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 If you feel called to the life of a Religious sister, or if you are not
sure, our Ministry of Welcome process offers companionship, information,
and guidance in the discernment process, which
is the first step in becoming a Sister. Everyone's journey is unique,
and we have been blessed with the opportunity to walk with many women
on the road to understanding God's desires for them. Contact us today
to learn more about our Congregation and our Ministry of Welcome – you may email us
or call us at (614) 416-1056.
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Once a woman contacts the community to inquire about Religious
life, the vocation director works with her on a process of discernment,
accompanying her on her journey to discover God's call for her.
We encourage a thoughtful process that normally includes:
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Initial and ongoing contact with the vocation director |
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Information gathering, which normally
includes visits to several religious communities to discover the
spirit, mission, community and prayer life of each group. This is
always advised as each person needs to consider a community in which
her gifts, her personality, her spirituality and life experience
can be embraced and enhanced in mutual relationship with the members.
The person may be interested in seeking active apostolic community
or contemplative (cloistered) community. |
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Opportunities to meet others interested in Religious life by
attending an ongoing Vocation Support Group (Emmaus Journey in
Columbus) or participating in other activities |
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Spiritual direction with a director of the person's
choosing |
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Opportunities to get to know members in the
congregation, such as congregational celebrations, community prayer
and dinner, community study groups, days and weekends of prayer,
a discernment week or weekend, etc. |
New
Membership Process |
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a person would ask to begin the "formal" application process
for entrance into the community. The application process is holistic
in nature and includes an autobiography incorporating the person's
faith development, letters of recommendation, and a complete physical,
behavioral and psychological assessment. The vocation director then
presents the woman to the community's leadership. Upon acceptance,
the woman begins her candidacy, an introductory period
which normally lasts from one to two years and includes living the
Dominican apostolic life in community.
The phases of the new membership process correspond to the Rite
of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) in that the initiation
of prospective members takes place step by step in the midst of
the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs. This process engages
all in a reflection on Dominican Apostolic Life and seems well suited
to the spiritual journeys of adults, which vary according to the
many forms of God's grace and the free cooperation of the individuals. |
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