If it is discerned that a person might have a vocation, the potential candidate is invited to enter a preparatory phase. This is a period of reflection, reading, prayer, and spiritual direction while the candidate usually remains at his home and engaged in his own work. The candidate phase usually lasts from six months to two years. Fitzgerald Center or Villa Louis Martin programs. He also is asked to take part in the prayer and life of the community with an individual schedule for reading, study and spiritual direction.
Personal growth is the primary focus of the associate phase.
The novitiate is the most intense experience in the formation process. The novitiate consists of one year with spiritual growth being the emphasis. Lourdes Novitiate is located a mile from our mother house at Jemez Springs. It provides a contemplative setting for the quiet and serious preparation to be a Servant. During the novitiate, the novice seeks to build a solid spiritual foundation for life.