As you begin to ponder and question whether the life of a Sister of St. Martha is one to which God is calling you, you may also wonder how this happens. The process is rooted in discernment - listening to what God is saying through prayer, relationships and your events of daily life. Here is a brief outline of the gradual process:

Inquiry - A time to talk with a Sister of St. Martha and the vocation director about your desire to follow Jesus in this way of life, and to learn more about the Marthas.

Pre-Novitiate - As you continue in your present work or study, a Martha companion and the pre-novitiate director will accompany you, as well as an experienced spiritual director. You will have opportunities to visit communities of the Sisters of St. Martha, and get to know other sisters. When there is mutual agreement on your readiness to continue the discernment you will spend ten months living in a community of Marthas, sharing in all aspects of our life.

Novitiate - This is a two year period in which you enter into full time living as a Sister of St. Martha. Under the guidance of the director of novitiate, you will continue in mutual discernment. You will engage in personal and communal prayer, in study of the essential aspects of religious life, the spirit and mission of the Marthas and become involved in apostolic service.

First Commitment - This period follows profession of the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience - usually a 3 to 6 year period. During these years you will live the life of a Sister of St. Martha in a community and participate in ministry. You will continue to discern with the congregation your readiness for permanent commitment. During this time you are under the guidance of the first commitment director.

Perpetual Commitment - As your call to live religious life is confirmed through your lived experience and mutual discernment, you commit your life to God by perpetual vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.