Entering the Community of the Sisters of the Living Word is a gradual process, marked by a series of discernment steps.  During this time an interested woman and the Community mutually explore whether a religious lifestyle with the Sisters of the Living Word is right for her.

"Initially, a woman is attracted to our Community by evidence that Jesus is the center of our living and ministry.  Those women desiring to enter should exhibit both the willingness to and capability of developing their potential for community living, be open to personal growth in the Lord, and manifest a desire for apostolic service."  -from SLW Constitutions

Step 1:

Affiliate:  6 months - 2 years

Time is spent becoming acquainted with the Sisters.  The affiliate continues her life of work or study in her present residence.

 Step 2:

Candidate:  1 year

The candidate shares daily life with the sisters in one of their residences.

Step 3:

Novice:  2 years

The novice receives the title Sister and lives in the novitiate community and receives guidance from the novice director.  Here she grows in the understanding of vowed life, experiences community living and explores her place in the SLW mission.

Step 4:

Temporary Professed:  3 - 6 years

After completing the novitiate, the novice professes vows of celibacy, poverty and obedience as a Sister of the Living Word.  She then assumes a full time ministry or continues professional training while living with community members.