Jesuit Novice takes First Vows

September 4, 2021

Congratulations to Sam Dixon, who took his First Vows at Oscott on Saturday 4th September.

About 60 guests were able to take part in the ceremony, including members of Sam’s family. He leaves for Paris this weekend to begin his studies as a Scholastic.

For those who are interested, here is the Formation journey of a Jesuit:

Novitiate - 2 years: A novice learns to create a community of brothers who grow in prayer, knowledge of the Society, apostolic work, and personal enrichment. He meets the Lord through the 30-day Spiritual Exercises retreat. At the end of these two years, he pronounces vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

First studies - 3 years: The newly-vowed Jesuit moves into academic work as a brother or a scholastic. He studies philosophy and theology, and he deepens his Jesuit identity through other ministerial work which strengthens or challenges his gifts.

Regency - 3 years: The Jesuit brother or scholastic moves into active Jesuit ministry, usually teaching at a school, college or university.

Theology - 3 years: Jesuit scholastics usually move on to formal theology studies which prepare them for priestly ordination, but the Jesuit brother might study theology for a shorter time to enhance his effectiveness for ministry.

Ordination: A scholastic receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders and is available for his first assignment as a Jesuit priest.

Tertianship - about 5 years later: Jesuit brothers and priests take a year to review their formation, to experience again the 30-day retreat, and to pronounce final vows in the Society.

Now initial formation is complete.

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