POSTULANCY
NOVITIATE
JUNIORATE
ONGOING FORMATION
Postulancy
FIRST STAGE OF FORMATION
This beginning stage aims to deepen the human and Christian experience in order that the postulant might achieve greater maturity in her vocational choice. Postulancy lasts one year.
Novitiate
SECOND STAGE OF FORMATION
The novitiate stage is when life in the community truly begins. This part of the formation journey seeks to give the novice a better understanding of a divine vocation, particularly within this community. The novice is given the opportunity to try this lifestyle; to conform her mind and heart to the Mercedarian spirit, and to verify her intention and suitability. The duration of the novitiate is two years. The first is the canonical year which, in order to be valid, must last twelve months passed in the novitiate community. During the novitiate, the novice should not be engaged in studies or endeavors that do not directly serve this formation (Constitutions Art. 107 & 112).
Temporary Vows (Juniorate)
THIRD STAGE OF FORMATION
The juniorate is the formation stage ranging from first profession to perpetual profession. During this time, the junior should integrate herself into our community in order to live a process of a deepening of faith in the charism and fraternal life that allows her to become configured to Christ the Redeemer, and become part of the apostolic mission of the Institute. In this way, she prepares for her final vows.
During this period the formation of juniors will continue systematically, according to their abilities and aptitudes. This formation will be spiritual and apostolic, doctrinal and practical; and if appropriate, during this time, juniors will obtain the necessary qualifications to better perform the mission of the Institute itself.
The duration of the juniorate is typically six years.
Ongoing Formation
Called to continued growth in Christ, to living the authentic charism of the community and to give a suitable response to the demands of the Church and society, fully professed sisters diligently continue formation: human-communal, doctrinal-spiritual, religious-charismatic, academic and apostolic throughout life on both personal and community levels, using the means and time necessary to do so (Constitutions Art. 138).
