How long does it take to become a Catholic sister?

Answer 1

Answer: Definition There is actually a canonical difference between a nun and a sister in the Catholic Church: nuns are those who belong to those religious orders which existed before the Reformation (e.g. Carmelites, Poor Clares, Benedictines) and tend to be enclosed. After the Reformation groups established have been called religious congregations and their members "sisters" not "nuns"; however, in common parlance their is no distinction. Procedure All those seeking to embrace the religious life go through a somewhat similar process, although religious congregations tend to have more leeway than religious orders. Visitation: This is when the person spends short periods of time in the community she wishes to join. This is not a canonical requirement but is common practice. Postulancy: This asts between 6 months and 1 year and is a time when the person continues to discern God's will, but lives in community. She is not, however, a member of the community. Noviate: The novitiate lasts between 1 and 2 years, and every novice is an official member of the community, wearing the habit (normally different from full members). Novitiate is a period of learning more about the spiritual charism and apostolate of the community as well as spiritual growth. Temporary vows: These are taken after novitiate, and are normally renewed annually for a period of 3-5 years. In most communities vows permits a member to have an active vote in the affairs of a community, but the woman may or may not be allowed to hold office. If, during this period, a woman decides to leave the community, she may do so quite freely and normally this is done through her local superior. Final vows: These are considered binding for life and are taken anytime between the 3-5 year period mentioned. Final vows means that a person has all the rights of membership of the community, and those in final profession may serve in office e.g. novice mistress. Release from final vows can come only from the Superior/Minister General of the order. The purpose of a lengthy period is to ensure, as far as possible, that the person seeking to become a nun/sister is happy with the decision and is suited to the life. The whole process is one of prayerful discernment, seeking the will of God which is what ultimately brings true joy and peace.

Answer 2

That depends entirely on the Order, you would need to contact the individual Motherhouse of the Order that you were interested, or check their website. Most Orders have up to a year postulancy, a year of notiviate, several years as a junior, before taking final vows.