Continuing Formation
Religious life is a call to become something other than what we are today. This life is a call to transformation, growth and healing that finds its seed in our baptismal vows. Those entering the Companions of St. Luke undergo a thorough formation process which emphasizes the idea that learning is a life long task.
After reception into the Community, the new member, or postulant, spends approximately six months familiarizing themselves with the basics of Religious life. The development of monasticism, the concept of praying the Psalms and a focus on the Breviary and the Divine Offices gives the postulant a good foundation from which to proceed with their learning. After the six months have passed, the postulant, with the recommendation of the Formation Master and the approval of the Superior, may enter the novitiate. The novitiate is an intense two year period in which the novice will become familiar with the Rule of St. Benedict, the Companions of St. Luke Customary and Constitution, the theology of Holy Mother Church and, after extensive reading, the Church Fathers and Mothers.
The novice who wishes to do so will, with the recommendation of the Formation Master and the approval of the Superior takes Annual Vows and becomes a professed Religious. The initial profession is for a period of 3 years and during this time the Religious will undertake a three year independent study under the direction of the Superior or a qualified designate.
After the three years of Annual Vows, the Religious may choose Life Profession. At this point, the Religious will have completed the required studies but will be expected to continue their formation with reading and work under the direction of the Superior. The Life Professed member is expected to understand that learning is, indeed, a life long process and that part of the exercise of their vocation is to continue their studies. |  |
