Becoming a Brother
A Vocation:
Desire
Discern
Decide
God loves you; the Church needs you!
Be “protagonists of change and courageous missionaries”
Pope Francis
The Vocation of Life
“What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God”.
Hans Urs von Balthasar
The greatest gift given to us is life itself.
We are born with the DNA of God and our parents imprinted on us! We have our own unique gifts and talents. We have a responsibility to use those gifts and talents to the best of our ability – in whatever direction our lives take us. We came with a purpose, a mission in life.
What is MY mission, MY purpose in life?
Discerning my Vocation
- Would you like to use your gifts and talents in the service of others?
- Would you like to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ?
- Do you feel that Religious Life could be a way of life for you?
- Do you feel drawn to explore if becoming a Brother of Saint John of God is for you?
- Do you think that you could find purpose, challenge and fulfilment in this way of life?
People came to John of God with these same questions 480 years ago.
John provided them with opportunities to explore a life of total commitment to God through service with the poor, the sick and the marginalised.
Today, the Saint John of God Brothers continue to invite, welcome and support those men who wish to discern their this vocation.
The Constants of God’s Call
- God has known and loved us for all eternity - ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..’ (Jer 1:5)
- God always takes the initiative - ‘You did not choose Me, but I chose you.’ (John 15:16)
- God calls us in a personal manner – “I’ve called you by name….’ (Isaiah 43:1)
- God provides us with what we need to respond to His call – ‘My grace is sufficient for you’ (2 Cor 12:9)
- The God who calls us is ever faithful – ‘I wlll never forget you….’(Isaiah 49:15)
- God calls us from among the people to serve the people -‘I have sent you to bring the good news ‘ (Luke 4:18)
People came to John of God with these same questions 480 years ago.
John provided them with opportunities to explore a life of total commitment to God through service with the poor, the sick and the marginalised.
Today, the Saint John of God Brothers continue to invite, welcome and support those men who wish to discern their this vocation.
This journey of discernment involves
- Prayer
- Spiritual Direction
- Ongoing meetings with the Vocation Director
- Experience of Community Life
Over a period of time, this process will help the person who is discerning to decide if this way of life is for them.
If a mutual decision is made to pursue this way of life as a Saint John of God Brother, then the journey of formation commences.
Stages of Formation
Candidacy
The Candidacy may take up to two years. During this time there are a number of meetings with the Vocations Director. There are visits to Brothers’ Communities. This is a process of discernment for the candidate. During this time it will become clearer to the candidate if he is pursuing the journey in life he is being called to.
Postulancy
This period of postulancy may take six to twelve months. This time is spent living in a Brothers community, sharing in prayer and community life, while becoming more familiar with the life of the Brothers.
Novitiate
The Novitiate is for two years. The postulant is received into the community as a novice. During his novitiate, the novice becomes more familiar with the life, mission and ministry of the Order.
Temporary Profession
Temporary Profession is a period of six years. At the commencement of this time, the novice takes his vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and hospitality. He is now a Brother in the community. This commitment is for one year and is renewed each year for 6 years.
Solemn Profession
On completing his time of temporary profession, the Brother reaches the point of Solemn Profession. He makes the decision to take his vows for life, thereby committing himself for life to the Order.