How to become a canon regular?
During this time the prospect (the postulant) will get to know the community, the internal processes from the first prayer in the morning to the joint supper. The postulant is free in his activities. Upon expiry of the agreed postulate period, the prospect is free to apply for admission to novitiate. The novitiate (in Latin: novus = new) lasts 12 months. During this period the novice will stay at the Monastery and master vocational training preparing himself member to be. It is up to the novice to leave the community, if he desires so. Contrary the community has the right to dismiss him, if it is of the opinion that the novice may not succeed in adapting himself to Monastery life. After expiry of the novitiate, the novice may become member of the community by taking the solemn promise of poverty, chastity, and obedience. A time limit of 3 years is set. Thereafter, the solemn promise may be extended by another 3 years (in total up to 9 years) or the eternal vows are taken. After a minimum of 3 years, the novice may take the eternal vows. By this act he obliges himself to the vows for lifetime. The conferment of the purple mozetta (to be borne when praying in the church) is the visible sign of a Canon Regular of St. Augustine's Order. During the years of vows, the future Canon Regular studies theology. Thereafter, he may be ordained to deacon and to the priesthood accordingly. In parallel to the studies, the Canon Regular can be urged by his superior to complete an additional education in preparation of a special task (e.g. teaching profession, pastoral services, various activities in the convent, etc.).
