Become a CSF Sister
Entrance into the Religious Life is a gradual process of mutual discernment between the individual and the community, study and formation and “on-job-training.” For the Community of St. Francis, a vocation to the life means a call:
to live in community with Sisters and Brothers
to participate regularly in corporate worship and to make a commitment to a personal prayer life
to carry out ministry in the wider community, especially with the poor, the sick and the marginalized.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP:
·normally be an Episcopalian/Anglican in communion with the See of Canterbury
be of sufficiently sound health—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
be free of legal, financial and family obligations (note: college loan debt can be negotiated)
have a deep desire to know and serve God more deeply
have the generosity, sensitivity, patience, flexibility and willingness to share life in community with others.
PROCESS FOR DISCERNING VOCATION
1. Contact the Novice Guardian CSF, St. Francis House, 3743 Cesar Chavez St., San Francisco CA 94110 or PamelaClareCSF@aol.com
2. Complete the Inquirer’s Questionnaire
3. Arrange at least one Inquirer’s visit to St. Francis House
4. Submit an application for membership with references
5. Undergo a background check, physical and psychological tests
6. Make an Aspirant’s longer visit
7. Postulancy: (at least 3 months) a time of living with the community
8. Novitiate: (3 years) a time of education and trying out the life (after receiving the habit)
9. First Profession: a time of more specialized education and training and further incorporation into the life of the community
10. Life Profession: full membership in the Community