Stages of Formation
Aspirantate
The aspirantate is the first phase of the journey towards religious life. It is a period of self discovery, a time to intensify the experience of Christian living and get initiated into the religious and the Salesian way of life.
During this period, the candidate will be initiated into community and apostolic life in the spirit of the Institute and will endeavour to reach the degree of maturity necessary for her to make her choice of vocation freely and responsibly
Postulancy
The postulancy is the time of immediate preparation for the novitiate. It is a time of personal spiritual growth and ministry experience. During this period the candidate will endeavour to deepen her understanding of God`s call.
The work of formation will be intensified by a deeper experience of prayer, community life and the apostolate; by a more accurate doctrinal preparation and a progressive assimilation of the spirit of Don Bosco and of Mother Mazzarello.
Novitiate
The journey of formal commitment begins in the novitiate..
Through reflection on the Word of God, diligent study and assimilation of the Constitutions,
daily effort in self-discipline, and the integration of work and prayer, the novice will understand ever better the demands of the following of Christ in our Salesian vocation.
Through participation in community life and suitable apostolic experience she will become aware of the sense of mission.
Juniorate
The Juniorate corresponds to the entire period of temporary vows. It is a very important time of formation for growth in one’s vocation and preparation for perpetual profession. It is intended to consolidate in the Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, the life of union with God and the sense of belonging to the Institute; to introduce her gradually into pastoral work with young people while continuing her specific Salesian formation.