Upon entrance, the Memebership Development Teams and a local community help guide and support a new member. This gives her an opportunity to clarify her understanding and have a deeper experience of the vowed life. This stage may last from one to three years. The first year of novitiate is a time for the woman to deepen her relationship with God and the congregation. A second year offers further opportunities for developing apostolic spirituality that integrates life and service.
Full membership is entered into with first vows, for three years.
During this time, a sister with temporary vows moves toward perpetual commitment as a Sister of St. Joseph.