Frequently Asked Questions
What is Consecrated Life?
"A permanent state of life recognized by the Church, entered freely in response to the call of Christ to perfection, and characterized by the profession of the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 914)
Why does Jesus want there to be Christians who live their whole lives in poverty, unmarried chastity, and obedience?
"God is love. He longs for our love also. One form of loving surrender to God is to live as Jesus did - poor, chaste, and obedient. Someone who lives in this way has head, heart and hands free for God and neighbor." (YOUCAT, 145)
How do I encourgage my daughter as she discerns her vocation?
God has a plan for each one of our lives. Your daughter is on a journey to discovering this plan. Some ways to walk with her on this journey of discovery could be praying for and with your daughter that she may know God's will for her life, being open to listening to how God is leading her. Although it may be difficult, it is important to let your daughter know that you want the best for her, even if God's plan for her is different from what you imagined.
How long should my daughter discern before entering?
This varies for each person. Some young women enter right after high school, some after a few years of college or after finishing college, while others are already in a career before entering. The important thing for your daughter is that she is peaceful about her decision to enter at the time she experiences God calling her.
What is the formation process?
Postulancy lasts 6 months-1 year. This is a time of adjustment and initial introduction to the community.
Novitiate lasts two years. The first year novices study our Rule and Constitutions, this includes formation for living the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. The second year novices spend 6 months on mission in a small convent and then return to the Novitiate for 6 months of preparation for their first Profession of Vows.
Temporary profession of vows is for a year at a time. These Sisters renew their vows each year in April.
After 5-6 years of temporary profession and through the discernement of the Community, the Sister can be invited to make a Final Profession of Vows through which she consecrates herself to the Lord forever.
Will I still have contact with my daughter?
Yes, of course! We have frequent contact with our parents and families through visits, phone calls, letters, and email.
Will I get to know the other Sisters in the Community?
Through visits to the convent, our families often get to know many of the Sisters and often times "adopt" them as their own.
For more information for Parents, visit
Parents of Vocations (Founded by FSGM parents Tom and Patty Kissel)