Becoming a Sister

“May the Holy Spirit enlighten you
to know God’s will for you and fortify you to follow it”.

~ Mother Boniface, MSBT Co-Founder

Opening Windows:
A Conversation on Discernment with Sr. Verónica Castro Nolasco, MSBT ​

Meet Sr. Verónica Castro, MSBT, and hear her story about how she discerned her vocation with the Church and the MSBTs.

Abriendo Ventanas: Una Conversación sobre el Discernimiento con la Hermana Verónica Castro Nolasco, MSBT

Cuando era una joven adulta, la Hermana Verónica Castro Nolasco, MSBT, reconoció un deseo de ser parte de la misión de la Iglesia.

By our lives we seek first to glorify the Triune God. Our mission is the preservation of the faith in those areas and among those people who are spiritually neglected and abandoned, especially the poor, and the development of a missionary spirit in the laity.

Is God central to your life?

Are you a generous, humble person, able to work with others?

Are you concerned about the many Catholics leaving the Church?

The steps of discernment

Step 1
≈ length of time varies
Inquiry

From initial contact through a decision to begin living in community, this is a time of accompaniment as a women discerns her call. Usually, a woman continues with current work or studies, but also begins to explore her call through prayer, spiritual direction and regular contact with a vocation minister.

Step 2
≈ 1 year
Vocation Placement

A time of discernment while living in community, learning about the vocation of a Missionary Servant of the Most Blessed Trinity and working in ministry. The specifics of this time are tailored to the background and needs of the person.

Step 3
≈ 1 year
Candidacy

 A time of growth in knowledge of the Faith and Spiritual Life, in self-knowledge, and in discernment to the particular call as a Missionary Servant of the Most Blessed Trinity. Candidacy lasts from six to twelve months.

Step 4
≈ 18 months
Novitiate

The Novitiate is a time of deepening in the vocational call and commitment. Studies focus on the MSBT charism, history and mission.  It’s a time of preparation to make vows of poverty, chastity and obedience as a Missionary Servant of the Most Blessed Trinity. Generally, Novitiate lasts eighteen months.

Step 5
≈ 3-6 years
Temporary Profession

After a woman completes the Novitiate she professes the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. She is assigned to a mission and lives and works with other Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity. She renews her vows annually and after a year on a second mission she may request to make Perpetual Profession of Vows as a Missionary Servant of the Most Blessed Trinity.

How do I know if I'm hearing the call?

Discernment requires entering a process of prayer, exploration and growth in order to know your call or vocation.

People faithfully discern God’s will by bringing Him in the decision through:

Prayer & Sacraments: Reception of the sacraments of penance and the Eucharist, prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and prayer to the Holy Spirit.

Silence: Being with God in silence in parts of our daily life and on periodic retreats.

Take Counsel: Talk to those who know you well and in whom you trust: parents, priest, Brother, or Sister. Get spiritual direction from someone trained to do so.

Decision: Avoid conflicting decisions (e.g., one cannot faithfully discern a call to consecrated life or priesthood while discerning married life in an exclusive dating relationship).

Visit: If it seems God is calling you to Religious life, get information on the life and the community you may be interested in. Visit a convent or seminary: You do not know what you are saying yes or no to unless you go and see.

Trust: Above all, trust in God’s love and care for you.

Get in Touch!

Are you interested in learning more about our vocation program? We’d love to hear from you!