What is a novitiate, and when does it occur in formation?
The novitiate is a year of prayer, reflection, and immersion in the Vincentian charism and its history. All five Vincentian provinces share a common novitiate based in Philadelphia. The novice deepens his prayer life and learns of various schools of Catholic spirituality. There is also ministerial activity built into the novitiate. Entrance into novitiate is usually made after the completion of a second year of theology. Brother candidates can be admitted to novitiate after two years of living with a formation community.
