How do I become a Religious of the Sacred Heart?

See Stages of Formation

 

How do I know whether I have a vocation to the Society of the Sacred Heart?

Relationships lie at the heart of who we are and how we live. When you ask about full membership in our community, our way of assisting you is to introduce you to Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ) in an area close to where you live. The RSCJ there will help you to find a good spiritual director, talk with you about our community spirit and mission, and welcome you to our communities for prayer, dinner, and social gatherings so that you can grow in your understanding of who we are. If you discover that you feel at home with us, you might want to consider initiating the process of becoming an RSCJ.

See RSCJ Contacts for the names and addresses of RSCJ near you.

 

How long does it take to become a full member of the Religious of the Sacred Heart?

As with all relationships, developing a relationship between you and the Religious of the Sacred Heart will take time. The process of becoming a full member usually takes nine years and is divided into three stages: candidacy (one year), novitiate (two years) and young professed (six years). From the moment you become a candidate, you will be welcomed as a member of the RSCJ community and begin to share fully in our lives.

 

Where are you located in the United States and in the world?

Worldwide, we number about 2,650 and serve in 41 countries on six continents. In the United States, we are located in 18 areas, which are listed on the contacts page. Our members around the world speak more than 25 different languages.

 

Could I ever work in another country?

As members of an international community with a mission of discovering and revealing God's love, we are deeply committed to strengthening relationships with people of other cultures and faiths. With this goal in mind, young professed RSCJ are expected to spend several months living and working in another country during the year in which they profess their final vows in the Society, and to live for approximately six months in Rome with an international group of young professed in the last stage of preparation for final vows. Further, serving outside the United States, in one of the 42 countries in which our sisters live and work, is a possibility after you become a full member of the Society.

 

Can I continue to do the work that I am currently doing?

We believe that a woman is most effective in ministry when she draws on her unique gifts, education and experience. In some cases, a woman may continue in the profession she chose before entering. In other cases, a woman may find herself called to a completely different kind of work. As a Religious of the Sacred Heart choosing how to live out your commitment, you will be expected to take into account the demands of the gospel and the needs of the world in relation to the mission, vision, and needs of the Society. Like our foundress, Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, we believe that God lives at the heart of humanity in the sufferings, joys, fears and dreams of people everywhere.