Stages of
Formation
- 1.
Candidacy - the initial stage in which a man
inquires about the community (through phone calls and/or
letters) and begins his preparation for entry into the
monastery. Eventually, visits will be arranged in
which the candidate can live with the community and
experience life in the monastery. During this time
he is to prepare his documentation (sacramental
certificates, medical, academic as well as references)
and have a plan in place to satisfy any financial debts.
- 2.
Postulancy - after all the documentation has been
collected and the candidate desires to enter the
monastic life, he can begin to live with the
community. During this time period of six months
he will become more familiar with the daily schedule and
the demands of monastic life.
- 3.
Novitiate - under the guidance of a novice
master, to help the candidate recognize the gift of his
vocation, a one year period of preparation is begun for
the profession of monastic vows. The novitiate
year will include further formation on the Christian
life, prayer, the vows, the Holy Rule, and the life and
history of the congregation.
- 4.
Temporary Profession - after the novitiate the
novice makes the profession of monastic vows. Each
year for three to six years, the vows can be renewed in
preparation for the Solemn profession. During the
years in temporary profession, guided by a director, the
junior monk continues his formation in the monastic
life. During this time he may also begin or
continue studies in preparation for the priesthood or
other fields of education.
- 5.
Solemn Profession - after three or more years of
temporary profession, the junior monk presents a written
petition to be accepted for the solemn profession of
vows. If he is approved by the community, he can
profess vows which will bind him to the commitment of
monastic life. The solemnly professed monk
continues to use the “tools of the spiritual craft”
perfection in monastic life and Christian virtue.
If the monk has completed his education at a seminary,
he would be eligible for ordination to the priesthood
after his solemn profession of vows.