"Live not for yourself but entirely for God and your neighbor; esteem only what is eternal." Maxim #38
The novitiate is a time of spiritual formation when the novice strives to develop an intimate union with Christ and is led to desire the greatest holiness. She becomes accustomed to the life of daily prayer, full participation in the liturgy of the Church, and the practice of living in god's presence. She learns the essentials of religious life and deepens her understanding of the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience.
The novitiate ends with the novice makes her first temporary profession, valid for one year, and renewed annually. The period of temporary profession may not be les than three years and no longer than six years.
Perpetual vows is a lifelong commitment to God and the 'dear neighbor' through the perpetual vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.
The Society of the sisters of Saint Joseph is an ever-renewing Congregation whose members aim, through continuing formation and through a life of renunciation and love, to grow and to persevere in their vocation for the service of God and of His Church." (Constitutions)