Discernment & Postulancy

Life can be complicated with many choices. What is the meaning of life? Who am i? Where am I going? Discernment is a time to determine if monasticism, and this Community, are right for you. During this time, which may run from one to three months, you will:

• explore this website

• speak with a Formation Shepherd

• complete a discernment questionnaire

• explore each chapter of our Common Rule through written assigments

• write a short spiritual autobiography

• get to know several CG members

If a continued relationship with the Community is foreseen, you may be invited to enter the Postulancy, which usually lasts from six to 12 months. In this phase, you will:

• continue to meet with a Formation Shepherd

• meet more members of the Community

• attend prayer meetings and discussion groups as available

• explore the Gospels through written assignments

• practice with our Common Rule Prayer Book

• study how Community Life works through written assignments

• start a spiritual support network

• study material about monasticism

• attend a Community Convocation, if possible

• complete a membership application

Novitiate

Novices work with a Formation Shepherd and follow a guided plan that includes being involved in community interaction, building their lives around the Community’s values, and shaping their own Personal Rule of Life. At the end of this time, if they and the Council feel that a continued association with the Community would be blessed, Novices may ask for full commitment (Profession) to the Community. The Novitiate could last from one to three years, depending on your availability and involvement. During the Novitiate, you will:

• continue working with a Formation Shepherd

• explore the Gospels through written assignments

• learn about monastic practices through written assignments

• begin to build your monastic practice around Prayer, Study and Service

• study the psychology of the ego-self and the True Self

• complete some written reflections on the Gospel of John

• complete some written reflections on the Common Rule

• explore the concept of Dignity

• complete Safe Church Training

• read about the Story of Monasticism

• develop a Personal Rule of Life

• work with a Spiritual Support Network

• get involved in more Community activities

• Prepare for Profession

Profession

Professed Members of the Community have found a home with us. They may take a religious name, use the title “Brother” or “Sister” and will have voting rights on issues affecting the general welfare of the Community. All members continually strive to be responsive to the needs of others, pray for each other and for God's grace for the Community, and work to incorporate the Community’s values into their lives. Formation continues!

Professed members:

• Pray regularly, individually or in groups, using various methods

• Continue their studies of the Gospel, other religious texts, and human nature in general (sociology, psychology, etc.)

• Serve other people, animals, or nature in their own unique way, as their state in life permits

• Some Professed members take on roles within the Community as part of their service: Council, Treasury, formation, prayer groups, webmaster, training, event planning, or whatever may be needed

• Nurture relationships within the Community and support the formation journey of new members