Inquiry and Contact

To begin the Martha Journey with us contact Sr. Joanne O'Regan at inquiries@themarthas.com.

Pre-Novitiate

There are two phases to the Pre-Novitiate, formal and informal.

Informal: A time to get to know each other and build mutuality and relationship. This time includes the following activities:

• Spiritual direction
• Faith development
• Reflection on Ministry
• Regular meeting with a Martha Companion

Formal : A time to further deepen the relationship with the Marthas in the context of a Martha Community (at least nine months). This time includes the following activities:

• Living and participating in a community of Marthas
• Entering into service, including paid part-time work
• Opportunities to deepen mutuality and relationship with the Marthas
• Introduction to others seeking to enter a Congregation within the Sisters of Charity Federation

Novitiate

A time to deepen the process of initiation into religious life as a Sister of St. Martha under the guidance of the Director, Novitiate Process. This two-year process includes the following:

During Year 1:

• There is more intense time and opportunity for the novice to deepen her life through understanding and integration of:
  - Prayer, reflection, and apostolic spirituality,
  - Religious vowed life as a radical and prophetic way of Gospel living,
  - The charism, history, spirituality, Constitutions and Directives in the context of Christ’s life and mission and in relationship with the Sisters of St. Martha,
  - Experiences in collaborative formation programs with the Sisters of Charity Federation.
• The novice continues to discern her call to be a contemplative in action as a Sister of St. Martha.

During Year 2:

• The novice continues to integrate her life of prayer, community, vows and ministry.
• She continues to deepen her living and understanding of religious life as prophetic witness to Christ.
• She continues to deepen her understanding and connection within the Sisters of Charity Federation through collaborative programs and experiences.
• She enters a more intense preparation for First Commitment of Vows if mutual discernment leads in this direction.

First Profession

A time of 3-5 years in duration of continued immersion and integration into the life, mission, and spirit of the Sisters of St. Martha. Activities include:

• Time of discernment by the Sister and the Congregation.
• Entering into service and/or study in preparation for service.
• Continued collaboration and deepening of relationship with the Federation.
• Theological studies.

One year prior to perpetual profession, following a formal request, the Sister enters a more intense period of preparation.

Perpetual Profession

A time when you dedicate your entire life to God and God’s people through the ministry of Gospel Hospitality as a member to the Sisters of St. Martha, praying always for the Grace to live this.