Once in the monastery he will be expected to participate fully in the life of the community. This stage is referred to as the observership, and it usually lasts for a month or two depending on each individual case. Next comes the postulancy which has a duration of six months.
Postulants attend the novitiate classes.
The pre-novitiate period is completed at the end of the postulancy. At this point the aspirant becomes a novice for a period of a year. The novice receives a new name along with the black tunic, belt and short scapular. During this period of formation he will study scripture, chant, liturgy, monastic history and the Rule of St. Benedict. At the end of twelve months, if the chapter, that is the monks in final vows, approves his petition, he may make simple vows for one year.