Our Initial Formation is a minimum of 6 years.
Postulancy
The first step in the monastery is called the postulancy. The purpose is to allow the candidate to test and discern her vocation in the monastic setting with the guidance of a director.
Postulants fully participate in our communal life and prayer and develop their personal prayer life. A work assignment is given and classes are offered that teach about monastic life. During the postulancy and novitiate, candidates wear colored skirts/blouses/dresses. The postulancy can last from 12 – 18 months.
Novitiate
The novitiate is a two-year period of intense spiritual formation. Its purpose is to help the candidate continue discerning the will of God through prayer, instruction, spiritual guidance, and the lived experience of our Benedictine lifestyle. Monastic formation classes continue emphasizing the Rule of St. Benedict and the study of Scripture.
The second year of the novitiate is designated as the canonical year during which time a stricter enclosure is observed. The 2nd year novice studies the Benedictine vows of Stability, Conversatio and Obedience in preparation for First Monastic Profession.
Juniorate Years
After First Profession, the candidate is now addressed with the title "Sister" and begins to wear the more traditional Benedictine habit or simple black/white clothing as well as the silver community emblem. In discernment with the Prioress, a new religious name may be chosen. The wearing of a veil is optional. The newly professed takes on more responsibilities in work assignments and settles more deeply into our monastic life and continues to discern.
