Novitiate Syllabus
Vocation is God's idea for us, not our idea for ourself. In itself, the realization of a vocation is obedience to the will of God for us.
The Program: The purpose of this program is three-fold. First, to allow you to examine yourself in terms of the demands and joys of religious life--to help you discern your call. Second, to create a rhythm of spiritual study that will be life-long. Third, to expose you to as broad a range of subjects as possible. As to the first goal, it permits exchange between the postulant/novice and the novice master, and the Superior, along lines that will facilitate not only the postulant/novice's discernment as to whether he/she is truly called to a Benedictine Life, but also for the Superior and the Companions to discern if they affirm this call. To this end there are basic requirements of familiarity: the Rule of St. Benedict, the Holy Bible, the "Customary" and "Constitution" and Monastic Breviary. As to the notion of rhythm, all Benedictine life is rhythmic: eating, sleeping, working, all revolving around the Opus Dei--the work of God, the Divine Offices. To this is added study, but in a spiritual rather than academic sense. Religious communities are "schools for the Lord's service," preparing and nurturing us as we journey toward our heavenly life. You could probably read all of these texts in less than 24 months, but that would be a "crash course," and there would be no rhythm. Read them in the order assigned. Don't be in a hurry, but don't procrastinate. Take your time, but meet the deadlines. Beyond the breadth of this directed Postulant/Novice Program, as part of your spiritual growth, it is hoped that your own area(s) of interest will develop so that after your Novitiate these interests will carry you on to Simple Vows and ultimately to Life Vows and beyond. Please remember, there are no hidden agendas, this is not an adversarial process, and there is no hazing. This formation program endeavors to equip and help you, and us, "seek Christ first, in all things," together!
RESPONSIBILITY, REPORTING & ACCOUNTABILITY:
Please realize that you are responsible for your own education and formation. Reporting & Accountability: You are required to write something (hand/typed/computer disc, etc.) about each of the works in the education program. Don't put it off and then try to catch up. This will give you an opportunity to prayerfully collect your thoughts (to consider what the Holy Spirit is saying to you) and report them to the novice master. These are to be reflective writings, not academic, not seeking to impress anyone. Written not for the novice master or the Superior but for and to you--with your vocabulary, your thoughts. Prayerfully read and live with the books during the coming months. How you come to the task of reporting is generally up to you and the assigned dates of your reflection are controlled by you through the "Week in Review." You may journal impressions/notes during the month, or read for 3/4 of the month, then during the last 1/4 begin your reflective writing. There is no expected or proper length for a reflection paper. The reflection papers will be held in confidence, and will be treated non-judgmentally, by the novice master who is responsible to the Superior for this program. The novice master may therefore give you some feedback on what you have written. He/she may also feel that you need to communicate with the Superior from time to time.
NOVITIATE
Now your work begins in earnest! EVERY WEEK (well almost-72 of 104 weeks) during this two year period you are to complete one lesson in Preferring Christ by Norvene Vest, Oblate/ OSB. This is intended to create a focused rhythm of holy study that will stay with you for your entire life. Benedictines are always looking back to the Rule, gaining new insights from its nuances. In addition to this, you have the following core assignments outlined below. Other works may be added/changed as may be needed (this will be determined in consultation with you, the novice master and the Superior). Please do not treat these works as something to be academically studied. Rather, work with the texts and let them work on you. Many are quite brief, but contain spiritually significant material. After you complete a couple of readings, send the reflections off to the Novice Master. There will be nine books assigned for the first year and nine for the second year. Additional readings with reflections are optional, but appreciated. An additional reading list of recommended books will be made available as a handout. |  |
