Viatorian Formation
steps for accepted applicants
to prepare for and begin
their Viatorian religious lives
Pre-Novitiate
a gradual introduction
to religious life through
ministry and community
Novitiate
an intensive exploration
of your life of prayer
and of religious vows
Temporary Vows
3-year periods of
professed living in poverty,
chastity, and obedience
Advanced Studies
Graduate degrees
in professional fields
or theological studies
Pre-Novitiate
An accepted applicant begins religious formation as a pre-novice. He lives in a Viatorian community home and works with our professed men in a Viatorian sponsored ministry.
The purpose of the program is to provide the candidate with a gradual introduction to a Christian communal living experience. During this time, the pre-novice can get to know the community better and discern his vocation with the assistance of a formation director.
The length of the program is typically one year, but is ultimately determined by individual need. The structure is deliberately flexible to provide for the needs of each man according to varying life experience, work experience, and educational attainment.
The Viatorian Vocation Team works with congregation leadership
to prepare a formation plan for the pre-novice.
Presently, Fr. John Eustice, CSV (left, pictured during his time as a brother)
serves as Director of Pre-Novices.
Novitiate
The Novitiate is the most important period of formation. It introduces the novice to a deeper experience of prayer, community living, and the dynamics of individual growth and development. It also provides him with some apostolic experience and guides him in his study of scripture, spirituality, traditions of the congregation, and the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Under the guidance of the novice master, the novice more deeply reflects upon his relationship with God and his decision to live vowed life as a Viatorian.
Novices are considered members of the Viatorian Community, and they are called “Brother.”
The Novitiate is a one-year program.
Temporary Vows
Upon completion of Novitiate, the brother may request to profess the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience for a three-year period, sometimes called “first vows.” Temporary vows may be renewed after this initial period, or the candidate may then request perpetual vows.
During temporary vows, the Brother is given the time, training, environment, and experience he needs to make a lifelong commitment as a Viatorian.
Brothers may choose to live and work as brothers indefinitely, perhaps discerning an invitation to priesthood later in religious life or desiring to be a brother for life.
Advanced Studies
Brothers who discern priesthood undertake graduate theological studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. It normally takes four years, perhaps more if additional philosophy and theology studies are still needed beforehand. The formation plan includes earning a three-year Masters of Divinity degree (M.Div) and ordination to the transitional diaconate for one year of diaconal ministry. Viatorians must profess perpetual vows before ordination.
Brothers who discern God’s invitation to continue as brothers often complete a certificate and/or graduate degree program in theology, ministry, or another academic area or professional discipline that strengthens their ministry. Brothers can discern temporary vow renewal and pereptual profession while undertaking studies.