The Process

Pre-Novitiate/Postulancy (Beginning of formal Formation Program, from 2 to 4 years)

The Postulant/Pre-Novitiate

• Lives in a Redemptorist community, where he continues to learn, assess and mutually discern with the formation directors
• He tests out whether he feels at home with this life, and discovering where God is calling him
• Continues spiritual direction
• Gets to know the larger Redemptorist community
• May begin to learn Spanish
• Upon completion of studies, makes Application for the Novitiate.

Currently, the Postulancy is at the Redemptorist Formation Residence in Bronx, NY

Novitiate (1 year)

• A year of retreat!
• An opportunity to discern more deeply the call to Redemptorist life; education in Redemptorist history; and learning about the vows
• A time to grow in prayer and life in community
• Receives the Redemptorist habit
• A time of preparation for 1st Vows / Temporary Profession

Currently, the Novitiate for North America is in Glenview, IL., north of Chicago.

Theology Student (seminarian- at least 4 years)

• Priest candidate begins or continues studies in Theology, working towards a Master of Divinity degree (M. Div)
• Brother candidates may take Theology or continue their areas of study for ministry as they prepare for final vows
• Both Candidates live in a formation community
• Continues for the next few years as a student, living in community, working part time in ministry, developing prayer, affinity to community and seeking spiritual direction
• Spends summers working in a Redemptorist community
• Clinical Pastoral Education (C.P.E.)
• May learn Spanish
• Prepares for Final Vows

Final Vows & Transition to Ministry (normally 1 year)

At an appropriate time, usually after three years in temporary vows, both brothers and clerical candidates make Perpetual Profession of Vows.

Following Perpetual Profession:

• Brothers live in a local community, and serve in the ministry of that community or in the area of their expertise.
• Priest candidates are ordained deacons and serve for a year, usually in parish ministry, while being mentored by a more experienced Redemptorist. A newly ordained Redemptorist priest is appointed to pastoral ministry in a Redemptorist community.
• Both brothers and priests, for the first 5 years of their ministry, participate in a Transition to Ministry program.

The Post-Novitiate is located at the Seelos House of Theology in Chicago, IL; students attend Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Feel free to contact Reverend Tat Hoang or Brother Larry Lujan, our vocation directors, to learn more about becoming a Redemptorist priest or brother. If God is calling you, they will do everything they can to help you answer his call.