IHM: Ways of Joining

Ways of Joining

Vowed Religious Life

If you'd like to pursue vowed religious life, you begin your exploration with our Vocation Director. She will walk with you through a process of inquiry, including the important component of getting to know a lot of IHM Sisters. It is in these encounters that you will sense the IHM spirit. You investigate your readiness for this life, carefully considering what God has inspired in you. After your inquiry, you submit a written application and then interview with the Admissions Board. Board members prayerfully discern your readiness and aptitude for membership. Once you are accepted as a candidate, you will work with the Vocation/Formation Director, creating many different ways of integrating your life with the life of the IHM Congregation.

Two years of novitiate follow. The canonical year is contemplative while the ministerial year is a time to explore and prepare for future ministry as a vowed member. The novitiate ends with the first profession if vows. For three years, you live as a vowed religious, with full accountability as a member. This time of preparation and insight culminates in final vows.

"For me, entering religious life at this time offers the possibility of not only re-visioning ourselves as religious, but also of ourselves in the larger world in which we live. The whole world is being called to a deepening and opening of our hearts to one another. Our call is universal, communal and personal. I simply try to be open to this Divine movement."
Joan Chicoine, IHM

Would you like to know more about vowed membership?

Associate Commitment Life

Associates are women and men of widely different ages, backgrounds and faith traditions who are attracted to the vision and values of the IHMs. Associates maintain their own homes, families and lifestyles. After a period of discernment and orientation, they enter into a formal covenant with the community for a specific, renewable period of time. There are three areas of association: prayer, community and ministry. While not mutually exclusive, these categories permit associates to clarify for themselves the primary focus of their involvement. We accepted our first IHM Associate in 1978, and we have been richly blessed by the diversity of experiences, gifts and challenges they bring into our midst.

"I've benefited through the spiritual growth afforded me by my relationships with IHM. I would say because of having a sense of community, I feel that I can keep that faith alive when I am struggling and I see so many needs in the world. It bolsters my sense of faith and hope."
Sharon McNeil, IHM Associate

Want to learn more about associate membership?

Click on Sharon's photo to read more about her.

Volunteer Service

Volunteers are another facet of our community. They may desire to volunteer beside our members in ministry for a month, a season, or longer as they are called. They submit a formal application, including references, and work with the Vocation Director to determine their placement. They are mentored by an IHM Sister and/or Associate during their time of volunteer ministry. Like associates, they maintain their own lifestyles.

Karen Perez, Volunteer

"My work as a lay missioner working with the poor brought me closer to Christ. It just puts life into a different perspective. I really appreciate the support of the IHM community and the Archdiocese. I have learned to live out my faith through the IHMs."
Karen Perez, Former Volunteer

For more information, contact:

Mary Bea Keeley, IHM, Vocation/Formation Director

Phone: 734-240-9820

E-mail: mbkeeley@ihmsisters.org

Find out more about Vowed membership

Learn more about Associates

Read about the IHM Membership Team