FAQs
What is special about the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCLs)?
What are the requirements to become a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth?
How does a person know she has a vocation to religious life?
This happens in different ways. Some feel a pull in their hearts to be part of something bigger than themselves. Others feel drawn to community living and lives of service; others to deeper spirituality; and some to all of the above. Sister Vicki Lichtenauer can provide guidance and answer other questions to help in the discernment process.
What are the steps to becoming a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth?
- Pre-candidacy – This is an exploratory time (nine to 12 months) for the young woman and the Community to get to know each other.
- Candidacy – Following formal acceptance, the Candidate spends 10 to 24 months learning about the history and spirit of the SCLs and experiencing life in community.
- Novitiate – With the recommendation of the Candidate Director, the Candidate petitions to enter the Novitiate – a year-long intense preparation for vowed religious life. The Novice lives and studies on the Mother House campus in Leavenworth.
- Temporary vows – Once the Novice has discerned her readiness, she makes temporary vows of three to six years.
- Perpetual vows – At a mutually agreed upon time, the Sister makes her final profession of vows as an SCL.
(More detail can be found at Interested in Becoming a Sister)
What do Sisters do?
Today’s Sisters serve in a variety of different ministries based on their education and training; their interests; and “fit” with the mission of the SCL Community. For example, SCLs currently work in homeless shelters; form a circle of support for women who are trafficked; provide medical care in a clinic for the underserved; work with refugees; teach; and do pastoral ministry. See Current Ministries.
What other opportunities exist for a person with like values to get to know or collaborate with the SCLs?
- Marillac Center, the retreat center located on our Mother House campus, offers a variety of programs, many of them conducted by SCLs.
- SCLs are part of the core team of the House of Charity, New Orleans, where young women who are discerning vocations and young adult groups can perform short-term volunteer service.
- SCLs and SCL Associates who share the Community’s spirit can invite other like-spirited persons to consider becoming SCL Associates to share prayer, service and friendship.
- Persons aligned with social justice concerns of the SCL Community can access resources available at Peace, Justice, Creation.
What is an SCL Associate (SCLA)?
How does a person become an SCL Associate?
Other questions?
Please complete and submit the form below.
Other questions?

Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth
4200 South 4th Street
Leavenworth, Kansas 66048
Phone: 913-682-7500
Fax: 913-364-5401
Email: communications@scls.org