Welcome to the site of the TransCanada Province of the Spiritans. We are a Roman Catholic Religious Congregation of over three thousand members, founded in 1703. Our missions are spread worldwide. While we may be found involved in many diverse ministries, we have dedicated ourselves to working with the poor and in those situations where the Church has difficulty in finding ministers. We hope you enjoy your visit to our site and that while browsing you will keep us in your prayers. May God bless you.

Spiritan Vocations Office


SPIRITAN FORMATION (Training)
TransCanada Province Formation Programme Outline

PRIEST

BROTHER

Postulancy
Pre-Novitiate

This is the initial stage of discerning the vocation. It is a period of time given for a candidate to experience Spiritan Religious community. Mutual assessment between the individual and the Congregation. The postulant may continue to work or study or may start new courses.

The entry points are Sept. or Jan.
Duration 1 to 2 years.

Postulancy
Pre-Novitiate

This is the initial stage of discerning the vocation. It is a period of time given for a candidate to experience Spiritan Religious community. Mutual assessment between the individual and the Congregation. The postulant may continue to work or study or may start new courses.

The entry points are Sept. or Jan.
Duration 1 to 2 years.

Novitiate

A spiritual year which enables the candidate to deepen his vocation. At the end of this year the candidate makes the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for three years.

Duration 1 year

 

Novitiate

A spiritual year which enables the candidate to deepen his vocation. At the end of this year the candidate makes the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for three years.

Duration 1 year

Studies

Undergraduate Degree or its equivalency. It is recommended that some Philosophy be studied. The duration depends on the individual's prior education.

Studies

Undergraduate Degree or its equivalency or the Brother may also be asked to pursue a Professional Degree or studies towards a Trade. The duration depends on the individual's prior education and/or training.

Overseas Training Programme (O.T.P.)

Ministry in a missionary context, living and working in an intercultural milieu. During this time the individual is supervised and guided by a Spiritan mentor in the hosting community.
Duration 1 to 2 years

Overseas Training Programme (O.T.P.)

Ministry in a missionary context, living and working in an intercultural milieu. During this time the individual is supervised and guided by a Spiritan mentor in the hosting community.
Duration 1 to 2 years

Theological Studies

Duration 3 to 4 years

 

Studies continued...

Undergraduate Degree or its equivalency or the Brother may also be asked to pursue a Professional Degree or studies towards a Trade. The duration depends on the individual's prior education and/or training.

Profession of Final Vows

Profession of Final Vows

 

Ordination to the Diaconate

 

The Professed Spiritan is ordained as a Deacon and assigned to a Spiritan Parish for a period of 6 to 12 months.

 

First Appointment

The newly professed Spiritan Brother is assigned to a specific ministry in any one of the sixty countries around the globe in which the Spiritans are present. This assignment is decided upon by the Spiritan General Council in Rome after consultation with the individual and his Superior in the TransCanada Province.
Duration - A minimum of 5 years is to be given to the First Appointment but it may be that the Spiritan remain in that appointment for a much longer period.

Ordination to the Priesthood

 

First Appointment

The newly ordained Spiritan priest is assigned to a specific ministry in any one of the sixty countries around the globe in which the Spiritans are present. This assignment is decided upon by the Spiritan General Council in Rome after consultation with the newly ordained individual and his Superior in the TransCanada Province.
Duration - A minimum of 5 years is to be given to the First Appointment but it may be that the Spiritan remain in that appointment for a much longer period.

Lay Spiritans

Volunteer International Christian Service (V.I.C.S.)

For requirements and conditions, see the Lay Spiritan Guide:

http://www.spiritans.com/layspiritans.htm

 

For requirements and conditions, see the VICS website:

http://www.volunteerinternational.ca/qualifications.html

 

Prayer for Vocations

Jesus, sent by the Father and consecrated by the Holy Spirit, you came to save all people and you continue your mission in the world of today through your disciples. May your Holy Spirit inspire men and women to participate in this ongoing ministry to peoples, groups and individuals who have not heard the Good News, or scarcely so: to those whose needs are greatest: to the oppressed, and to those for whom the Church has difficulty finding labourers.

 

Mary, mother of Jesus and our blessed mother, you watched over and guided the formation of your Son in Nazareth. Foster and strengthen among your Son's disciples the call to serve as priests, religious and lay ministers in the ever challenging world of evangelisation.

Amen

Spiritan Vocations Office

Phone: 416 691-9319 x.21
Fax: 416 691-8760

E Mail:

vocations@spiritans.com

Spiritans,
The Congregation of the Holy Ghost

Laval House
121 Victoria Park Ave.
Toronto, Ontario
CANADA
M4E 3S2

 
www.spiritans.com