Application Process
When a woman feels that she is ready to begin the application process, the vocation minister will schedule a meeting with her to explain the process, the various forms to be submitted and to discuss a possible timeline.
Application Forms and Timeline
The application process takes a minimum of five months. The pre-candidate will receive a checklist of application forms, which includes a suggested order to be completed. The pre-candidate is in the “driver’s seat” with regard to the timing of when forms are handed in to the vocation minister. The first form that she will turn in is the release form. This release form acknowledges that the application process has been explained and will give the vocation minister permission to share the woman’s information with those responsible for the admissions process.
The pre-candidate will be asked to write a letter to the prioress requesting to begin the application process. This letter may be brief. It is a gesture that formalizes the application process between the pre-candidate and the congregation.
Spiritual Direction
From the very beginning of the discernment process through applicaion a woman is encouraged to seek out a spiritual companion or director. A spiritual director offers a safe place for the pre-candidate to do some processing during this time.
During the application process the vocation minister will meet with the pre-candidate to review the forms and to answer any questions that she might have. The vocation minister may suggest a deadline for some forms in order to expedite the process.
Physical, Dental, Eye Exams
The pre-candidate is asked to make appointments with her own doctors for medical, dental and eye exams. The health reports will give objective information regarding the pre-candidate’s general health, and if there are any chronic health issues that the congregation should be aware of. It will make the pre-candidate aware of, if any, new health issues in light of the demands of formation.
Psychological Assessment
A psychological assessment is a requirement for admission. It provides:
- a means of growth in self-knowledge and self-understanding,
- objective data on the pre-candidate,
- a means of ruling out serious maladaptive personality functioning, and
- an opportunity for the pre-candidate to talk freely with a second party.
The pre-candidate and the vocation minister will work together to arrange a time for the psychologist to administer the assessment. It offers the congregation objective data that helps indicate the pre-candidate’s potential for community living. The psychological assessment usually consists of one meeting with the psychologist and a possible follow-up meeting to receive the interpretation of the pre-candidate’s psychological report.
Admissions Committee
Once the pre-candidate’s paperwork is in and the exams completed, the vocation minister will review the materials and make a recommendation to convene the admissions committee. The interview usually takes place within one month after the paperwork and exams have been submitted. The admissions committee is made up of about five sisters who will meet with the pre-candidate for one or two hours. The questions the admissions committee members ask are usually ones that the pre-candidate has already given serious thought during the application process. There are no “trick” questions.
The purpose of the admissions committee is to assist in the screening and selection of prospective candidates for entrance into the candidacy program. This committee makes a recommendation to the prioress and council. The committee may recommend: approval, a waiting period, or to terminate the application/admission process.
Once the admission board meets and presents a recommendation to the prioress and council the pre-candidate may expect to hear the results within two to three weeks.
Formation Minister
After the pre-candidate is accepted as a candidate of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, she will begin to work with the formation minister to arrange an entrance date, discuss her ministry and the local community with whom she will be living. Ministry and community may be discussed prior to acceptance. With the formation minister, she will also set a date to be formally “received” into the congregation (usually takes place in the context of morning or evening prayer.)
Confidentiality
All application materials are received and reviewed with sensitivity and respect for the privacy of the pre-candidate. The prioress and council as well as the formation and vocation ministers will see all of your paperwork. The original copy of your paperwork will stay in your file in our central office. The formation minister will receive a copy of your packet once you have been accepted. All other copies will be shredded. The admissions committee receives a copy of your autobiography, a summary of the psychological report and the formation minister's recommendation. After the interview with the admissions committee, those copies will be shredded.