"Formation in the Society is about me becoming the best person that I am. We look at each person we live with, we minister with and we teach, and we see within the a human being who has unique desires and needs and we care for that to the best of our ability."

– Juliet Mousseau, RSCJ

Application Process

The Religious of the Sacred Heart welcome you to consider religious life as a Religious of the Sacred Hear in the Society of the Sacred Heart. We, as vowed religious, make a commitment to walk with you on your journey. Together, we will help you to find joy, fulfillment and happiness. In order to make a good, prayerful decision we ask that you:

  • look at the decision, prayerfully, from all angles.

  • take time with your decision, be patient, trust the process and ultimately trust that God will lead you to the right place.

  • follow your heart and intuition and take a leap of faith. 

Inquiry

When you feel drawn to religious life, and wondering if the Society of the Sacred Heart would be a good fit for you, we encourage you to come and explore. Spend time with us and get to know who we are and how we are living out the Gospel today. We are interested in getting to know you, to support your personal growth and living into your highest goals and aspirations, hearing what brings you happiness and what has drawn you to religious life. We welcome opportunities to get to know you.

There are many ways to connect with the RSCJ. You are welcome to hang out, socialize, meet new people, engage in interesting conversations, laugh, and experience new things with good folks. Come and be.

Discernment

In the New Testament, discernment describes the ability to distinguish in the midst of things truth and goodness. Discernment assumes attentiveness to the Spirit dwelling within one's being or core.

How do we know what God wants us to do in life? That is the question that each religious asks. When the time is right, the director of vocation ministry will begin leading you through a "discernment" process. 

Discernment is a process of opening and listening. The director of vocation ministry is an experienced mentor and there to accompany you through this process. She is available to help you discover your gifts from God and to deepen your exploration of vocation. Because this is such an important moment of spiritual questioning and growth, you will be encouraged to meet with a spiritual director - a person who is trained to help you focus on where God is leading you as you make important life decisions. This requires a strong commitment to regular prayer and reflection. The length of time devoted to discerning is tailored to the needs of the individual.

Application for membership

After an appropriate period of discernment, you may be invited by the director of vocation ministry to apply for membership in the Society of the Sacred Heart. You will be accompanied through the application process by the vocation director. The process entails:

  1. Writing a reflective piece on your life which is meant to help us know you better, but even more importantly, to help you reflect with gratitude on the Spirit’s action in your life and help you come to a deeper realization of what your deepest desires and values are in reference to entering religious life.

  2. Completing a questionnaire that focuses on your personal and family life, and your academic and professional history.

  3. Submitting a medical history signed by your primary care physician.

  4. Meeting with a psychologist for an evaluation (the Society of the Sacred Heart covers the cost of this).

  5. An interview with an RSCJ especially trained to help you reflect on issues related to religious life.

Still have questions? Please contact the director of vocation ministry or any of the vocations team members.