Every religious
community and every diocese has a formation program, which is divided
into stages. The Brothers and priests of the Salesians of Don Bosco
follow the formation program described below:
1. Application
The application process begins with the applicant contacting the Vocation
Director who will interview him. The applicant will fill out and submit
an application form. The formation team, made up of three of four
Salesians, will review the application and the recommendation of the
Vocation Director and decide the admission the applicant into the
Candidacy Program.
2. Candidacy
The Candidacy Program is a six-month to a yearlong experience of living
in a Salesian Community. During that time the candidate will follow
a program of study, ministry and prayer, which will give him an experience
of the Salesian life. He may attend college courses. Typically the
candidacy program is done at St. Joseph's Salesian Youth Renewal Center
and Novitiate in Rosemead, California. The program begins in September
of each year.
3. Pre-novitiate
The Pre-novitiate program follows the candidacy program and lasts
three months. It is a time of discernment preparing the candidate
for entry into Novitiate. This program also takes place at St. Joseph's.
4. Novitiate
The novitiate program is a yearlong intensive discernment and preparation
program designed to help the individual prepare to take the vows of
poverty, chastity and obedience as a Salesian. At this point the person
is a full member of the Salesians of Don Bosco and is referred to
as a Brother. The vows are taken for a period of one, two or three
years at the discretion of the Brother.
5.
Post Novitiate Formation
After the novitiate and first profession the Brother is given an opportunity
to pursue university studies in a field that will prepare him for
ministry in the Salesian community. After university studies and before
perpetual vows the Brother will be assigned to a Salesian Community
and spend two years in full time ministry. We call this period Practical
Training. He will be guided by the Salesians of his community in the
practical application of Don Bosco's methods of education and youth
ministry.
6.
Perpetual Vows
The term of temporary vows will last for a period of six years.
After this the Brother will make the perpetual vows committing himself
to life long service of the Lord as a Salesian.
7. Professional Development and
Theological Studies
After the period of Practical Training the Salesian who is going to
serve as a Brother will be given an opportunity to pursue advanced
degree work and certification in the field of his ministry. The Salesian
who is preparing for ordination as a priest will complete a course
of seminary studies in theology at the Graduate Theological Union
in Berkeley, California, which prepares him for ordination as a priest.
