Stages of Formation

The affiliate period is a time of getting to know the community better and preparing for entrance.  An affiliate lives at home but is more closely connected with the community and meets regularly with the affiliate director. 
When the affiliate and her director feel she is ready, she requests entrance into the community.

The postulancy period is a time for the candidate to experience living with the community and sharing in the daily routine of the monastery. 
The postulant receives guidance and instruction from a director and other spiritual/academic mentors to assist in learning the monastic way of life and the Rule of St. Benedict.  In addition to joining in the prayer and work of the monastery, the postulant would engage in a part time ministry either within or outside the monastery.

The novitiate period is a time of intense spiritual growth both as an individual and as a community member.  The novice immerses herself in the Benedictine identity and seeks God with the support of the Benedictine community. 
The novice studies the Rule and the meaning of monastic profession through the guidance of a director and classes on various subjects.  The novice engages in some type of work within the monastery or in one of its ministries.  No full-time ministries or degree related education are pursued during this time.

The scholasticate period is a time of beginning to live the monastic life more fully in temporary vows.  As the scholastic lives the daily schedule of the monastic lifestyle and deepens her connections in community life, she determines more fully if she is being called to journey with this community for the rest of her life.
The scholastic professes the monastic vows of stability, obedience and fidelity to the monastic way of life.  She works or studies full time and receives guidance from a director.

At perpetual profession the sister vows stability, obedience and fidelity to the monastic way of life.  She receives a ring worn by Benedictine women for generations and lives a lifelong commitment to God in the monastic community.