What does it mean to be a Missionary Sister?
As Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are women united in an international missionary institute founded by St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in 1880. Our Cabrinian charism calls us to be “bearers of the love of Christ to the world” (MSC constitution, No. 1). Therefore, we are committed to a life-long journey of discernment and conversion in order to hear God’s word and carry out his plan for us in mission and ministry. We seek to grow and mature in relationship with God, with ourselves and with others throughout our lives. We try to be women of generosity, honesty, integrity, peace and justice.

We bear witness to the love of the Heart of Jesus in sixteen countries around the world and in multiple ministries of evangelization and human promotion wherever we are. In following Mother Cabrini’s example, we try to be missionaries of the New Evangelization, friends to Immigrants, educators of the heart, advocates of women and children and defenders of those who are most underserved.

What does it mean to be “missionary?”
As missionary women, we are sent wherever there is need, either in our own country or in foreign nations, either to established missions or newly emerging ones. We call this “availability” to diverse ministries and diverse types of peoples—economic, socio-cultural, educational or religious diversity. As missionaries, we are called to flexibility and adaptability whether in institutional or non-institutional settings…..Our communities are equally diverse, bringing together sisters of different backgrounds and ministries.

What are the ways in which the MSCs minister?
We MSCs minister in schools, colleges, hospitals, clinics, parishes, retreat houses, social agencies, prisons and centers for special groups: immigrants, the elderly, troubled youths and AIDS victims. We are engaged in counseling, spiritual direction, formation with laity, vocation ministry, initial and on-going formation. We minister in both institutional and non-institutional missions, in Cabrinian and other agencies, in urban and rural settings. In all of these ministries we value our collaboration and partnership with our lay collaborators and volunteers who share our spirit and mission.

What type of educational expectations do you have for candidates?
Our expectation would be that the applicant be open to life-long study and learning, as demonstrated both by formal and informal education. Applicants are normally expected to have completed professional or college studies.

Who would be attracted to our way of life?
A woman who has a personal relationship with God and a strong desire to follow Jesus is someone who would be attracted to life as a Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Someone who is relational, generous, down to earth, practical, willing to grow, to stretch, to mature and who is open to new experiences, new learning, new regions and new ministries would be a good fit with the MSCs. We are looking for women who are interested in developing both spiritually and humanly and for women who are opening to discerning God’s will in their lives. We do not ask that women possess these characteristics already, but rather than they are willing to work on developing them over time.

DISCERNING GOD’S CALL IN YOUR LIFE

What is discernment?
Discernment is a model of Christian decision-making developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola through his own human experience and a desire to do God’s will. This process invites us to use our ability to think, imagine and feel. This is how God speaks to us. In discernment we prayerfully reflect on our thoughts, feelings, and imagination to discern what is coming from God and what is coming from our own self-interest. This frees us to see and carry out God’s personal will for us in our lives and mission.

Decision	Discernment
Act of weighing the facts to see what choice is most reasonable, practical and convenient; it is a rational exercise.	Act of listening to my deepest self, to others, and to God to see where I am.
Something I go for!	Something God moves me to go for!
I choose now and go ahead	I listen carefully and am moved forward.
A choice about what I’ll DO	A process about who I choose to BE

How will you help me as I am discerning?
Once you indicate a desire to pursue a religious vocation, a Missionary Sister will journey with you.
Typically this could be through:

• Phone calls, email or personal visits
• “Come and See” opportunities

What steps do I need to take to become a sister?
If you feel drawn to this life, you may want to initiate contact with us. Inquiry and application processes are very individual procedures. Generally, they contain the following elements:

Inquiry:

• Contact the MSC Vocation Office at MSCVOC@aol.com
• Meet with the Vocation Director
• Participate in a program of vocational discernment
• Become mutually acquainted with the sisters and their ministry

Application:
The length of application process is 3 to 6 months and generally includes the following steps:

• Completion of application forms
• Psychological Evaluation
• Medical Evaluation
• Baptismal, Confirmation certificates and any certificate pertinent to your legal status in the US.
• Arrange for three letters of recommendation
• On-going meetings with the Vocation Director
• Attendance at MSC prayer meetings and assemblies
• Participation in live-in experiences
• Develop a clear understanding of candidacy process
• The Vocation Director will visit your family

BECOMING A MISSIONARY SISTER

What should I expect during the MSC formation process?
The guidelines for the various stages of the MSC formation process are set forth in Journey of Fidelity, the International MSC Formation Ratio which is followed in all provinces throughout the Institute. Each woman in the process is treated as an individual in the light of the essential formative criteria during the various phases of her journey. Once a woman has been accepted into our formation program, she may expect:

• an introductory phase in which she is accompanied personally in her spiritual and psychological growth, has experiences in community and in mission and discerns with her director readiness to proceed in the formative MSC process
  
  
• a pre-novitiate phase in which, through personal accompaniment, study, experience, community living and mission, the person seeks to grow humanly, spiritually and apostolically.
  
  
• a canonical novitiate of two years, alternating times of being in the novitiate with a formal program of study and experience of MSC spirituality and life, with varied experiences of mission immersion. At the end of novitiate, after an appropriate discernment, the sister pronounces her first vows of poverty, chastity and obedience
  
  
• a period of temporary vows in which the sister seeks to grow and mature more fully in her Cabrinian Missionary Identity while serving in ministry, continuing her studies or having other experiences. In collaboration with the provincial and formation personnel, she will discern her readiness for perpetual profession in the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

What kinds of experiences would I have as a sister?
The ministries of the Missionary Sisters are very diverse. Depending upon your educational background and training you can work in healthcare, eldercare, education, social services, parish ministry and retreat work.

We have a particular commitment to serving women, children, the frail elderly and immigrants in our outreaches.

Are there any symbols of membership as an (MSC)?
Yes, the Missionary Sisters wear a silver cross that bears the motto “Heart burning with love for us” We also wear a gold crucifix ring.

Do you have to be Catholic to be a sister?
Yes, to be a vowed member, a woman must be a baptized and practicing Catholic.

Do I have to be a virgin to be a sister?
A woman seeking membership in a religious community must have the capacity and willingness to live a chaste, celibate life.

Would I wear a habit as an MSC?
When the MSCs were founded in Italy, in 1880, we dressed in the manner of the day, much like widows of that period. Much later, in the mid-sixties, a Vatican II document on religious life mandated that religious communities of women return to the spirit of their foundress. In the spirit of our foundress, Francesca Cabrini, that meant we were not to be separated from the neighbor we served. Therefore, those of us in the United States dress simply in today’s styles, but we are always recognizable as religious

Would I live in a convent as an MSC?
Some MSCs live in houses, others in apartments or in larger convent settings. This is largely dependent upon a sister’s field of work. It is important for the MSCs to live in community, from which we draw our strength and support for the work that we do.

For further information about the Missionary Sisters, please email MSCVOC@aol.com or complete the On-line Vocation Inquiry Form and someone will contact you.