Novitiate

One body and one spirit,
as one is the hope
to which you have been called,
that of your vocation

Ephesians 4:4

The Novitiate is the path offered to those who, after Community School, want to verify the soundness of their vocation to the Covenant.

Lasting no less than three years, this journey is experienced in small groups called “Novitiates,” under the guidance of a Master and his assistant.

Themes related to the Four Promises are explored in the three years:

In the first year, the pledge of poverty accompanies the novice to a transition from love for his own will to love for God’s will, and special care is given to his relationship with God and himself.

In the second year, the promises of permanent forgiveness and love building are deepened; thus, the novice’s interpersonal relationships are taken care of.

In the third year, the promise of service invites the novice to go out of himself to give himself out of love. At the end of the three-year period, if the candidate wishes, he or she can make a request to the leaders of his or her fraternity to be admitted to the covenant pledge.