Be a Sister
If God is Calling You, Call Us
A life less ordinary is waiting. A life ignited by a love of the Lord, filled with joy, and focused on others. A life in community with women of one heart—each devoted to serving God, the world, and one another.
If you’ve felt God calling you—nudging, whispering, urging, or guiding—it’s possible that a remarkable life can be yours. One that makes the most of your gifts and your faith—and that draws you deeper into a joyful relationship with your Creator and all of creation.
Pope Francis urges us “to listen to that voice, to discern our personal mission in the Church and the world, and at last to live it in the today that God gives us.” It’s a call to “dream big and to play our part in the unique and original story that God wants to write with us.” And it’s life changing. Literally.
“[We are each called] to listen to that voice, to discern our personal mission in the Church and the world, and at last to live it in the today that God gives us. [We are each called] to dream big and to play our part in the unique and original story that God wants to write with us.”
As you ponder your call, consider the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Community—consecrated women religious who minister in five states and internationally in Peru and Canada. Like you, we each come from different family, education, work, and ethnic backgrounds. We live in joy with a common purpose and mission, spiritually rich and rewarding.
We work to house the homeless, to teach and to offer pastoral care, and advocate for those who are victims of injustice or live on the margins of society.
If you’re a woman age 20 to 45, with no debt (except student loans), and with a willingness to discern with an open heart and mind, we invite you to consider life as a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth.
Four Signs That God Is Calling You
Figuring out whether you’re being called by God is a process, not an event. But here are four big signs that can suggest a divine call.
- Desire: You’re drawn to spiritual life and ministry in the Church.
- Motivation: You want to build up the Church and world.
- Fitness: You’re equipped physically, mentally, and emotionally for religious life and ministry.
- Peace: You’re “at home” with this calling and a particular religious community.
Understanding God’s Will for You
- Seek God’s love and direction through prayer and reading His Word.
- Learn about religious life. Get to know the community that is attracting you.
- Participate in Sunday Eucharist and other parish activities.
- Do volunteer service with others to experience a life of ministry.
The Process
Pre-Candidacy
This time offers the opportunity for a woman who is interested in the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth to explore her vocation seriously, and for the SCL Community to consider the woman as a future member. This is ordinarily a nine- to 12-month process that involves a formal connection with a local community of Sisters and conversation with the Vocation Office. For persons who are seriously considering entrance into the Community, an opportunity to live with Sisters in community is encouraged. Such a “live-in experience” provides a short (ordinarily a week) experience in community living and apostolic work.
Candidacy
Once accepted into the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, you enter a 10- to 24-month Candidacy. This is an ongoing, integrative process. You’ll learn about our history, mission, and charism, and experience the lifestyle of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. You may live in one or two formation house settings and work outside of the Community.
Novitiate
At the end of your Candidacy and with the recommendation of the Candidate Director, you petition to enter the Novitiate. It’s a year where you’ll gain understanding of the essential components of religious life. You’ll experience pastoral formation and guidance, theological study, and intense preparation for vowed life on the Mother House campus in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Temporary Vows
Following a time of prayer and reflection, you discern your readiness to profess vows. Temporary vows are a three- to six-year period of apostolic, communal, and spiritual growth leading to your final profession of vows with the guidance and support of the Community.
Perpetual Vows
A simple vow ceremony during the Mass of Profession marks your final profession of vows as a Sister of Charity.
FAQs About Religious Life
What is special about the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth?
We are a Community that is committed to living the Gospel values. Formed in the tradition of Saints Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac, we strive to live intentional lives. Grounded in prayer, we say YES daily to the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Modeling community living, we radically support one another in our daily lives and ministries.
Would I have the opportunity to interact with Sisters/discerners from other communities?
Yes, we offer opportunities to connect with other Sisters of Charity communities and various women religious communities that have discerners or women in formation. This allows you to meet other people who, like you, are exploring religious life. These encounters take place in the form of service and education in both spiritual and social settings.
Do I need a college degree to join the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth?
No, but you must have some work experience past your high school years.
Can I be divorced and enter into discernment?
Yes, as long as you have completed or are working on the annulment process.
To find out more about discerning religious life or the SCL Community, email Sister Rejane Cytacki at rcytacki@scls.org or fill out the form below.
Contact Us if You're Interested in Becoming a Sister
* indicates required fields