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The Process of becoming a Brother
of St. John of God begins with an initial contact by those who show
interest in our way of life. This is the stage where an individual
has the opportunity to meet the Brothers and witness our way of
life. In addition, it is an opportunity for the individual to continue
his discernment in a more formal way.
After the initial contact stage, an individual who desires to continue
his discernment and is suitable is invited to submit an application
for the Pre-Postulancy program, which is a period where the candidate
lives with the community of Brothers, sharing in the spiritual and
apostolic activities of the community. At this stage, the candidate
will have the opportunity to attend an intercommunity program, which
will assist him in his discernment to become a Brother. This stage
is a period of six to twelve months.
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Postulancy,
the next stage of formation prior to the period of Novitiate,
is a period where the Candidate continues to discern his vocation
to Religious Life. In this stage of formation the Candidate
begins an extended experience of what Religious Consecration
entails in terms of prayer life, community life and mission,
while continuing to live and have an active role in Community.
This stage is approximately six months.
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Novitiate
is a period where the Postulant becomes a formal member of
the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God. During this stage
of formation, the Candidate commits himself to reflect on
the charism of the Order and his vocation to the Church by
living the vows we profess. This period of Novitiate is two
years, after which the Candidate will profess temporary vows
of Poverty, Chastity, Obediance and Hospitality in the service
of the sick and poor.
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Scholasticate
is a period during which the Brother continues to pursue his
human, professional, theological, spiritual and pastoral formation.
During this period, the Brother seeks to integrate vocation
and mission, and begins preparation for solemn Profession, through
which he will consecrate himself forever to God and the Order,
through his vows in service to the sick, poor and those in need.
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