If service, joy, advocacy, and a little sacred fabulousness call to you, there may be a place for you in the house.
Your Calling
Joining the Orlando Sisters is a gradual path of service, relationship, and discernment. You do not have to arrive with a finished persona, a perfect skill set, or all the answers. You begin by showing up.
The order includes Sisters and Guards, each serving the mission in different but deeply connected ways. Some members manifest in full Sister regalia; others serve through support, safety, logistics, advocacy, and community care.
We gladly welcome all races, creeds, genders, and sexual orientations. What matters most is a generous heart, respect for every person's identity and ability, a sense of humor, and a willingness to do the work.
The Orlando house has four phases: Aspirant, Postulant, Novice, and Fully Professed. Novices choose the path of Sister or Guard, both equal and essential callings.
Every journey is personal, but the order follows a shared progression. Each step gives you time to learn, serve, ask questions, and be known by the community.
Aspirants are people who feel called to explore the order by showing up, lending a hand, and getting to know the community.
This stage is about presence and curiosity. Aspirants attend three Sister events and monthly business meetings, watch the behind-the-scenes work, ask questions, and spend time with Sisters and Guards so everyone can discern whether the order is a joyful fit.
Postulancy is the first formal step toward membership, with mentorship, service, and deeper participation in the life of the house.
For at least three months, Postulants learn the traditions, responsibilities, and rhythms of the Abbey with guidance from a Big Sister or Big Brother. Postulants begin manifesting in white, with a grey and white scapular and headpiece. Eyes may be painted, but lips stay white: you are learning through observation, not yet speaking for the Order.
Novice Sisters begin manifesting more visibly while learning the ministry, humor, care, and accountability of Sisterhood.
For at least six months, Novice Sisters learn how to be Sisters in public ministry. The Postulant headpiece gives way to the French hood and white veil affectionately called the Wish Dish, and Novices begin making their own clothing choices with guidance. Each Novice Sister also produces a Novice Project: an event, fundraiser, outreach, or educational effort that builds the skills needed for fully professed service.
Novice Guards follow a parallel path of service, offering support, protection, logistics, and steady care for the house.
For at least six months, Novice Guards learn how to support the Order from the inside: setup and teardown, security, safeguarding personal items, logistics, and whatever care the work requires. Guards may serve more quietly than Sisters, but their importance and voting rights are equal. They wear a white hat and produce a Novice Project focused on an internal need of the Order.
Full profession recognizes a sustained commitment to the mission, the community, and the ongoing work of universal joy.
After time, service, mentorship, mutual discernment, and a vote of the house, members may take lifelong vows as a Fully Professed Sister or Guard. A Fully Professed Member represents the International Order, supports the community through their abilities and talents, and is a member for life.
If this journey feels like your calling, begin the application. Want to help without the full vow? Gertrude's Groupies are dear volunteers who support events, outreach, and community work.
Whether you want to volunteer, become a Sister, or support our mission, there's a place for you in our community.
