To be worthy of the name "Leaven," members undergo a thorough formation before being sent to any mission territory. This formation includes studies in Church Doctrine, the Evangelical Counsels and the Institute's charism, community life, prayer life and apostolic life. The members are formed to achieve a mature personality which is sincere, simple, affable, joyful, warm and prudent. This will make them "all things to all men" wherever they are sent.
Stages of Formation
Aspirancy and Postulancy
During this one year period of discernment, a young woman is introduced to the Eucharistic and Reparative lifestyle of a LIHM sister. Her prayer life is intensified and she is interiorly formed as she begins to observe the charism, mission, and the spirit of the Constitution of the community. Within the postulant's year in the house of formation, she is introduced to Basic Christian Spirituality, including Dogmatic Theology dealing with the Holy Trinity and Christology.
Novitiate
The time of formation for a novice is two years. During this time, the young novice studies the Constitutions of the Leaven of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Evangelical Counsels, and pertinent Canon Law. She learns the Spirit of Victimhood and learns to love the Lord in the Eucharist by sanctifying her time. Liturgical prayers, music, and rites are also learned during this period.
First and Second Temporary Profession
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Temporary profession follows the end of the novitiate for a novice who discerns with the LIHM community that it is God's Will for her to persevere in her vocation in the community. The first period of temporary profession lasts three years, and the second temporary profession also lasts for another three years. During this period, the Sister continues her formation and missions. For their Dogmatic Theological Formation, care is taken that they understand the importance of the Four Last things.
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Perpetual Profession
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Sisters who exhibit stability in spirituality as well as a deep understanding and living out of the Constitutions and a well-balanced personality are promoted to perpetual profession. All sisters of the Leaven of the Immaculate Heart of Mary ask everyday for the grace of fidelity to Jesus Christ through the powerful intercession of Mary.
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