At the end of the novitiate period the Sisters of St Louis evaluate with the novice her ability to live religious life and her continued interest in becoming a Sister of St Louis. If both parties agree that this seems to be where God is calling her, the candidate then makes her first profession of vows publicly. This commitment is renewed annually or biannually over the next 6 to 9 years. During these years, the sister is fully involved in apostolic mission and lives in community with other Sisters of St Louis. If needed, she also engages in professional training. The main purpose of the years of temporary profession is to deepen and strengthen the formative experience of the novitiate, while promoting a wholesome integration of the spiritual and professional aspects of the young woman’s development.