“As the clay is in the potters hand, so you are in mine.” The novitiate is a period of initiation and formation into our monastic contemplative life according to the Constitutions of our Order. Our formation program nourishes a candidate’s ability to “Live Jesus” by integrating her prayer life, spirituality, community living and generous response to service revealed in the Will of God. This period of discernment is made in the light of the Holy Spirit and within the spirit of our charism, humility before God and gentleness toward our neighbor.

The candidate is given an opportunity to live within the monastery as a pre-postulant for a period of three to six months to help her discern if God is calling her to this particular community. The candidate then continues her discernment as a postulant, novice and temporary professed until her final commitment of Solemn Vows. This period takes approximately six years. It is a time of spiritual growth as the candidate absorbs the teachings of our founders, the living of our Constitutions, the vows and community life.

Vocation Directress
Visitation Monastery
8902 Ridge Boulevard
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11209
718-745-5151
Smdecvis@aol.com