NOVITIATE

The postulant who discerns to continue her life in the religious community has the disposition and qualities necessary to begin the process of novitiate and to enrich her life in the various dimensions of formation. Formation at the Novitiate is a favored time of deepening prayer and studying the vows, the spirit of the congregation and our charism within the Church. This period last up to two consecutive years.

YEAR I

The first year of Novitiate is known as the canonical year The Canonical Novitiate is defined by the Church as a time of intense formation with the sole purpose of preparing for a vowed life. A novice is instructed regarding “the character and spirit, the purpose and discipline, the history and life of the Institute” (Canon -652) During this time, a novice learns the practice of the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience, which she will later profess, as well as how to live and serve within the community. This time is a deepening of her life of prayer within the unique spirituality of the community.

YEAR II

In addition to the Canonical year, there may be additional time spent as a novice living in the community and serving in the apostolate or within the institute itself. At the conclusion of the novitiate, a novice makes her profession of vows.

At the conclusion of the novitiate, a sister professes vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, known as the evangelical counsels.