PROFESSED LIFE FORMATION
Preparation for solemn profession generally consists of six-years of prayer, study, and discernment. This length of time is necessary to establish the spiritual practices to be followed for a lifetime, not unlike the time invested by seasoned musicians and athletes. In addition, since joining CSL is a commitment for life to its members, sustainable relationships of this nature take time to develop, especially with people who are dispersed and communicate by online means, while pursuing career and family commitments. Most importantly, discernment of God’s calling for your life is dependent more on the Holy Spirit and God’s schedule than on the member’s, and involves getting to know one’s authentic self over an extended period of time.
The Initial Discernment Phase
When the aspirant’s application is accepted, she or he is welcomed as a Postulant at the June convocation where the candidate is publically welcomed into the community. The new postulant will be supported by a senior who assumes the role of Formation Guide.
This discernment phase is three years long. In many ways, this is a probationary period, in that if a member feels that this life is not what God is calling them to do, they may simply resign and move on. The first year is a Postulant period. The postulant period provides an initial overview of important topics related to Benedictine life and prayer. At the completion of Postulancy, the member may move into the Novitiate. The two-year Novitiate period is a much more intense period of study and prayer.
During this three-year period, the discipline of daily prayer and meditation (Lectio Divina) is developed; and the member discerns the call to Benedictine life. Study is a major component of this discernment phase. Study includes the Rule of St. Benedict the Bible and the Psalter, Benedictine life and spirituality and the community’s Constitution and Customary. The member discerns their call to the Benedictine life. (S)He begins a study of the Rule of Benedict, our customary, constitution and Benedictine spirituality.
Final Discernment Phase
Simple (annual) Profession is a period of discernment in preparation for Life Profession. The transition into Simple Vows is initiated by the novice by petition and with the recommendation of his/her formation guide. These vows are renewed annually for a period of three years. This three year period is a period of intense prayer and discernment about Solemn Vows and the implications of life-long commitment to Christ and CSL. The member may select a solemnly professed member (other than the member’s Formation Guide) to help them in the discernment process. A self-directed project is begun to provide a focus for the discernment process. At the end of this period of living in annual vows, the annually-professed member petitions the Annual Profession Administrator and and the Superior to move into Solemn Vows.
After ratification and election by senior members, the annually-professed member is raised to live in Solemn Vows. The Solemnly professed member is expected to humbly guide and support other members, both professed (vowed) and oblate, by example and gentle teaching, always remembering that Christ is in each person and ultimately the final judge of his/her life is God.