SYLVANIA—Sylvania Franciscan Candidate Patricia Valenzky became a novice of the Sylvania Sisters of St. Francis during a novitiate ritual July 15.

Sister Patricia Louise Valenzky, as she is now called, begins a two-year novitiate phase Aug. 26 at the Common Franciscan Novitiate in Joliet, Ill., where she devotes herself to learning the essentials of the Franciscan lifestyle.

During this time Sr. Valenzky will take part in a program of Franciscan prayer, study, reflection and volunteer ministry.

Sr. Valenzky, a dental assistant, moved to Sylvania from St. Joseph Parish in Coraopolis, Pa., and became a candidate in the congregation April 15, 2007. As a candidate, she shared in the everyday life of a local community of Franciscans during which she continued her discernment.

“It will be a journey with Christ, Sts. Francis and Clare and my sisters in community,” says Sr. Valenzky of the novitiate experience on which she is embarking.