Although the sisters are known for having a good time, we also are dedicated to our mission of community education and outreach. This requires a commitment of time, energy, and yes money, from our members. Looking this fabulous is not inexpensive.

The process to becoming a Sister takes a minimum of 1 year to complete. Your first step is to get to know us. Talk to the Sisters; see if you truly have the calling.
Your next step is to talk to the Mistress of Novices. She will assess your motivations for wishing to join the Order, and will try to determine if you will be a good fit. Remember, desire isn’t enough to be a Sister, and it truly isn’t for everyone. After this, if you wish to continue, and the Mistress of Novices believes you will be a good fit, you are encouraged to attend a general membership meeting and declare your Aspirancy.

The Order has 4 levels to Sisterhood: Aspirant, Postulant, Novice, and Fully Professed. Each level has its lessons to be learned, helping you on the path to becoming a Fully Professed Member.

Aspirant:
An Aspirant is just beginning their journey. They have seen the Sisters, watched the work they do, and have felt the calling. As an Aspirant, you are expected to attend as many Sister events as possible, and two meetings. This is intended to give an idea of the level of time, energy, and emotional commitment being a Sister requires. If you feel the calling and think you have what it takes, you would ask to become a Postulant.

Postulant:
A Postulant is where the fun starts. For a minimum of three months your task is to learn about the Sisters and of The Order. You will wear the postulant robe and veil, as well as the reputable white face makeup. As a Postulant, you begin to experiment with painting your eyes, but not your mouth. Symbolically this shows that you are learning through observation (the eyes). But, you are not qualified to represent the Order and cannot speak on its behalf(no mouth). On a practical side, this gives you an opportunity to practice your makeup skills, since everyone looks at your eyes first, you’ll need it. Additionally you will be paired with a Fully Professed Sister. Your "Big Sister". She will be a great resource to you; utilize her knowledge. Her task is to guide you and help you on your journey.

Novice:
A Novice Sister is one step away from her final vows. Just having learned about the Sisters, you will spend the next six to nine months learning how to BE a Sister. There is a visible change as well. Gone is the Grey hood. You are given a white bib, scapular, and veil. You also get to add another element to your makeup. Yes, you start putting on a mouth. This is important as you will need your mouth as you begin speaking and representing The Order to the public. One of the prerequisites to becoming Fully Professed is your Novice Project. Each Novice Sister is required to plan and produce an event:a fundraiser, eductional outreach, or show. This project teaches you how to utilize the resources of The Order so that when you take your final vows and progress, you will be prepared to take on the responsibilities of a Fully Professed Member. You will have the support of The Order in implementing your ideas for your Novice Project, but the responsibility rests on your shoulders. After a successful project, and upon the approval of the Fully Professed Sisters, you are able to take your final vows.

Sister: A Fully Professed Sister (FP) or Black Veil, is a full member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. You are given the formal attire of an FP: white robe, maroon scapular, white bib, and black veil. As an FP you will also get to wear the signature wimple of The Order. As an FP you will get to show off your sense of style and flair. You are not limited to the formal attire. You can design any outfit you’d like to wear. You are also qualified to represent The Order and to support your community to the best of your abilities. Once you have taken your final vows, and become a Fully Professed Sister, you are a Sister for life.

If you feel that you have the commitment and drive it takes to be a Sister, contact the Mistress of Novices to see when our next meeting is.