FORMATION

Whether you are aware of it or not, everyone experiences formation: growth, education, and greater self-awareness. Yet, religious formation is more clearly defined than marital formation or single formation (no pun intended).

What I an going to describe is Pallottine formation, beginning with the process for entering. However, I think it will give you some idea of the process for joining other communities as well.

Once a woman has been in contact with our community and gets to know us better, and we her, she is invited to join our associate program. Let me tell you what the associate program is not:

It is not a commitment to join the Pallottines. It's not a commitment to join any religious order. What it is:

It is a support program where the woman stays more closely in contact with us. She shares her journey with another sister (not the vocation director) by either meeting, calling or writing monthly. Their meetings usually center around a spiritual book or questions that may arise. The woman is encouraged to continue living a normal routine of work, home life and social life, including dating. She also continues to look at other communities. A retreat is offered yearly for all the associates and gives them an opportunity to meet and get to know one another better. The woman is free to leave the program at any time. The only commitment is that she will continue to explore her vocation seriously. Most women stay in the program for one or two years.

If a woman is still interested in our community after being in the associate program, then she may ask to apply. She is called an applicant and begins the application process. Basically, the application process is to determine that the woman has the desire and the necessary health in mind and body to pursue this lifestyle.

One she is accepted, she is called a candidate and will enter the postulancy on the 8th of September.

POSTULANCY: Postulancy gives the woman a chance to really take a closer look at our lifestyle without making a permanent commitment. She lives in one of our communities but is financially independent of the community and is free to leave at any time. It is a time for continued discernment and learning more about the Pallottine way of life. Her time is spent in prayer, study, community activities, and service. This stage of formation may be for one or two years.

NEXT INPUT: THE NEXT STEP