School Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King
Province of St. Francis of Assisi, Lemont, IL USA

Our Life

The Vows

Through public vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, they respond to God's call to deepen their love of Christ, the Gospel and the Church. Their vows empower them to witness Kingdom values in their daily lives while further enabling the unfolding of their Baptismal commitment.

Community and Prayer Life

The sharing of community life, an important aspect of the Franciscan tradition, provides a daily challenge to live what is professed and a source of strength and companionship in the Lord.

It is the daily celebration of the Eucharist along with community and personal prayer that nourishes and strengthens each Sister's journey in her vowed commitment.

Apostolate

As their gift to the Church, these Franciscans engage in various aspects of the educational ministry. Through teaching, administration, tutoring, office service and religious education, they offer youth the messages today's world needs. In addition, they serve in liturgical and pastoral ministries as well as nursing and care of the aged. Some Sisters are involved in full time prayer ministry and others in food service.

Habit

Wearing a simple black veil with clothing of black, white, grey or beige, they offer a public sign of deeper values of the Kingdom.

Formation

New members are challenged to take on this spirited dedication to the Kingdom of Christ through the process of formation. Viewed as a pilgrimage toward wholeness in the Divine, religious life is presented through the steps of an ever growing commitment called forth from the individual through the programs at the various levels of formation.

Before entrance, a two-tier program is offered. First, a young woman keeps CONTACT with the Sisters through letters and visits as she seeks to get to know the community and its way of life. Then, she may wish to become an AFFILIATE. As a member of the affiliate program, she would engage in regular Franciscan retreat experiences, share in some community activities, learn about the spirit of the Sisters and, through prayer and spiritual guidance, seek to discern if God is calling her to membership in the religious community. Affiliateship lasts a minimum of one year and may include some long term live-in experiences.

The NOVITIATE year follows. This is a unique time for personal and spiritual growth and assimilation into community. During this year, the Sister is invited to prepare her heart for the living out of religious vows. She continues to develop her prayer life and to study the vows, community, the Constitution and Rule and the mission of the Sisters. In addition, she gives service within the community itself, growing in her embodiment of the community charism.

At the conclusion of novitiate, the Sister professes vows for one year. She spends that year in continued study, prayer and experiences again the ministry of the community. This time of JUNIORATE allows the new Sister to grow in her commitment to prayer, community and mission. The Sister renews her vows annually over the next few years. When ready, she participates in a year-long preparation period for perpetual profession of her vows. Prior to the public profession, she has an intense month-long time of special preparation. Her vows are then celebrated in the joy of community and Church, receiving the gift of one who gives her heart to the generous service of God and the Church as a School Sister of Saint Francis of Christ the King.