Formation - Brothers

The following is a general overview of the formation process for the Brotherhood. Individual communities will vary.

Pre-Novitiate:

The pre-novitiate period is a time for the candidate and the community to get acquainted.  Prior to formal application for acceptance into the community the candidate is encouraged to spend at least three months with the formation community.  This will allow the candidate to experience community life as lived by the community.  They share in the prayer and work of the community.

Novitiate:

The novitiate serves as the formal introduction to the religious life.  It is a two year program.  It is a period of discernment in which the novice spends time in prayer, studying the scripture, the spiritual life, the Constitutions, the history and charism of the community.  At the end of the novitiate the novice makes the profession of vows - poverty, chastity and obedience.

Post-Novitiate:

The newly professed Brother prepares  more directly for his future ministry.  In fact, it is a continuation of the formation in personal development, in fraternal life, in educating and in apostolic work.  The newly professed Brother who is already qualified begins his work in the apostolic.  The Brothers profess annual vows for a period of no longer than nine years culminating with the profession of perpetual vows.

Special Information:

Many Brothers accept candidates before the completion of college but not before graduation for high school.  Each case is evaluated on an individual basis.