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1. The
Initiates program is the first stage of seminary
life at DePaul Centre. Once accepted, a man
joins us in January and stays for seven months
to experience community life and learn about
Vincentian values and mission. He lives with
the rest of the students but is involved in a
unique |
program
of discernment. After a final evaluation,
he either petitions to continue to the next
stage or departs.
There are a total of 12 spots each year for
Initiates.
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2. Associates
are men who have been accepted into the seminary
program studying to be
Vincentian priests or brothers. Depending
on their previous academic record, they are
studying either philosophy or theology at
neighboring |
schools.
In addition to their academic work, associates
are engaged in apostolic works on the weekends
that take them to area parishes and other
works among the poor.
Associates live and are formed as Vincentians
at DePaul Centre.
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3. After completing most of the academic work
required for ordination, a man petitions
to enter the stage of formation commonly
known as the Novitiate. This is an intense
time of formation in the Vincentian way that
focuses on the spiritual dimension of the
vowed life. They are called "Seminarists."
Seminarists live and study on campus |
at
DePaul but are separated from the rest of
the students in order to focus more intensely
on their program.
This stage of formation usually lasts one
year and is open to 12 students. Within 18
months after completing the novitiate, a
man is asked to petition for final vows in
the Congregation. |
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4. After
novitiate, a man continues to the next and
final stage of formation in the Admitted
Members Program. Within this stage, he celebrates
final vows in the Congregation and becomes
a member for the rest of his life. Sometime
afterwards he finishes his academic work
and becomes a priest or brother. |
Admitted
members live with the rest of the students
but, because he is now officially a Vincentian,
he prays with and socializes among his fellow
community members who are already priests
and brothers.
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| Copyright
CMAFRICA | Congregation of the Mission |
