Period of Formation
Order of St. Benedict, CCEF
If someone comes and keeps knocking at the door, and if at the end of four or five days he has shown himself patient in bearing his harsh treatment and difficult entry ... then he shall be allowed to enter.
The Rule of St. Benedict, Rule 58
As illustrated in this section of the Rule, St. Benedict teaches us that admission into the monastic order should not be an easy thing. Before one can be admitted as a full member, proper discernment needs to take place. This discernment is the period of Formation, equal parts interview and training.
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The OSB, CCEF has several levels of membership.
Associate
As associate is an individual who wishes to work with the OSB, CCEF however does not wish to enroll in the full formation program and ultimately profess vows. This level of membership is similiar to a Tertiary Order or an Oblate group.
Postulant
A postulant has submitted a formal application to the order, has begun some initial studies of the Rule of St. Benedict and is being introduced to current members of the order. In a residential community, this initial application and introduction period is accomplished through several short stays in a guest room. When possible, face to face meetings with OSB, CCEF postulants is encouraged. If face to face meetings aren't possible, introductions and familiarization with current members can be through email and/or telephone conversations.
Novice
A novice has completed the introductory period and has been approved to begin to work towards full membership. The novitiate normally would take several months to a year to demonstrate their commitment to personal practice and ministry development.
Professed Monastic
A fully professed Monk or Nun, is engaged in a ministry of their choosing and dedicated to lifelong spiritual development and communion with God.