The individual journey within the discernment process, that is, discovering one's vocation in the Church, takes place in the “company” of a representative of the Congregation of the Resurrection of the Lord, who is usually a vocation minister. During a series of meetings with the religious responsible for vocation accompaniment, the candidate will be able to grow in greater awareness of what God is calling him to. If it becomes increasingly clear that this is a call to religious life, then a more formal and deeper formation process begins.
The Congregation of the Resurrection of the Lord typically offers four formation stages: pre-novitiate formation, novitiate, post-novitiate formation, and ongoing formation. During the pre-novitiate formation, the candidate continues the discernment process of their vocation to religious life by learning about the history, charism, and mission of the Congregation, theoretical and practical knowledge of the spirituality of religious life, continuing university studies, participating in some form of apostolate, etc. The evaluation of the candidate at this formation stage will focus on their ability to live in community and their demonstrated effectiveness in apostolate.
During the novitiate, the candidate prepares to deepen their dedication to Christ through making religious profession. The novitiate is therefore a time of intense spiritual experience, which includes daily prayer and meditation, regular celebration of the Sacraments, retreats, study, and continuation of the discernment process. The novitiate lasts one year and concludes with the making of first religious vows. The post-novitiate formation is oriented towards full membership in the Congregation of the Resurrection of the Lord. The candidate, after first vows, prepares for their future ministry as a priest, permanent deacon, or religious brother. This stage, lasting from three to five years, usually consists of appropriate studies depending on the nature of the candidate’s future ministry and concludes with the profession of perpetual vows and possibly ordination.
Ongoing formation lasts throughout the religious life, because as religious we desire to be faithful to community and ministry, which entails continual education, care for community life, and perseverance in prayer.
