STAGES
OF FORMATION
Pre-Novitiate
Candidate Program
Becoming a brother involves many important steps. The initial
stage is the Candidate Program. Depending on experience and location
one joins the candidate program either at the University of Notre
Dame, Indiana; Stonehill College, Easton, Massachusetts; or St.
Edward's University in Austin, Texas. The formation program provides
the information, experience and support needed to answer those
very important personal questions about life choices and decisions.
Living within a community environment, a candidate has a life
of study, prayer and apostolic work, while still having a regular,
active campus or ministry life.
Novitiate
Program
Upon completing the candidate phase of formation, the candidate
applies for admission to the novitiate located in Cascade, CO.
The Colorado novitiate is a collaborative program for all Holy
Cross Priest and Brother novices in North America. During
this spiritual year the novice is further educated and trained
in styles of prayer and meditation, in the requirements and obligations
of community living and vows, in apostolic service, and in the
knowledge of the history, spirituality, character and mission
of Holy Cross. At the end of the year the novice makes temporary
vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience for a period of one year.
Post-Novitiate
Program
After professing first vows, depending upon the requirements
of his province, the Brother may be assigned to ministry or to
studies. The same areas that were emphasized during the
candidate and novitiate programs -- community life, prayer, ministry
and the vows-- are continued and strengthened. The Brother
remains under temporary vows for three to six years before he
may request perpetual vows within the Congregation of Holy Cross.
Back to Top
Back to Becoming a Brother
|
