Norbertine Formation Program
PURPOSE:
Formation is the process of fulfilling the life-calling (vocation) of an individual to become a member of the Norbertine Community. The formation program's purpose is to foster the harmonious growth of the candidate (who must be Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church) as a maturing Christian person through the spirit of our Father Augustine and Saint Norbert. To this end we encourage a realistic assessment of strengths and weaknesses; a dedication to prayer and an honest search for God's Will and a willingness to serve selflessly.
NORBERTINE FORMATION - TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1) Affiliation Program
2) Novitiate
3) Profession of Vows
a) Simple Vows
b) Solemn Vows
1) AFFILIATION PROGRAM:
At this level the aspirant is afforded his primary acquaintance with the Norbertine Community's life and work with the guidance of the Vocation Director and the Novice Master. This program begins the first Sunday of Advent of each year and extends to June. In this period time it is expected that the aspirant will spend a total of 15 days living with the community. The community decides in mid March whether or not to offer the aspirant an application to enter the Novitiate. In April the apsirant will recieve the application and return it by May 31. After its Canonry Chapter in June the Prior will notify the aspirant of his acceptance application. He then is prepared for entering the Novitiate.
2) NOVITIATE:
This level starts the process of the novice's gradual incorporation into the Norbertine Community and begins with the aspirant taking the Norbertine White Habit to wear and to live the Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience in Community life for a period of two years.
a ) PROFESSION OF SIMPLE VOWS:
After the Novitiate period of time is concluded the novice is asked to incorporate himself more intimately with Norbertine Community and actually professing to live the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for a period of three years.
b ) PROFESSION OF SOLEMN VOWS:
When the period of Simple Profession of Vows is completed the Simply Professed is asked to then take solemn Vows, which are for life. Here the Solemn Professed commits himself for life to the Norbertine Community. At this level he enjoys full membership into the Norbertine Community.
During the years spent in Simple and solemn Profession each individual is being prepared for the ministry they are to enter. For Clerics those aspiring to be priests, theology is a major course of study. For Brothers (those not wishing ordination to the priesthood) preparation is made for the ministry they want to eventually enter into.
A candidate for our community should have at least two years of college in an accredited college. If a candidate is at the end of a program and will not complete the degree before entering the Novitiate, the seminarian is provided the opportunity to complete that four year college degree at an accredited college during his novitiate.
The Norbertine Seminarian who is seeking ordination to the priesthood pursues his theological studies during his years as a simple and solemn professed member of the community. The Norbertine Brother who is seeking full membership as a Brother is encouraged to attend college or receive some professional training, and is also encouraged to pursue some theological training.
The Norbertine commits himself to solemn vows (all candidates) and to holy orders (clerical candidates) when he and the community have mutually acknowledged the candidate's readiness. This policy takes into account the pace of academic and spiritual growth of each individual as well as the trust which the entire community has in a man's advancement to vows and/or sacred orders.
CONTACTING US:
Our Email address is at the bottom of this (and every) page.
Here are some more traditional means for contacting us to get more information on becoming a Norbertine:
Mailing Address:
- Vocation Director
- Immaculate Conception Priory
- 3600 Philadelphia Pike
- Claymont, DE 19703
Voice Phone: (302) 792-2791
Fax Phone: (302) 792-2998
