The Postulancy. In this stage, the candidate will be living in the monastery where he will make a gradual transition from the secular to the religious life. This is a time for him to become better acquainted with our community, prayer life, and work. Postulants normally reside in the Abbey nine to twelve months prior to entrance into the Novitiate.

The Novitiate is a time for the novice to learn the discipline and art of living the Gospel as a monk. This happens by listening to the monastic tradition and assimilating its values. During the Novitiate year, the novice studies the Rule of Benedict, monastic literature and history, and delves more deeply into the Scriptures, especially the Psalms. It is during the Novitiate that the novice is given the spiritual tools which enable him to live the monastic life. The novice finds this period to be a time of deep spiritual growth.
More on Monastic Formation.