Discernment — The first step towards joining the Society of Saint Edmund is a mentorship with an Edmundite who can help you understand how to approach the serious possibility of a religious vocation. During this period you will spend time getting to know the Edmundite community and partake in spiritual direction toward your life’s vocation. At the end of the discernment process, the candidate and the Vocation Director discuss whether it is appropriate to move forward and apply to Formation Program.

Formation Program — Once in Formation, candidates associate themselves with an Edmundite ministry and live in an Edmundite community. During this period candidates work closely with the Formation Director or another Edmundite who helps to guide and direct the candidate on his faith journey. The Formation Program allows both the candidate and the Society of Saint Edmund to assess their readiness for Novitiate.

Novitiate — Novitiate is a yearlong process that initiates candidates into Edmundite life through prayer, study and work. By living the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, sharing the Common Table and reflecting on their Edmundite experience, the novice is prepared to reach an informed and free choice. At the end of the Novitiate, the novice may request to take temporary vows and continue the path to final vows. Some will also continue to be ordained to the priesthood.

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