Formation

Formation in the Dominican tradition is a lifelong process. In this process God, the primary teacher, uses mediators such as the religious superiors as guides for us. Religious are themselves principally responsible for their own formation by actively cooperating with divine grace and with the opportunities offered them.

A woman's initial incorporation into the Congregation includes at least two years of the postulancy, two years of the novitiate, and at least five years of temporary profession. With the candidate's entrance into the postulancy, the ongoing formation process begins and continues throughout her life. The individual's formation acts as a guide in attaining maturity of mind, intellect, and soul- essential elements for the Dominican life.


POSTULANCY

In July of each year, young women interested in the Dominican life gather for a month of prayer, study, and communal life as part of the "Come and See" program. To enroll, the candidate must be at lest 17 years of age with the desire to journey in the religious vocation.

The formation of the postulant places special emphasis on personal and spiritual maturity in the discernment of her life vocation. This period lasts a minimum of two years. In order to continue in the program, the candidate must exemplify a spirit of prayer, intellectual maturity, educational potential, apostolic vitality, and the ability to live within a religious community.


NOVITIATE

The formation of the novice is directed towards:

  • Guiding of the candidate in the discernment and confirmation of her religious vocation,

  • Directing the candidate to live in the spirit of the Evangelical Counsels and the demands of the consecrated life, and

  • Leading the novice to embody the Dominican charism.

TEMPORARY PROFESSION

The period of temporary vows is directed toward:

  • Living in fidelity of one's religious vocation to Christ and to the Church in preparation for living with perpetual (final) vows,
  • Journeying deeper into Dominican spirituality, and
  • Serving in a variety of ministries


At the end of the formal formation process, eligible candidates publicly profess their Perpetual vows in consecrating their entire lives to the service of God's Kingdom in sharing with the joys and sorrows of humanity and actively participating in the life of the Church.