The journey to becoming a Priest of the Sacred Heart is a gradual path of discernment, growth, prayer, study, and mission. Each stage of formation helps a candidate deepen his relationship with Christ, grow in fraternity, and prepare for a life of service in the Church.
Postulancy
Postulancy is the first stage of formation. It is a time of introduction to religious life and the spirituality of the Priests of the Sacred Heart. During this period, the candidate begins to discern his vocation more seriously while growing in prayer, community life, human development, and apostolic service.
Novitiate
The Novitiate is a more intense period of spiritual formation and discernment. The novice is introduced deeply to the religious life, the vows, the Constitutions of the Congregation, and the spirituality of the Heart of Jesus. It is a sacred time of prayer, silence, reflection, and personal growth as the novice prepares to profess his first vows.
Scholasticate
After First Profession, the scholastic enters the stage of theological and pastoral formation. This period includes philosophical and theological studies, pastoral experiences, community living, and continued spiritual growth. The scholastic is formed intellectually, spiritually, and pastorally for future ministry in the Church.
Perpetual Profession
Perpetual Profession is the lifelong commitment of a religious to God within the Congregation. Through the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, the religious offers his life completely to the service of Christ and His Church as a Priest of the Sacred Heart.
Ordination
Ordination is the sacred moment in which a religious who is discerning the priesthood is ordained to the diaconate and later to the priesthood through the laying on of hands and the prayer of the Church. The ordained Priest of the Sacred Heart is sent forth to proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the Sacraments, and continue the mission of Christ in the world.
“Trust in the Heart of Jesus, and answer His call with generosity.”
