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The first step is the call from God. This is
often felt during adolescence. If grace is
granted, it may re-emerge at the age of
reason. Then there is the offer to "come and
see". This is the stage of meeting the
Brothers. The process of evaluation begins
with the invitation to take part in prayers
and meditation, then to spend a trial period
with a community. This is the postulant
stage.
The next step is to enter the novitiate.
This is a period of one or two years totally
devoted to induction into the religious
life.The novice
stage leads to the temporary vows.
The young Brother makes temporary vows for
one or two years. These vows express his
religious consecration: they are the vows of
poverty, chastity and obedience.
During this period, the Brother continues
his religious formation and the professional
studies that will prepare him to serve in a
particular field. On completion of at least
five years of temporary vows, the Brother is
allowed to take perpetual vows.
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