Stages of formation
Aspirancy and Formation Evaluation
Formation takes place in stages. The first stage is aspirancy. This is a vital stage in formation. During the aspirancy stage members of Christ’s faithful “come and see” the way of life prescribed for the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic. The goal of this stage is to give aspirants a loving, community welcome and overview of Dominican Spirituality that does not overwhelm.
Postulancy
The postulancy period lasts six months. The postulant receives training in the Dominican tradition using the Pillars of Dominican Spirituality: Prayer, Study, Community, and Apostolate.
Novitiate
The novitiate period lasts for one year. This period may be extended beyond one year with the consent of the council. This period is one of testing for the novice and the community. During this stage of formation the novice examines his call to the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic with the help of the formation director. The novice is encouraged to call upon the service of a private spiritual director as well. During this period the community of brothers and sisters make special effort to support the novice. The Gospel of John is the main formation text for the novice.
On-Going Formation
The period of on-going formation begins after the postulant makes his first profession. This period is a period of active work within the chapter. The temporarily professed member is called upon to share his talents with the community in a meaningful way. He will also be engaged in the Perpetual Rosary apostolate of the chapter.
Community Formation
The formation director with the approval of the prior/prioress determines the goals of this program. Community formation takes place at each chapter meeting with the entire membership present, including postulants, novices, and newly professed.
Forms of Membership and their respective commitment:
Professed Member
An individual whose private vows binds himself to live the Gospel and Statutes of the Association, as his lifestyle, for the time period pronounced in his vow, for the love of God and his own spiritual development.
Honorary Member
Because our founders were members of the Dominican Laity, any Lay Dominican who does not wish to vow to live the Statutes of the OPD, but who desires to support the vision and mission of the Order of Penance of St. Dominic, which is to spread the Gospel message of Christ Jesus can become an honorary member. An honorary member does not receive the habit of the OPD.
Friends/Associates
An Individual, whether Catholic or of some other faith, who wishes to be guided in their life by the Love of God and the spirit of the Statutes of the Association without fully committing themselves to live them, and who wishes to join in the community activities, prayer life, and apostolates of the Professed members. A friend/associate of the Association does not receive the habit of the OPD.
Aspirancy and Formation Evaluation
Formation takes place in stages. The first stage is aspirancy. This is a vital stage in formation. During the aspirancy stage members of Christ’s faithful “come and see” the way of life prescribed for the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic. The goal of this stage is to give aspirants a loving, community welcome and overview of Dominican Spirituality that does not overwhelm.
Postulancy
The postulancy period lasts six months. The postulant receives training in the Dominican tradition using the Pillars of Dominican Spirituality: Prayer, Study, Community, and Apostolate.
Novitiate
The novitiate period lasts for one year. This period may be extended beyond one year with the consent of the council. This period is one of testing for the novice and the community. During this stage of formation the novice examines his call to the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic with the help of the formation director. The novice is encouraged to call upon the service of a private spiritual director as well. During this period the community of brothers and sisters make special effort to support the novice. The Gospel of John is the main formation text for the novice.
On-Going Formation
The period of on-going formation begins after the postulant makes his first profession. This period is a period of active work within the chapter. The temporarily professed member is called upon to share his talents with the community in a meaningful way. He will also be engaged in the Perpetual Rosary apostolate of the chapter.
Community Formation
The formation director with the approval of the prior/prioress determines the goals of this program. Community formation takes place at each chapter meeting with the entire membership present, including postulants, novices, and newly professed.
Forms of Membership and their respective commitment:
Professed Member
An individual whose private vows binds himself to live the Gospel and Statutes of the Association, as his lifestyle, for the time period pronounced in his vow, for the love of God and his own spiritual development.
Honorary Member
Because our founders were members of the Dominican Laity, any Lay Dominican who does not wish to vow to live the Statutes of the OPD, but who desires to support the vision and mission of the Order of Penance of St. Dominic, which is to spread the Gospel message of Christ Jesus can become an honorary member. An honorary member does not receive the habit of the OPD.
Friends/Associates
An Individual, whether Catholic or of some other faith, who wishes to be guided in their life by the Love of God and the spirit of the Statutes of the Association without fully committing themselves to live them, and who wishes to join in the community activities, prayer life, and apostolates of the Professed members. A friend/associate of the Association does not receive the habit of the OPD.
No comments:
Post a Comment