FORMATION

The goal of formation as our constitutions defines is "to prepare committed Christians, convinced religious and zealous missionaries." Formation is a path of gradual identification with the attitude of Christ towards the Father and his mission for the salvation of humanity. Thus the religious formation is designed to achieve this identification with Christ in mind and heart. It is to prepare the candidate to witness to Christ in the world.

Vocation Promotion

Our Congregation commits itself to facilitate vocations to further the mission of proclamation and to form those who respond to God's call through various stages of formation. The Lord puts in the hearts of the young this invitation: "The harvest is plenty and the labourers are few" (Mt. 9: 37-38). It is essential for religious to witness and elicit response from the young who feel drawn to follow Christ in the religious life. The initial contact with a person who is interested in our way of life as SRA lies in the hands of every member of the congregation specially those entrusted with vocation ministry. They accompany persons and acquaint them with the congregation and its mission.

Stages of Formation

Aspirancy

After a time of initial contact persons who express an ongoing interest in the congregation are invited to become aspirants. They are introduced to basic faith formation and helped to get in touch with their motivations to choose religious life and to appreciate their vocation. They learn the languages English and Hindi as well as complete the education until XII std.

Orientation Period

The goal of this formation period is to enable candidates to discern their vocation as a gift from God and clarify their motives to SRA way of life. The formation at this stage must be solidly human and Christian.

They learn to develop a passion for Christ. Candidates are given an orientation to the history, the spirituality and the mission of the congregation and are guided through a process of discernment.

The goal of this formation period is to enable candidates to discern their vocation as a gift from God and clarify their motives to SRA way of life. The formation at this stage must be solidly human and Christian. They learn to develop a passion for Christ. Candidates are given an orientation to the history, the spirituality and the mission of the congregation and are guided through a process of discernment.

Postulancy

The Postulancy makes possible the discernment needed at this stage, to judge the suitability for the novitiate and religious life. It is a practical introduction into the life of the congregation for the postulants, as also an opportunity for the congregation to know her suitability. Personalized accompaniment along with a prayerful discernment of God's will is of primary importance during this period.

Novitiate

Life in the institute begins with the novitiate. Aided by the constitutions and Directory the novices are trained to take upon themselves the obligations of religious life. The resume of the novitiate Programme is attaining a personal experiential knowledge of Christ. To leave all things to follow Christ, preferring Him above all else is the starting point of such a Programme. Keeping in mind the international dimension of our congregation, community living plays an important role in the novices' formation.

Juniorate

The juniorate, the time from the first to the final profession is a compliment to the novitiate. It should help the deepening of th spiritual life, development of the human personality as well as the professional training of the young professed. The young sister is given the opportunity to get acquainted with the missionary and apostolic task of the congregation.

The culmination of the Juniorate is in Tertian ship for six months, where all the above-mentioned elements are integrated. A thirty-day retreat provides a deep experience of God's love and of Christ's mission.

Appreciation of the consecrated life thus leads the young sisters to a total and lifelong surrender to Christ and His mission in the congregation by the perpetual profession.

On-going Formation

The goal of on-going formation is to attain spiritual and psychological integration and continually grow in the commitment as SRA.

On-going formation is a journey to constantly listen to the word, open to the challenges of time, and to grow and attain spiritual and psychological maturity specific to her age. It therefore implies personal conviction and responsibility of every sister towards renewed commitment and constant search for faithfulness. It also implies a commitment of the congregation to a concrete plan to provide opportunities for on-going formation for all the members.

For each stage of formation the sister responsible should be one who lives her religious life in an exemplary way, who is endowed with necessary human qualities and who can accompany the formees with an attitude 'handle with care' looking at Jesus' way of forming the apostles.

SRA formation is also 'at the service of the mission'. For this reasons the missionary dimension must be a pivotal element in the whole process of formation in all its stages.