IHM: Becoming A Vowed IHM Religious

Becoming a Vowed IHM Religious

The purpose of a formation process is to integrate you fully into life as a religious.

INQUIRY   Formation involves taking on a new identity and is a mutual, individualized, careful consideration of what God has inspired in you. You officially become a member after you take ample time to investigate. The Membership Coordinator closely accompanies you during your exploration. She will guide you in discernment and readiness. After your inquiry, you may apply.

APPLICATION    The written application forms also require ample time and reflection. The application helps to bring clarity to you and to the Congregation. When the forms are completed, you interview with the Admissions Board members who then prayerfully discern your readiness and aptitude for becoming a member. Finally, the President of the Congregation sends you a formal letter of acceptance.

CANDIDACY      After your acceptance as a candidate, you continue to work with the Membership Coordinator to design your goals and to create multi-faceted ways of integrating your life with the life of the Congregation. As you continue to support yourself, you make room in your life for the concerns of the community and experience the same in return.

NOVITIATE
Maria Antonia Aranda Diaz, IHM - Maria Antonia moved from Novitiate to First Profession on February 5, 2006.

There are two years of novitiate, each with different expectations. The canonical year is more contemplative in nature and provides you with time for prayer, service and study of the IHM Constitutions. The ministerial year is a time to explore and prepare for future ministry as a vowed member. During these years, you are guided by the Director of Novices to help create the most beneficial ways to add to the experience and education you already have. Reflection and mentoring groups are specifically created to surround you with wisdom figures and feedback to explore the practicalities of living a vowed life. Workshops and classes with others in formation, plus interaction with those in other communities, bring a wider understanding of ways to live into your commitment. The novitiate ends with the first profession of vows.

FIRST PROFESSION
Michele Denton, IHM - First Professed

Three years of living the vowed life provides you with time and experience that you bring to bear on your professed life. A mentor during these years accompanies you as you live, work and participate fully in the congregation. Your identity as a religious becomes stronger and you become more confident. Living this life with full accountability as a member is a wonderful confirmation of your life choice. It is a valuable time of preparation and insight. The time is culminated by final vows. It is also the beginning of ongoing formation and learning that will last for your future years of membership!

Click on Michele's photo to read about what she and other temporary professed
IHM sisters are doing today.

We invite you to read about the 2007 Oblate Tri-IHM Formation Gathering. For more information about IHM vowed membership contact:

Mary Bea Keeley, IHM
Membership Coordinator
IHM Membership Office
610 W. Elm Ave.
Monroe, MI 48162-7909

Phone: 734-240-9820
E-mail:  Mary Bea Keeley, IHM

If you are a young Catholic, visit Disciples Now with topics which may be of interest to you.

If you'd like to read about other opportunities for religious life, visit Religious Ministries.