Temporary Profession

A woman enters the stage of Temporary Profession in the Congregation by completing a two-year novitiate and by professing the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for a period of one year. During this time the woman continues a process which encourages her to live interdependently in the community, to share faith, and to engage in ministry within the context of the Congregations mission of unity. This stage of temporary profession lasts for a period of no less than three years and no more than nine years.        A woman who renews her vows each year may be involved in full-time ministry. However, she may also be in an educational program in preparation for ministry. On-going discernment continues to focus on gathering information that may confirm a desire of the woman and the Congregation to a lifetime commitment of living the vows within the Sisters of St. Joseph. Our part:
	Provide a suitable local community in which the goals of this particular stage can be nurtured and realized
	Provide on-going discernment and formation opportunities such as regular meetings with the Director of Temporary Professed Ministries, periodic gatherings with other women and men in temporary vows, ministerial counseling, and opportunities for continued theological education and spiritual growth
Your part:
	Participate in local community living, Congregational activities, events and processes
	Meet regularly with the Director of Temporary Professed Ministries and your spiritual director
	Commit to on-going discernment of your vocation and life with the Sisters of St. Joseph
	Maintain your prayer life
	Commit to on-going assessment and discernment of your ministry in light of the Mission and common good of the Sisters of St. Joseph

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