In all religious communities, the process involves several stages. While these vary from community to community in name, length of time, and format, the following outline gives a general overview.

Initial Contact: This is usually a very flexible program whereby the person meets with a sister on a regular basis and shares in experiences of prayer and community life with the congregation in which she is interested.

Candidate: This is a more formal relationship with the community. For a year or more, candidates live with the community while continuing their education or work experience. They can observe and participate in religious life from the inside and the community can see if the candidate shows promise of living the life of the community.

Novice: The novitiate is a special two-year period which marks the person's official entrance into the community. Novices spend time in study and prayer, learning more about themselves, the community, and their relationship with the Lord. At the end of the novitiate, they prepare for temporary promises or vows.

Vows: The profession of vows may be made for one, two, or three years and are renewable up to nine years. The decision regarding length of time is one made by the individual and the community. Final vows could be made after three years of temporary vows depending on a community’s particular constitutions or practices