Franciscan Handmaids of the Most Pure Heart of Mary
Contact
Sr. Anne Okorie, FHM
Vocation Coordinator
63 Bayside Lane
Staten Island, NY 10309
pfsocialjustice@yahoo.com
Dioceses
New York, NY St. Thomas V.I.
Mission
Like St. Francis of Assisi we hear the command of the Lord on the Cross, “Rebuild my Church.” In the Spirit of “Making All Things New” we pay heed to the pastoral message of our Archdiocesan Shepherd Cardinal, Timothy Dolan. Responding to the call of Pope Francis to be vibrant evangelizers and becoming a Church that finds new roads, we revitalize and transform by the Spirit and we become Franciscan Handmaids of the New Evangelization, consecrated in truth and Adoration. As we broaden our vision, our energies are geared towards a missionary mode in the service of preventing human suffering and peace building. We daily pray the devotional prayer of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, to Mary untier and undoer of Knots to undo the Knots of conflicts in our World, in the Church and in our personal lives for the glory of God.
Qualifications
Single, Catholic with sound mental and physical health, some college credits or professional skill. A desire to give one’s life to the Lord and to serve God in any capacity required of her among the poor with her gifts.
Formation
Initial formation includes Aspirancy, with varied time of affiliation exploration of the community. Postulant/Candidacy is one to two years: a time to grow in knowledge about FHM community, Franciscan life and the qualities of a Franciscan person with continuous discernment. Novitiate is one to three years: Deepening relationship with God and neighbor. A period of reflection, prayer and growing in commitment. Also a period for theological studies. Temporary Profession, three to eight years after Novitiate depending on spiritual and emotional maturity. Growth in community life, strengthening of relationship with community members, development of ministry skills, continuous spiritual development. Final Vows: Lifetime of vowed chastity, poverty and obedience to the will of God within the Congregation. The Sister freely accepts the right and responsibility of a member who has taken a vow. She undertakes a one month special preparation for final vows.
International
USA, Africa & Caribbean
Belated Vocations
Persons over the age of 40 are not ordinarily considered. Rarely consider age 40-49 with previous religious experience.