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Incorporation with the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart takes place gradually, over time. Both Church law and our own Constitutions govern the formation / incorporation process. Here's a broad overview of what happens when a woman becomes a Handmaid: Phase 1: Discernment A woman finds that she is interested in the Handmaid way of life and that there's a possibility God is calling her to join the congregation. She might have attended a discernment retreat with us, or she might know us from another context, for example, a parish in which we minister. In the first stages of discernment, she may feel more comfortable simply gathering information about our congregation as well as other congregations. If she continues to feel drawn to the Handmaids, she can enter more serious discernment, which can involve spiritual direction with a Handmaid, a volunteer experience with us, or sharing prayer and meals with us occasionally. In a more serious discernment, she will be in regular conversation with a Handmaid who will help her determine if there is a good fit between who she is and who the Handmaids are. Below, Sister Philomena talks about our life with a young woman in discernment.
Phase 2: Application The application process is somewhat like a college application process. An interview, a biographical form, and several essay questions are part of the application. Additionally, a mental heath assessment and a physical are necessary. The application process is not meant to be intimidating. It is a time for the applicant to examine her spiritual journey and rejoice at God's providence in her life. Mental and physical health are important considerations because the Handmaids do not want to unduly stress someone who may not be able to joyfully and healthfully live a consecrated life, a life which can at times be demanding. If the applicant has not made a "Come and See" live-in experience during her discernment, she will do it as part of the application process. This live-in experience is a time for the aspiring Handmaid to live in community and participate in the prayer and ministry of the Handmaids. This time lasts at least one month and is an integral part of determining whether the applicant is called to our lifestyle. Phase 3: Candidacy On a case by case basis, some applicants will be admitted to the candidacy, a time of greater discernment and integration with the Handmaids. Candidates may keep their jobs and may live outside of the community while they prepare to enter the postulancy. Candidacy can last up to one year. Phase 4: Postulancy
Phase 5: Novitiate The novitiate is a two-year time period in which the new Sister continues her formation. The first year is an intense time of prayer and reflection, with little ministry responsibility. The second year includes more ministry while maintaining a focus on learning and prayer. The novitiate is a time to prayerfully prepare for making one's first vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Novices study congregational documents, meet regularly with a formation director, and grow in their prayer experiences. Novices undertake the thirty-day Spiritual Exercises with a director and experience God's love and their own response in a new way. Below, Sr. Theresa, a new novice, receives a copy of our Constitutions from our Provincial, Sister Sagrario.
Phase 6: Temporary vows
Phase 7: Tertianship The tertianship is the final part of temporary profession. Handmaids from every province who are ready to proceed to final vows come together in Rome for a time of spiritual reflection, education, and cultural orientation. They enjoy the internationality of the congregation while they prepare to say 'yes' forever. The tertianship, or third probation, as it is also called, includes a thirty-day experience of the Spiritual Exercises. The tertianship lasts between six and nine months. Phase 8: Final profession Final profession follows a long process of self-discovery and spiritual growth. The Handmaid sister pledges herself to God as a Handmaid for life, vowing chastity, poverty, and obedience, in imitation of Christ. Yet her formation has only just begun! Her life as a Handmaid will be a continual learning process, and her formation will end only when she meets the Teacher face to face. Pictured here (left to right) are Sisters Florentina, Carmen, Pilar, and Maria Jesús, professed Handmaids who are gathered as part of the 2006 Provincial Congregation to deepen their knowledge of God and to challenge one another and Handmaids worldwide to grow in following Christ in today's world.
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Postulancy marks the start of formation for a Handmaid of the Sacred Heart.
Postulants live as part of the community, spending part of their time in
formation, learning about theology, spirituality, Handmaid history, and other
Catholic themes. Another part of their time is spent in ministry.
Postulants can visit home and be visited by family members and maintain
ownership of their property. Postulancy lasts
approximately one year and includes a retreat of eight days. At left,
Maddie Nguyen, postulant Handmaid, enjoys dinner in our Haverford,
Pennsylvania retreat house.
Temporary vows last for three years, and are taken twice, for a total of six
years of temporary profession. The sister of temporary vows is still in
formation, and will be given opportunities for professional and personal
development. Juniors are sisters who have just finished their novitiate
and are being trained for ministry (most often an undergraduate or graduate
degree related to the ministerial abilities and interests of the sister).
Sisters of Vows are those temporary professed who have completed their juniorate
(time of studies) and are in fulltime ministry. Above, Sr. Joy, now a
Junior, signs her first vows.