Formation of Brothers

The formation of all Redemptorists is based on ‘the following of Jesus as proposed in the gospels’, and this is carried out in accordance with our particular charism and our Constitutions and Statutes.

However, we are aware that formation is for a purpose – to live a particular vocation within the Congregation. We also recognize that the vocation to Brotherhood is a special way of living Redemptorist life. Accordingly, there must be a corresponding special response in terms of a formation program. The ideal is not to separate or isolate the Brother candidate, nor to totally immerse him in the exact same program as that of those studying for the priesthood. With this in mind, the following should be observed.

Vocation Discernment
For those called to follow the Redeemer in the Congregation as Brothers, an enquiry should be undertaken to elicit motivation for making such a choice. Questions about attitude to priests, self worth, idea of apostolate, and the ability to have a real sense of self, need to be examined. It is surely true that those applying for Brotherhood need to have a particular sense of who they are, in making this choice. Other areas that need to be examined are avoidance, escapism and a false understanding of who a Brother really is.

The accompaniment at this stage should ideally be shared with the Vocations Director, and, if the Director is a priest, a Brother from the Unit. It should also be stressed that when a candidate comes into the Congregation as an aspirant for either priesthood or Brotherhood, this is not irrevocable in the early stages.

Postulancy
Generally speaking what applies to Postulants in the Unit’s Ratio, will apply across the board to both Brother and priest candidates.

However, in Units where the postulancy is spread over three or four years, and involves the study of philosophy for clerical candidates, the suitability of this has to be weighed very carefully. What needs to be considered is the advisability of separation at an early stage from peers which can lead to isolation on the one hand, or ‘preferential’ treatment on the other.  Indeed this observation applies to the whole for formation. It is often the case that in a Unit there may only be one person presenting himself as a candidate for the Brother’s life. Both a policy for the formation of Brothers and a flexibe and individual approach are necessary.

Novitiate
The same Novitiate should be followed by all candidates. Obviously the Novice Director will tailor his colloquia with Brother candidates to deal with their particular call.

Post-Novitiate Formation
Here there is often a divergence of ways for the Brother in the formation program, beginning after First Profession. It is important to note that the time of temporary profession is a special period of formation for all Redemptorists, Brothers as well as clerics. Some Units may decide that a candidate should study theology, while others may offer a shortened theological course. Others may not offer a theology course. Post-novitiate for the Brother is usually the time for professional training. Again, the areas of possible future apostolate should have been discussed at the Postulancy stage, so that specialized courses may be sought, and qualifications previously obtained, so that entry into any particular vocational calling will be possible.

Where residential courses are the best option for the particular apostolate, special accompaniment together with frequent visits back to the community are essential. Integration into the community is especially important at this stage.

Entry into Ministry
As with young priests, this is a delicate and difficult time, a stage in which the Congregation loses members. Again, it is essential that focused accompaniment takes place. It is also important that when the Brother takes up an apostolate, his work has as many links to the mainstream life of the Unit as possible. It may be advisable to encourage a Brother to participate from time to time in meetings with Brothers from neighboring Units – or even at the international level.

Distinct Formation Programs
It is important to be aware that in some Units of the Congregation there is a separate program of formation for Brothers, and this may actually involve a completely separate formation house for Brothers. The General Secretariat is aware of some units of the Congregation where this takes place. What is vital is that whatever programs are arranged, the distinct and unique character of the vocation to be a Brother is respected, while never isolating him from his peers and fellow Redemptorists.