Becoming a Dehonian

What to expect

The process of formation generally follows five steps, though each person and his vocation is treated individually.

1. Inquiry

Call or e-mail our vocational staff, then meet with one of our members. Depending on where you are in your discernment, this process can move quickly or take several months. Explore life with the Priests of the Sacred Heart through weekend and summer ministry experiences and/or “Come and See” weekends, where potential candidates spend time with one of our religious communities.

2. Candidacy

Following your initial discernment during the inquiry process, you may be invited to apply to the Admissions Board for candidacy. Once accepted, you’ll live and study with the SCJs as we further help you discern your vocation. Candidacy generally lasts two to four years.

3. Novitiate

After two to four years as a candidate, you can next apply for the novitiate. This is a year of intense prayer and study that covers our history, our founder, and, most importantly, our community’s spirituality. The novitiate is the final step before a man applies to take vows with the Priests of the Sacred Heart.

4. Temporary vows

These are the first vows a religious takes, renewed each year until he applies for final vows. Temporary vows usually continue for at least three years, including a pastoral year – a year of full-time ministry.

During these initial years of formation, a man discerns whether to pursue his SCJ vocation as a religious brother or priest. Academic studies depend on one’s vocation and the ministry of choice but always include theological studies. An SCJ preparing for the priesthood generally earns a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s of divinity. Advanced studies may be needed for both brother and priesthood candidates preparing for specialized ministry.

5. Final vows

When a man has discerned his commitment to the Priests of the Sacred Heart, he can apply to take final or perpetual vows. In conjunction with final vows, the SCJ continues to prepare for full-time ministry. Cleric candidates pursue ordination as a deacon and, later, a priest.

Of course, just as education never ends, neither does formation. Although SCJs pass from candidacy through initial formation and final vows, the formative process of who one is as an SCJ  in community and ministry continues throughout a person’s life.