Formation for Religious Life
Formation is the process by which we grow spiritually, intellectually, and personally. In consecrated life it follows certain standard methods and proceeds through established stages.
These will vary from place to place, as they’re tailored to each community’s particular charisms and goals. But, generally speaking, a candidate will move — from discernment to final vows — through at least some of the following stages.
1. Preparation. Learn about yourself, God, and the Church. Build relationships. Do research. Explore.
2. Discernment/Inquiry. Meet with a vocation director. Visit the community. Make a retreat. Ask for a formal application.
3. Application. Gather your sacramental certificates and academic transcripts. Fill out the application. Schedule your physical and psychological exams and complete your medical forms. Compose the statements the community requires.
4. Postulancy/Candidacy. This is the time of transition into community life. Postulants and candidates help with the community’s ministries and begin to learn the unique spirituality of the community.
5. Novitiate. This is a longer period, often two years, of intensive theological, personal, and spiritual formation.
6. Canonical year is a time of deeper prayer and focused studies.
7. Apostolic year is a time of in-depth focus on the ministries of the community — often spending time in active service.
8. First profession. At this time a candidate professes vows for a determined length of time, but with the intention of making final, permanent vows.
9. Temporary vows mark a time of integration of vows, community, prayer, and ministry.
10. Final profession marks the solemn, formal commitment of one’s whole life to God within a particular community.
11. Ongoing formation. A person committed to consecrated life is committed to lifelong spiritual and personal growth. The community never ceases to form its members.
Information from calledla.org/formation
