and happily donned a bit more sackcloth.
Br. Alexander & Br. Salvatore became

Friars John Paul & Elijah as they entered the novitiate,
while Br. Daniele & I entered the postulancy.
 

In Catholic communities of consecrated religious, it generally takes many years for individuals in discernment
to reach the point of taking permanent vows of poverty, chastity, & obedience. Along the way they take several steps which gradually prepare them to live as friars or nuns all their life long. Many religious communities invite individuals in discernment to begin by living in the convent for a number of months, getting to know the community’s way of life as both the individuals and the community discern whether or not the convent is the place God has in mind for them. Our particular religious community invites discerning individuals to begin by living in the convent for a period of 6 months.
 

Becoming a postulant means lots of exciting things,
including receiving a half-habit & making the promise to strive to be
poor, chaste, and obedient for one year's time.

After finishing the year of postulancy,
given God’s grace and our perseverance,
Br. Daniele & I will join Friars John Paul & Elijah
in the novitiate, at which point we will
change our names and be vested with a long habit.
The novitiate lasts two years, and once it ends,
we will be allowed to take vows for the first time,
but only vows that bind us for one year.
It isn’t until we’ve taken those vows for at least three years in a row that we are allowed to take the final step, and promise our lives to God forever.

We were so grateful to have
Bishop Mario Dorsonville 
bless our full & half habits as we took
this next step in dedicating ourselves
to God’s plan for our lives. We hope
to prove ourselves a happy, helpful bunch
of friars and nuns as we continue to
serve in his wonderful diocese.

~ Reflection by Sr. Meg ~
(Nov. 18, 2023) 
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CLICK HERE 
to see the photo album 
of the investitures