that the novices may recognize her vocation both as divine and proper (or particular) to the institute (Canon 646). The first year of the novitiate is spent at the Motherhouse and includes scriptural, doctrinal, and spiritual instruction, indispensable to the development of a life of deep union with God and the understanding of religious consecration.
“No occupation should withdraw our minds from God. Our whole life should be a continual act of praise and prayer.”
Second Year Novitiate
During the second year of novitiate, the novice participates in an apostolic mission of the institute and learns to integrate the professional and religious dimensions of her person. “During the novitiate, both the excellence and the possibility of a perpetual commitment in the service of the Lord will be brought out” (Directives on Formation, 55). At the completion of the novitiate the Sister may request to profess temporary vows.
