Editing Redemptorists (section)

==Religious formation==
After an initial period of contact and discernment, the person seeking to enter the Redemptorists becomes a "candidate" and goes to live in one of the communities so that both sides might become better acquainted. This lasts about two years during which they learn about Redemptorist prayer, life, and ministry.<ref name=Baltimore/>

Assuming that all goes well, the candidate then begins the [[novitiate]], lasting a year. The novitiate year is crucial, for it is then "...&nbsp;that the novices better understand their divine vocation, and indeed one which is proper to the institute, experience the manner of living of the institute, and form their mind and heart in its spirit, and so that their intention and suitability are tested."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P25.HTM|title= Code of Canon Law - IntraText|website=vatican.va|access-date=23 September 2017}}</ref> Thus, the novices are given the opportunity for longer periods of prayer and spiritual reading as well as silence in order to reflect on the vocation God is offering and nature of their response. The spiritual development of the novice is of particular focus, especially through [[spiritual direction]]. During the novitiate the history and constitutions of the congregation are studied in depth.

A simple profession is made at the end of the novitiate, and the person officially becomes a member of the Redemptorists for "By religious profession, members assume the observance of the three evangelical counsels by public vow, are consecrated to God through the ministry of the Church, and are incorporated into the institute with the rights and duties defined by law."<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P26.HTM Code of Canon Law 654]</ref>  At this point it is normal to begin studying [[philosophy]] and [[theology]] at university level. During this time there is ample opportunity to experience a variety of ministries in which the Redemptorists are engaged, both in the member's home country and internationally. Temporary vows are renewed annually.

At the end of this period of formation, which lasts for a minimum of three years<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vatican. va/archive/ENG1104/__P26.HTM|title=Code of Canon Law - Canon 655|website=vatican.va|access-date=23 September 2017}}</ref> perpetual profession (final vows) is made and ordination to the [[diaconate]] and [[presbyterate]] follows for those called to [[Holy orders in the Catholic Church|holy orders]] (i.e. to become a priest).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www. redemptorists.co.uk/join-us/life-as-a-redemptorist/30-formation.html|title=Formation|website=redemptorists.co.uk|access-date=23 September 2017}}</ref>

As the academic programs come to an end, all Redemptorists in temporary vows are required to participate in a pastoral experience for a minimum of six months to a year, outside of a brother's home province.<ref name=Baltimore/>