STAGES OF FORMATION in the RNDM FAMILY
VOCATION PROMOTION
In the Congregation formation has the special aim to form those called to our way of life, to help them welcome the gift of sharing in the Divine Missions in the spirit of Mary and to make a total offering of themselves to God.
Each province plans out an appropriate contact program to make the Congregation known and to inspire women who show genuine interest in our way of life (Directory 59)
CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION OF CANDIDATES
At the time of applying to be a candidate in the Congregation, the applicant must be at least 16 years of age and passed High School Examinations (Class X) with minimum 50% marks or passed Higher Secondary (Class XII).
The candidate must be baptized, confirmed and a practicing Catholic.
Recent converts from other religions must have Catholic lived experiences at least for five years.
Candidates must be reasonably intelligent, be able to understand religious life and have the capacity to pursue further studies, according to our mission needs.
The candidate must have the basic understanding of the religious missionary life.
The candidate must articulate her motivation in following her vocation in RNDM congregation in her sharing and writing in her own language.
ASPIRANCY PROGRAM (Two to Three years)
In the context of Indian provinces, the aspirants are generally completing their Higher Secondary education and it is difficult for them to follow a formation program as their focus is on studies. However, particular circumstances may allow a candidate to complete High School education, that may not affect her Aspirancy program in any significant way.
PRE-POSTULANCY PROGRAM
When a young woman has shown serious and consistent interest in our RNDM life during her Aspirancy / contact period time/ come and see program, she will be invited to consider joining the Pre-Postulancy program. This provides the candidate with an opportunity to know the sisters and vice- versa. It is time for a deeper discernment to God’s call of a person.
The length of the Pre-Postulancy period will depend on the needs of each individual candidate; therefore, it may vary from six months to one year.
The Pre-Postulancy program is for one year and takes place in India Central Province.
POSTULANCY
Those who have shown consistency in their interest and desire to enter into RNDM way of life are provided with a process that will help them to discover their deeper self, God and greater understanding of their motivation in entering our religious missionary congregation.
The Postulancy Programme is for one year and usually held in India North East Province
NOVITIATE
A postulant is admitted to novitiate only after a serious process of discernment of her call to religious life in our Congregation. She shows a deep desire as well as genuine ability to live the three-fold aspects of our Charism – Contemplation, Communion and Mission. The Novitiate provides her with many opportunities to develop her skills in living these aspects in a balanced way. She is drawn irresistibly into an intimate relationship with God and enters into the demands of the vowed life with a generous heart and deep faith, surrendering herself completely to the transforming work of the Spirit.
Novitiate program takes place for two years in India South Province
TEMPORARY PROFESSED
The province leaders of the three provinces of India make the decision regarding missioning of the newly professed to any of the Indian provinces.
Newly professed are welcomed to the province with a meaningful prayer and Community celebration.
The TP Director and the Province Leader must give sufficient time to get to know the Sister and orient her about the province, ministries/apostolate and the programme for TP sisters. They also help the TP to prepare for her Perpetual Commitment
Temporary Commitment time last for Six years, with a six months of preparation for Perpetual Profession programme, in some exceptional situation it may extent up to Nine years.
In the Congregation formation has the special aim to form those called to our way of life, to help them welcome the gift of sharing in the Divine Missions in the spirit of Mary and to make a total offering of themselves to God.
Each province plans out an appropriate contact program to make the Congregation known and to inspire women who show genuine interest in our way of life (Directory 59)
CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION OF CANDIDATES
At the time of applying to be a candidate in the Congregation, the applicant must be at least 16 years of age and passed High School Examinations (Class X) with minimum 50% marks or passed Higher Secondary (Class XII).
The candidate must be baptized, confirmed and a practicing Catholic.
Recent converts from other religions must have Catholic lived experiences at least for five years.
Candidates must be reasonably intelligent, be able to understand religious life and have the capacity to pursue further studies, according to our mission needs.
The candidate must have the basic understanding of the religious missionary life.
The candidate must articulate her motivation in following her vocation in RNDM congregation in her sharing and writing in her own language.
ASPIRANCY PROGRAM (Two to Three years)
In the context of Indian provinces, the aspirants are generally completing their Higher Secondary education and it is difficult for them to follow a formation program as their focus is on studies. However, particular circumstances may allow a candidate to complete High School education, that may not affect her Aspirancy program in any significant way.
PRE-POSTULANCY PROGRAM
When a young woman has shown serious and consistent interest in our RNDM life during her Aspirancy / contact period time/ come and see program, she will be invited to consider joining the Pre-Postulancy program. This provides the candidate with an opportunity to know the sisters and vice- versa. It is time for a deeper discernment to God’s call of a person.
The length of the Pre-Postulancy period will depend on the needs of each individual candidate; therefore, it may vary from six months to one year.
The Pre-Postulancy program is for one year and takes place in India Central Province.
POSTULANCY
Those who have shown consistency in their interest and desire to enter into RNDM way of life are provided with a process that will help them to discover their deeper self, God and greater understanding of their motivation in entering our religious missionary congregation.
The Postulancy Programme is for one year and usually held in India North East Province
NOVITIATE
A postulant is admitted to novitiate only after a serious process of discernment of her call to religious life in our Congregation. She shows a deep desire as well as genuine ability to live the three-fold aspects of our Charism – Contemplation, Communion and Mission. The Novitiate provides her with many opportunities to develop her skills in living these aspects in a balanced way. She is drawn irresistibly into an intimate relationship with God and enters into the demands of the vowed life with a generous heart and deep faith, surrendering herself completely to the transforming work of the Spirit.
Novitiate program takes place for two years in India South Province
TEMPORARY PROFESSED
The province leaders of the three provinces of India make the decision regarding missioning of the newly professed to any of the Indian provinces.
Newly professed are welcomed to the province with a meaningful prayer and Community celebration.
The TP Director and the Province Leader must give sufficient time to get to know the Sister and orient her about the province, ministries/apostolate and the programme for TP sisters. They also help the TP to prepare for her Perpetual Commitment
Temporary Commitment time last for Six years, with a six months of preparation for Perpetual Profession programme, in some exceptional situation it may extent up to Nine years.
Aspirants
