About Us
Formation
Our formation is grounded in the Gospel and permeated with the spirit of St. Angela.
It “integrates the authentic values of our tradition with a continual adaptation to the needs of the person, the Church and the world.”
Formal Stages of Formation
- Initial Enquiry - Exploring the invitation to religious life, through meeting with and coming to know some sisters, and through directed reflection and prayer. This usually takes place while the person is still engaged in their everyday life and work. (No set period of time)
- Postulancy - This initial stage of discernment takes place while the person lives as part of an Ursuline community. (Six months to two years)
- Novitiate - An intensive and focussed period of discernment which involves learning about and experiencing the way of life and prayer that is being explored by the novice, or "beginner". This takes place in a community specifically dedicated to the process of formation, known as the Novitiate. The novice is accompanied by the novice directress, a sister whose role is to companion and direct them during this period. (Two years)
- Temporary Profession - The newly-professed sister lives in a community within the province, becoming more familiar with Ursuline life as it is lived by sisters engaged in various forms of ministry. She is offered further direction, support and accompaniment by a junior directress. This is a time of learning to balance the commitments of a life of prayer, community and ministry. It is a time of continuing discernment and preparation for final profession. (At least five years)
- Tertianship - This third period of formal formation takes place after a sister has been living Ursuline life for some years. It usually takes place in Rome, and provides the opportunity for renewal and reflection on the experience of living as an Ursuline sister, and ongoing discernment for the future. The international aspect of this period is an important element of the experience. (Seven - twelve months)
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The formation of an Ursuline focuses on five key aspects listed below.
Person Oriented
During formation, special emphasis is placed on the individual. This is a time where formation is adapted to the individual’s needs. It is always situated in the lived experience of the individual with an awareness to our global reality. Respect for the individual is paramount.
“Have them all engraved in your heart, one by one, for this is how real love acts and works.”
Centred on Jesus
Our focus on Jesus is enriched by personal and communal contemplation of the Word of God and participation in Liturgical prayer. Biblical, theological and liturgical studies, retreats and days of recollection are aspects of this focus.
“Let them have Jesus Christ for their one and only treasure”
Consecrated Life in Community
We live in community according to the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience. We learn of St. Angela’s charism and study documents pertaining to our Ursuline way of life, and religious life.
“Genuine love in community is shown by the interest we take in one another, by warm affection, and by mutual support in daily life with its difficulties and joys.”
Oriented towards Mission
During Postulancy and Novitiate there are opportunities to experience a variety of ministries. During the period of Temporary Profession we engage in more structured ministry reflecting on our experience, integrating the contemplative and active aspects of our lives. In attempting to be open to others particularly the poor, the marginalised, women and young people, we come to a greater awareness of our world and its complexities.
“Act, move, believe, strive, hope…seek to spread peace and concord where (we) are.”
Internationality
Our internationality raises aspects of socio-economic, political and cultural contexts of our globalised world. These realities are lived out particularly during the period of Tertianship. We learn to live our diversity in unity and develop awareness of the joys, life struggles and activities of our Provinces.
“The Roman Union by its nature is international and world-wide.”