The pre-novitiate stage is a formative stage where the individual is gradually introduced to religious life and community. During this time, she begins to deepen her spiritual life and develop greater self-awareness. The pre-novitiate stage lasts for two years.

The novitiate is a two-year formation period centered on community living, deepening one's prayer life, reflecting on Sacred Scripture, and exploring Church history and other related studies. During this time, novices study the Constitutions of the Congregation and the life of Jesus as depicted in the Gospels. This period offers novices the opportunity to experience and live community life according to the spirit of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows.

During this time, they develop a loving relationship with Jesus, engaging with the paschal mystery by embracing His sacrificial love. Novices also align their minds and hearts with the Congregation's history, charism, spirituality, and mission to "burn and to light."

The period following the novitiate is when a religious sister matures in her identity as a person consecrated to God. During this time, she deepens her experience of the life she professed, learning to walk with Christ in daily life, community, and apostolic work. She also recognizes Christ's suffering in personal struggles and human tragedies.

The primary goal of temporary vows is to ensure that religious consecration influences all dimensions of her life, including prayer, community, service, relationships, and study. This journey prepares her for final vows, during which she annually renews her vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.

The duration of temporary vows is typically five years.

Perpetual profession is a profound moment of total self-giving to Christ in service to God and His people. It marks the Sister of Our Lady of Sorrows' complete commitment to God within the congregation. This joyous occasion signifies the end of initial formation and the beginning of a lifelong journey of contemplation and love in the Church. After a minimum of five years of temporary vows, the Sister vows to live a life dedicated to poverty, chastity, and obedience forever.

Formation is a commitment we make for our whole life. Thus, ongoing formation is aimed at the continued growth of the spiritual and apostolic life and at discovering the unique characteristics of this stage of life. Every summer, all the sisters participate in an ongoing formation week where a specific topic is chosen for each year.