Formation Process

Becoming a member of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity is a gradual step-by-step process involving prayer, study, discernment, participation, commitment and mission. It requires a change or an adjustment in a person's life and a measure of discipline. We call the process of joining the community the "formation process" because our overall goal is to die to our old way of life so that we can be reformed by the action of the Holy Spirit to live as a new creation.

The steps in the formation process are:

• Inquiry or Candidacy
• Postulancy (6 months to 1 year)
• Novitiate (1 to 2 years)
• Temporary Profession (3 to 6 years)
• Permanent Profession (for life)

Prayer is the heart of the Christian life, and a regular discipline of daily prayer is essential to the formation process. How can we follow the Lord if we do not take the time every day to speak to and, most especially, to listen to Him?

Study is not merely an intellectual exercise to gain human knowledge. We study to know the Lord more deeply. Our formation process includes study of our way of life, study of our community's history, and study of monastic history. The goal of our study is to be more fully conformed to Christ. We ask ourselves not only "What information am I learning?" but also "How can I apply this to my life?"

Discernment during the formation process is always a mutual discernment between the individual and the community. The individual in formation asks, "Does the Lord seem to be leading me to this particular community, to this particular way of life?" The community asks, "Does this individual seem to be lead to our community? Will they be able to find a spiritual home with us?"

Participation in the community's way of life and participation in community events is a key part of the formation process. Through weekly or bi-weekly cell group meetings, annual regional gatherings, and annual general gatherings at our motherhouse, the individual in formation gradually becomes incorporated into the community. We also live our way of life daily in our own homes, in our workplaces, and in relationships with family and friends.

As our walk with the community lengthens, it is natural for our commitment to our Lord and to the community to gradually increase.

Finally, our deepening encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ will drive us into mission. We can no longer remain silent about all the Lord has done for us. We must share the Good News with everyone we encounter.