The Novitiate

The novitiate is a trial period during which the novices come to understand more clearly the nature of a divine and Dominican vocation. They experience the Order’s way of life, are trained, mind and heart, in the Dominican spirit, that their intention and suitability may be ascertained.

1. Before beginning the novitiate, aspirants shall complete five full days of retreat.
2. The novitiate begins when this is intimated by the legitimate superior, in accordance with n. 174. Notice of intimation and affiliation (nn. 267, 268) must be registered in the book of admissions (see Appendix n. 6) and signed by the novice and two witnesses. 
3. The novitiate lasts at least one year. The year can be interrupted or divided into parts as the provincial chapter decides, but the entire novitiate must be completed within two years. One or more periods for formative activity may be spent outside the novitiate community to complete the novices’ formation. In all these matters, the prescriptions of CCL 648-649 shall be observed.
4. Should a doubt exist about a novice’s suitability at the end of the novitiate year, whether the year has been continuous or interrupted, the prior provincial can extend the time of probation but not beyond six months.

1. The novitiate must be made in a convent where authentic Dominican life, regular and apostolic, flourishes. The convent is established for this purpose by a written decree given by the Master of the Order with the consent of his council.
2. The Master of the Order, with the consent of his council, can allow a candidate, in particular cases and by way of exception, to make the novitiate in another house of the Order under the guidance of an approved religious who assumes the role of master of novices. (see CCL 647, § 2).
3. The major superior can permit a group of novices to live for a stated period of time in another house of the Order designated by him (see CCL 647, § 3).

The novice master is in charge of the novitiate. However, the master and the novices are subject to the prior in whatever relates to the general discipline of the convent.

1. Masters of novices are appointed by the provincial chapter or, should it become necessary to provide for this outside the chapter, by the prior provincial with his council. (see Appendix n.7); in which case the Master of the Order should be notified.
2. They remain in office until the new master takes office on the day fixed by the following chapter.
3. Since the formation of novices depends in no small measure on continuity in office, novice masters should not be changed without grave reason outside a chapter.

1. The novice is free to leave the Order or can be dismissed for a just reason by the competent superior.
2. The prior provincial is the competent superior to dismiss a novice. If however there is danger in delay, the prior with the consent of his council can do so, in which case a full report must be sent to the prior provincial.

The master’s special task is to discern the vocation of the novices, and to form them in the life of the Order, in accordance with our laws, and the Ratio Formationis, so that the novices grow in their vocation with a proper understanding and a firm resolve.