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| Eligibility |
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The
Community, for Extern Sisters, is open to women, married or single, who are baptized
and confirmed members, in good standing, of the Anglican,
Continuing Anglican, Catholic or Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Other than a minimum age of 18, there are no age restrictions.
As part of the application process letters of recommendation
from the applicant’s parish priest, and one other member of
her congregation, must be submitted, along with birth, marriage
(if applicable), baptismal and confirmation certificates.
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Sisters living "in community", within the convent as Conventual Sisters, Profess Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, in a more radical, total and sacrificial surrender of worldly attachments for the sake of the Kingdom.
Conventual applicants must be free of debt, as well as matrimonial and parenthood obligations. They are required to have a complete medical examination and psychological evaluation. Applicants must take into consideration the physically and mentally demanding nature of the life of a Religious Sister living in a community with other Sisters. Therefore, on a case-by-case basis, some age and other restrictions may apply for those applicants. Living in community requires adjustment to a highly disciplined day-to-day schedule. There is need to focus on the relinquishment of one’s particular individual preferences and material possessions for the sake of the overall good of the Community. Thus, it is imperative that the applicant be mentally stable, flexible and well-adjusted. Physically, the life can be demanding, as well. Sisters rise early and the day’s activities are often very full. All must share in the work of the household. Every effort is made, according to availability of funds, to allow Conventual Sisters to enjoy a visit with family or friends once each year.
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| Formation |
Members of The Servants of the Sacred Cross proceed through a number of stages of development and learning upon entrance to the Community.
- The Postulancy is a six to twelve month period of probation, discernment, study and initial training. This is the first stage of testing the vocation.
- The Novice is one who has been Clothed in the habit of an SSC Novice with the white veil. She has not Professed Vows but lives in the "spirit" of the Vows. Formation in the Religious Life and study continue.
- After a minimum of two years, the Novice may, with the necessary approvals, proceed to Profession of Vows. The navy veil and Profession Cross are presented. Vows are renewed annually for at least five years at which time the Sister may request to Profess Vows for Life, if she so desires.
All of those in Formation, Postulants and Novices, work closely with the Formation Director. As in any vocation to which one is called, there is a requirement for certain educational preparation in order to carry out the work. A course of study based on the Catechism of the respective ecclesial body is completed in the Postulancy. Novices complete a course of study on Holy Scripture. In the first year the Old Testament is studied while the focus is on the New Testament in the second year, These courses provide the basic minimum knowledge that Sisters are expected to need. They are carried out by distance learning with the Formation Director acting as tutor and coordinator. At the discretion of the Superior, certain appropriate formal study that has previously been undertaken may qualify for dispensation from all of part of the Formation study. There is also a required reading list. It is important for the Sister to realize that Formation continues through the ongoing stages of Religious Life, including that of the Professed, and all are encouraged to continue further study on their own. All educational pursuits should result in an increase of faith, hope and love in the Community.
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