From vocation to mission
Eudist Formation Process
From the beginning, Eudists have helped awaken vocations and form candidates for diocesan priesthood and religious life. In the United States, they accompany men discerning a vocation as a priest or brother. The discernment program supports human growth, the holiness of baptismal vocation, and the search for God’s will. The journey has four stages.
1 · Discerning
This is a transition from life in the world to life in formation. A man may have an outside job or may not yet be studying; he is welcomed into an Eudist community to share its life and experience consecrated life firsthand. With the Regional Superior’s permission, discernment can take place in any Eudist house and often takes place at the House of Jesus and Mary.
2 · Candidacy
Candidacy publicly recognizes that a man has chosen to pursue the priesthood and has been accepted by a diocese or an institute of consecrated life. He then enters a two- to three-year pre-theology program leading to a bachelor’s degree. Candidates usually attend John Paul the Great Catholic University in Escondido, California.
3 · Probation
Saint John Eudes used the Latin word probare, meaning “to test,” for this stage of mutual discernment. A man discerning an Eudist vocation lives as a member of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary for at least four years, evaluating this way of life as the community evaluates him. Probation normally accompanies a master’s degree in theology at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo or the Franciscan School of Theology in Oceanside, California. It also includes a year of intensive formation in Eudist spirituality, usually in an international setting with candidates and spirituality specialists from around the world.
4 · Incorporation and ordination
Incorporation is a definitive commitment to live out baptismal promises as a permanent member of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary. The candidate then discerns and may request ordination to serve the mission through sacramental ministry. If he requests ordination, he serves for six to twelve months as a transitional deacon before priestly ordination.
Ongoing formation
Eudist formation is lifelong. It continues especially in the local community through its Community Life Plan, and may include further studies or the development of particular skills in response to personal interests and the community’s needs. Formation continues in human, spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and community life.