In order to be eligible for admission, young Congolese must have finished high school and have been in touch with the Brothers for at least a year through meetings, reflection days and retreats. Novitiate follows postulancy. This phase is the period of preparation immediately preceding the profession of temporay vows. It is a time to center more intimately into communion with God and to respond to His call as a Xaverian Brother. During this time the novice also deepens his understanding of the Gospel counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience, and thoroughly acquaints himself with the Constitutions and history of the congregation.
Novitiate closes with the taking of vows.
The Brother continues his efforts to grow in the integration of the spiritual, communal, academic and apostolic dimension of his vocation. Clearly, guiding the young Xaverians through this growth process requires considerable efforts and resources. Future teachers and leaders need professional training and guided experience. Two of the temporary professed are involved in teaching in Likasi. Two others are studying at the teacher training college in Lubumbashi, pursuing study in history and biology and chemistry.