The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis

After successfully completing the Novitiate, the Sister takes temporary vows for two years and then renews them for three years.

"During temporary vows the Sister continues to intensify her spiritual, personal, apostolic and professional development as a consecrated religious bearing witness to Christ. She endeavors to preserve and deepen the spirit of our Community in her life, to grow in maturity, and to more fully realize her vocation as an adult religious. She experiences her commitment within our Community, and contributes to its unity and Franciscan spirit. She increases her practical integration of prayer and intimate union with God in living community life, and in achieving competency in the apostolate."(Directory)

"The Sister may be engaged in apostolic work and/or studies. In addition to receiving personal guidance, the Sister attends special workshops and study days developed and arranged by the Director of Formation."(Directory)

The period of temporary profession ends with a three-month period of intense preparation for the total gift of oneself to God in perpetual vows. During the Mass of Perpetual Profession, the Sister receives a silver ring signed with the crucifix: she belongs to Christ forever and will follow Him daily in self-sacrifice and Franciscan joy.

At temporary profession a Sister receives the black veil and the community crucifix and chain.

The Sister may be engaged in apostolic work and/or studies. In addition to receiving personal guidance, the Sister attends special workshops and study days developed and arranged by the Director of Formation. (Directory, #118)