Aspirancy

Program of Formation

The Mater Redemptoris Aspirancy Program is a live-in formation program for young women discerning religious life. It provides them the time and structure to grow in prayer, human virtues and community life. The program is not directed to entrance in any particular religious congregation, but gives women a general preparation for more specific formation in the community to which they are called.

The Aspirancy program addresses the areas of human formation, foundations for community living and fundamentals of the spiritual and doctrinal life. We give women the skills necessary to enter into the intense formal program of religious formation in the community of their choice. These skills range from social and communications skills, to living, working and assisting others in community. Women learn the basics of Catholic doctrine and prayer, receive spiritual direction and learn to know themselves profoundly.

Typical Days                                                                                                          

An Aspirant at the House of Formation follows a very structured schedule of prayer and work. Most of her order of the day is shared with Sisters of the local community.

A typical day for an Aspirant Monday through Thursday  looks like this:

Rising.........................................................5:30am

Morning Prayer.........................................6:00am

Meditation.................................................6:30am

Mass...........................................................7:00am

Breakfast, dishes and prep for the day......7:40am

Class/Spiritual Reading.............................8:30am

Volunteer service....................................... 9:30am

Return to house..........................................2:30pm

Exercise or Holy Hour................................3:00pm

Cooking or Free time..................................4:00pm

Scripture Reading.......................................5:00pm

Evening Prayer............................................5:15pm

Supper.........................................................5:40pm

Dishes and free time...................................6:30pm

Night Prayer................................................7:30pm

Silence begins..............................................9:00pm

Lights out.....................................................9:30pm

On Fridays the Aspirants do no go to their volunteer service site but have formation classes and more time for prayer. Saturdays are devoted to household duties and time for personal errands. Sundays are a day of rest for the community with time to call family.

Once a month the Aspirants have a recollection day (usually on a Friday) which is a day completely for silence and prayer.

Confession is offered every other week. Aspirants also are expected to meet with a spiritual director once a month.

How long is the program?

The program usually runs from early September to mid-May, a traditional academic year. 

Who is a good candidate?

A woman who believes that God is calling her to religious life and desires to take time to seriously discern her vocation. She may have a specific community in mind or she may still be searching for where God is calling her. She must be willing to enter fully into the formation process and cooperate wholeheartedly. The year will give her the opportunity to advance in her spiritual life, community living and general human formation. The program is suitable for new converts and recent high school graduates.

Who is not a candidate?

Women with college loans, women who have been severely traumatized and have not received effective counseling and women who are unsure of their call are not suitable for the live-in program. For these women, we recommend regular spiritual mentoring or discernment retreats while they address the other concerns elsewhere.

General Requirements

- Age 18-30

- Good physical, mental and emotional health.

- No canonical impediments to entrance into religious life

- High School Graduate

Cost

There is no room and board fee for the program. However Aspirants are required to fundraise to help offset the costs of formation. Fundraising training and details are provided during the pre-aspirancy visit.

How to Apply

To apply for the program women are required to fill out an application form and attend a full two-day retreat at the House of Formation to be considered for acceptance to the program.

For more information or to apply for the program please contact Sr M. Consolata at (608)-788-4530 or at materredemptoris@gmail.com