The Formation Process of the Basilian Fathers

The Basilian formation process as four basic steps that occur over a period of approximately seven years.

Associate: This stage gives a candidate the chance to get to know the Basilians and allows them to get to know him. It can occur while a candidate is in high school, in college, or in the work-force for variable amounts of time. Generally, most associates spend their last Associate year living in a Basilian community, thus indicating a stronger desire to commit to the Basilian way of life.

Novice: This stage marks the true beginning of a person's journey into religious life. The novitiate lasts for one year and a day, as prescribed by canon law. It is a year away from friends, family, work, and most things familiar to our everyday life so that the novice may build a strong foundation of prayer and spirituality for the rest of his life as a Basilian. At the end of this year, the novice may profess first (temporary) vows.

Scholastic: By now, the candidate is living in temporary vows and engaged in three to four years of theological study. Currently, this occurs at the University of St. Michael's College Faculty of Theology at the University of Toronto. Alongside their theological studies, scholastics are engaged in various pastoral ministries during the year and are sent on assignment each summer. These ministries and assignments are tailored to the individual's interests and capabilities.

Supervised Ministry: The most challenging period for new deacons and priests is the first few years after ordination, so the Basilians consider the first year of ordination a stage in the formation process. This serves as an adjustment period to the work of the priesthood in a Basilian apostolate.

Ultimately, the formation process is heavily dependent on the individual. As a small community, we have the ability to meet a candidate where he is at and help him grow from there. Especially in today's context, candidates bring with them a remarkable range of talents, abilities and experience. When one begins the formation process, the Basilian formators recognize these gifts and help him to find his place in the congregation.