Drawn by a sense of God’s call in our lives, and attracted by the ground-breaking insights of our founder, Mary Ward, we vow lives of service within the Catholic Church. The mission of our congregation is participation in the comprehensive mission of the Church, to proclaim the gospel and bear witness to the resurrection of Jesus (Mk 3:14).

Our spirituality is based on a sense of God at work in our daily lives and in our world. This sustains us in our own journeys, and animates our ministries. We are linked through local communities with common priorities and a leadership structure that facilitates “a union of hearts and minds”.

Every life journey is an individual one, and before any decision to join religious life, there will be a period of enquiry, a chance for both you and the CJ Sisters to get to know each other.

If you believe God is drawing you to take a closer look at religious life, contact us by phone, email or letter. A vocation promoter will offer you materials for prayer and reflection and visit with you about any questions you have. She may also invite you to “come and see” how we live.

After “come and see”, you apply to come and stay with us before becoming a candidate

The application process assists both the CJ and you to discern your suitability to live a fruitful and happy life as a CJ Sister.

Women we seek are those who have a relationship with God and a passion to serve others, who are aware of their humanity and weakness but have the self-knowledge and openness that allows them to grow and be able to follow Jesus as one of us now and in the future.

The application process involves:

• Interviews with the Vocation Promoters sisters
• Letters of reference
• Certificates of Baptism and Confirmation
• A completed request information form

All of the material is presented to the Vocation Promoters’ Team

The stages of formation include:

• Candidacy
• Postulant
• Novitiate
• Temporary Profession
• Final Profession

Candidacy (1-3 years)

Being a candidate gives you the opportunity to meet sisters and become better acquainted with CJ life. You will stay in one of our communities and are accompanied by a candidate director. You will be introduced to prayer, gospel values, religious life, life of St Ignatius and Mary Ward.

Postulancy (6 months -1 year)

As a postulant you will continue to grow personally and spiritually while living with CJ in community. You discern God’s call and the compatibility of your gifts with our life by sharing prayer, household tasks, some ministry experiences, and day-to-day community living.

Novitiate (2 years)

During the novitiate you seek to deepen your relationship with Christ which will be the heart of your religious life. Through solitude, prayer, study, life in community, and some ministry experience, you will get to know more fully the various aspects of CJ life, including the vows of poverty, celibacy, obedience and the 4^th vow. 

Temporary Profession (vows can be renewed up to 9 years)

You will profess vows according to the CJ way of life, entering fully into our life and mission. Readiness for your permanent commitment is indicated by the integration of prayer, community and ministry; ongoing mutual discernment; your commitment to CJ mission and charism in our world today.

Perpetual Profession and Ongoing Personal Development in Community (forever)

After completing the time of temporary vows, you will profess vows forever in community. This is a public, permanent commitment. The vows of consecrated celibacy, gospel poverty apostolic obedience and the 4^th vow express the fullness of our commitment to God and to the members of our CJ International Congregation.

Drawn by a sense of God’s call in our lives, and attracted by the ground-breaking insights of our founder, Mary Ward, we vow lives of service within the Catholic Church. The mission of our congregation is participation in the comprehensive mission of the Church, to proclaim the gospel and bear witness to the resurrection of Jesus (Mk 3:14).

Our spirituality is based on a sense of God at work in our daily lives and in our world. This sustains us in our own journeys, and animates our ministries. We are linked through local communities with common priorities and a leadership structure that facilitates “a union of hearts and minds”.