Visitation Monastery of Minneapolis

Exploring a Vocation with the Visitation Sisters of Minneapolis

The process of becoming a Visitation Sister is tailored to the individual as she moves through the discernment process with the help of the vocation director and a spiritual director.

Stages:

Inquiry

The Sisters are always available for initial contact and the process continues with the help of the vocation director through the stages outlined here.  Inquiry is a time when you are in regular communication with the sisters through any of several avenues; calls, e-mails, visits, retreats, etc. You get to know the community and become acquainted with the spirituality, spirit and mission.  Then you may want to make application for entrance into the community.

Postulancy is a six- to nine month period of living simply, within the monastic community and sharing the life of prayer, community and ministry, while learning more about Salesian Spirituality. That learning happens through living with the sisters and becoming more acquainted with our founders Saints Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal .

Novitiate

Novitiate is a two-year period which allows for further discernment and reflection.  With this step you receive a Visitation medal to wear as a sign of your belonging. Usually during the first (canonical) year, you study the theology of religious life, scripture and Visitation Spirituality. The vows are studied the second year of Novitiate along with the history of the Order of the Visitation, and more concentrated reading of the writings of our founders. As a novice you strive to integrate the Visitation way of life with your own call, gifts and spiritual core.

First Profession

First Profession is a three-year period of living the vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience in community as preparation for permanent commitment. With this step, you receive the Visitation cross and wear it as the sign of your belonging as a Visitation Sister. At this stage of formation there is study in the areas most suitable for you and continued study of the writings particular to the Order. Areas of spiritual and human development and topics related to the social justice teachings of the Church and other topics such as the environment are pursued. During this time you participate more intensely in the ministries of the community.

Permanent Profession

After completing the time of temporary vows you profess life vows, a public permanent commitment to seeking God according to the Gospel and the Constitutions of the Visitation Order. Education and ministry continue as a lifelong journey with the community as you deepen in your capacity for commitment.

WE ARE SEEKING SEVEN VISIONARY WOMEN!

Visionary, yes!  Visionary in the sense that you desire a discerning life, dedicated to the common good of all God’s people, willing to risk all in community for that pursuit!

Do you want more information or have a question?