Every person has a vocation: a calling or mission in life for which they are distinctly suited. Realizing your Religious Vocation requires a spirit of seeking. You must remain open to discover who you are, what gifts you bring, and how God intends you to share those gifts with the world around you.
As Sisters of Mercy, we respond to God’s call to participate in the mission of Jesus, whose life serves as witness to God’s love for all creation. We embrace as our core values: faith, compassion, prayer and community, which shape and equip us to discern and respond to the world’s needs. We minister in education, health care, justice work, and many other areas. In our work, and in all relationships, we strive to embody a compassion that reveals and bears the hope that is Jesus Christ.
STAGES OF FOMATION
Come and See
They said, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” (“Rabbi” means “Teacher.”) He answered, “Come and see.” ref (John 1:38-41). Guided by this response of Jesus to his disciples, we welcome young ladies willing to join our life, to come and have a short experince concerning our life. This does not take long. After the experience, the candidate returns home to go and make a decision as a result of the experience, whereby, she can return willingly by calling back, or can decide otherwise.
Aspirancy
This stage comes after the "Come and See" Here the candidate who already made a decision, now returns to join, and gain more experinces for at least six months.
Postulancy
FIRST STAGE OF FORMATION
This beginning stage aims to deepen the human and Christian experience in order that the Postulant might achieve greater maturity in her vocational choice. Postulancy lasts at least one year. These stages are currently done in different countries where we have our Monasteries.
Novitiate
SECOND STAGE OF FORMATION
The Novitiate Stage is when life in the monastery community truly begins. We study the live lived and practised by our Founder St. Pdr. Pedro Nolasco, the Constitution he drafted for the smooth running of the Order, the History of the Order, Sacraments, Canon Law, Courses on Self-Awareness, Liturgy, music among others. This part of the formation journey seeks to give the Novice a better understanding of a divine vocation, particularly within this monastery community. The Novice is given the opportunity to try this lifestyle; to conform her mind and heart to the Mercedarian Nuns Spirit, and to verify her intention and suitability. The duration of the Novitiate is at least Two Years. The First is the Canonical Year which, in order to be valid, must last at least twelve months passed in and within the Monastery Novitiate Community. During the Novitiate, the Novice should not be engaged in studies or endeavors that do not directly serve this formation.
Temporary Vows (Juniorate)
THIRD STAGE OF FORMATION
The Juniorate is the Formation Stage ranging from First Profession to Perpetual/Solemn Profession. During this time, the Junior Nun should integrate herself into our Monastery Community in order to live a process of a deepening of faith in the charism and fraternal life that allows her to become configured to Christ the Redeemer, and become part of the apostolic mission of the Institute. In this way, she prepares for her Final/Perpetual/Solemn Vows.
During this period the formation of Junior Nuns will continue systematically, according to their abilities and aptitudes. This formation will be spiritual and apostolic, doctrinal and practical; and if appropriate, during this time, Junior Nuns will obtain the necessary qualifications to better perform the mission of the Institute itself.
The duration of the Juniorate is typically Six Years.
Ongoing Formation
Called to continued growth in Christ, to living the authentic charism of the Monastery Community and to give a suitable response to the demands of the Church and society, fully Professed Nuns diligently continue formation: human-communal, doctrinal-spiritual, religious-charismatic, academic and apostolic throughout life on both personal and community levels, using the means and time necessary to do so. This is the time to live what one professed in the best way humanly possible. Continously taking up roles and responsibilities to keep the Monastery growing.