3. Novitiate The pre-novitiate is followed by a two-year period of novitiate. The novitiate is considered to be the most important time of initial formation. During the first year of the novitiate, the novice examines closely her call to the religious life, her relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and her understanding of the Marianist charism. In order to facilitate this reflection, the novice does not work in a ministry during the first year and has formal classes with a novice director.
Also, it is during this first year that the novice considers the history of the Marianist Sisters, our Rule of Life, and the vows. The second year of novitiate is also a time of deepening in the charism, however, this is done in the context of ministry and preparation for professing vows.