The practice of women and men making private vows to God has a long tradition in our Church.

Some people feel called to this form of consecrated life living in the Josephite spirit and in affiliation with the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

The Journey: The individual explores God’s call to private vows in affiliation with the Congregation and after consultation may enter a journey of immersion and mutual discernment of call. Each individual is accompanied by a Josephite discernment guide and discerns how to live a life of chastity, poverty and obedience in the spirit of the Josephite Charism.

Rule of Life: The person called to private vows writes a personal Rule of Life to encapsulate the spirit in which they intend to live their consecration. Whilst being in close relationship with the sisters, they are self-supporting financially. In the context of their own lives, they are fully committed to a life of prayer and participation in God’s mission for justice, healing, care of our Earth, inclusiveness of all peoples especially those whose dignity has been diminished.

Affiliation Agreement: The affiliation relationship between the individual and the Congregation is mutually explored and shaped into an Agreement. This means that there is a close, mutual relationship between the sisters and the person, with a sharing of life, spirituality and ministry. While the person’s vowed consecration will initially be for a year, it may be renewed for a longer time and even for life.

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