Postulancy

POSTULANCY OR PRE NOVITIATE

This stage proceeds as the second stage of life and in this stage the Aspirant has the disposition and qualities necessary to begin the process of Postulancy and to enrich her life in the various dimensions of formation.

This period of preparation is with triple purpose:

 To allow a judgment on the fitness of the aspirant for admission into the novitiate, so that she may spend this time profitably;
 To permit a gradual transition from secular life to the novitiate;
 To ascertain the extent of her knowledge of religious subjects and, if need be, to complete it to the degree necessary for one preparing to consecrate herself to the Lord.

During this initial stage of formation, the postulant lives and prays together in the community under the guidance of a Directress, and may take classes or assist in the community’s apostolate while continuing to discern God’s will. A “postulant” meaning “one who asks,” discerns with the community, whether or not the candidate is called to this form of life. The candidate is being provided with the knowledge about the world realities and signs of the time. This period is flexible and its time span lasts 6 months to 24 months at the conclusion of the Postulancy, the postulant enters the novitiate and is called a novice.