The novitiate then, becomes the time to begin learning what it means to live an authentic vowed Marist life. Time is also spent on understanding the nature and purpose of the three vows in order that they become a life giving part of us rather than just some ignored attachment. The novitiate year is also the chance to experience and develop more deeply the prayer and liturgical life of a religious, participating actively in daily prayer, meditation, reading of Scripture and the Eucharist. Finally, our year together is a chance to experience life in community and life in service of others. We live together as a community sharing the ups and downs of daily life, striving to be an example of unity in a world divided.
Apostolic work is the opportunity to live out our faith.
Through various works of service to the people of God we grow as Christians through interacting and learning from those we serve in faith. Furthermore, our life of prayer directs and nourishes our apostolic work, while in turn our apostolic work informs and enlivens our life of prayer. Novitiate then is about experiencing first hand the life of the Society we hope to join. It is also a time to experience God in prayer and to develop that relationship of love more deeply. It is through this love and understanding that the confidence to make a decision about becoming a Marist and taking vows will emerge to be embraced or not.