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Qualities for Living a Contemplative Life
No order expects an applicant to be a mature contemplative from the beginning, but she must have the qualities necessary for living contemplative life and growing toward the fullness of this vocation: |
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- The desire and determination to give oneself wholeheartedly to God and to others in a life of prayer
- A willingness to let go of all things in order to respond to the call of Christ
- The ability to get along with others in community life
- Sound judgment, common sense, a sense of humor
- Good health
- Return
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Stages of Discernment
A candidate interested in joining a monastery community goes through several stages of discernment, generally including: |
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- Visits and Interviews
- Live-in
The candidate lives in the cloister for a period of up to three months to discern her vocation and come to a better understanding of the way of life.
- Postulancy
The postulant tests her vocation as she gradually adapts herself to the way of life under the direction of the Formation Directress.
- Novitiate
The novice is received into the order, and comes to understand and experience the demands of following Christ as a member of the community.
- Temporary Vows
During a period of temporary vows, lasting several years, the young professed become more fully integrated into community life, and prepares herself for the definitive consecration of perpetual vows.
- Return
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