We consider our formation a lifelong process of individual growth
in identification with Jesus Christ,
and we help one another to be open to this process
in all circumstances of our lives.
- CSA Constitutions #57
A Call to Religious Life
Women who feel called to serve the people of God by becoming a woman religious are invited to reflect with current sisters as part of their discernment process.
Vocation Stories
Each sister recognizes her vocation in different ways and at different times. Reading their stories may help others recognize their own call from God.
A Call to CSA
The Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes has members working and living in the United States and Latin America. While the congregation originally focused primarily on healthcare and education, today, members serve in a variety of ministries including social justice activities, pastoral care, massage therapy, administration, the arts, theology, and spiritual direction.
We believe that God continues to call women from all cultures and backgrounds to vowed membership in the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes and congregations throughout the world.
If you are feeling called to life as a sister, contact us!
Office of Vocation Discernment
320 County Road K
Fond du Lac, WI 54937
Phone: (920) 907-2325
Email: vocations@csasisters.org
Process & Stages
As an inquirer, you will be provided informal opportunities to assist you in your discernment of call to religious life and in particular to the Sisters of St. Agnes. You must:
- Desire to deepen your relationship with God and desire a life of service with others.
- Ordinarily be between 21and 45 years of age with an associate degree and/or work experience.
- Be a baptized, practicing Catholic for a minimum of three years.
- Be a U.S. or Latin American citizen.
- Be free from marriage vows and responsibility for minor children.
- Have a desire to live in community and serve in the CSA mission.
Upon mutual discernment between you and the vocation discernment minister, you enter the phase, Serious Discerner. This phase normally has a timeline of 8-24 months depending on your discernment needs. This phase involves a more in-depth process.
Through mutual discernment, you may apply for entrance into the formation process with guidance from the vocation discernment minister. Your application and materials are submitted for review by the CSA Admissions Advisory Board. With further review by the General Council, and upon acceptance, you will then enter the formal phase of membership called Pre-Novitiate.
This phase of initial formation is an opportunity to enjoy the hospitality and friendship of CSA while living in community and actively participating in the everyday life of a Sister of St. Agnes. This phases is ordinarily 1-2 years depending on your discernment needs.
The first-year novitiate is called the canonical year in which you are free of ministry and enter into extensive study, reflection, and prayer.
- during this period you are guided to seek an ever greater self-knowledge, insight, and an awareness of the presence of God.
- through regular instructions, you prepare for a life of union with Christ Jesus through the study of theology, vows, community life, CSA history, and religious life.
The second year of the novitiate provides further study, while engaging in part-time or full-time ministry. If needed, further professional preparation for ministry may take place during this time. Through further discernment and inner conversion of heart, this gifted time culminates with the profession of first vows in the congregation.
This period of 3-6 years is designed for deepening your vowed commitment as a Sister of St. Agnes while actively participating in community life, full-time ministry, and on-going formation. Vows are renewed while you continue to grow and integrate the way of life as a woman religious. Upon mutual discernment, you then enter into the process to request perpetual vows for life-long commitment as a Sister of St. Agnes.
This significant movement and decision establishes a woman’s full incorporation into the congregation. “She assumes lifelong responsibility for the vitality and mission of the congregation and her own life in Christ.” (CSA Constitutions #8)