A woman who makes first profession "shares fully the life in mission of the Congregation and assumes the rights and responsibilities of the Congregation" (Adrian Dominican Constitution, Article 19). The period of temporary profession — three to six years after first profession — is seen as a time of continued mutual discernment between the temporary professed and the Congregation.

Upon first profession, the woman officially becomes a member of a Mission Group and enters into a formal discernment relationship with a member of the Congregation leadership team. A member of the formation team serves as liaison and resource person for the newly professed sister and the leadership team member.

During this stage, the temporary professed sister experiences the life of a professed Adrian Dominican Sister. After three years in temporary profession, a woman discerns renewal of vows or final profession.