Novitiate (1 Year)

Upon a favorable recommendation in aspirancy, the aspirant moves on to novitiate where he is called a novice. The novitiate is one year in length and typically held in Corpus Christi, Texas. During this novitiate the novice studies the constitutions of SOLT, learns the meaning of the evangelical promises of poverty, chastity and obedience and develops his prayer life. The novitiate is marked by much time for silence, coming to deeper self-knowledge, and growth in the contemplative life as well as sharing in communal life.

First Promises

At the close of novitiate, the novice petitions to make his first promises. With this profession of temporary promises of poverty, chastity and obedience for one year, he formally becomes a religious brother. As a religious brother he is given a habit to wear which signifies his consecration. Temporary promises are renewed for a minimum period of 5 years, at which point perpetual promises are made.

Philosophy (1-2 Years)

Philosophical studies are taken at Sacred Heart Major Seminary (SHMS) in the Archdiocese of Detroit. SHMS is an excellent seminary at the forefront of the New Evangelization, garnering the admiration of bishops throughout the United States. It is affiliated with the University of St. Thomas (the Angelicum) in Rome. The SOLT brothers studying at SHMS live in community at Holy Redeemer Church in southwest Detroit at the SOLT House of Studies.

Brothers entering seminary who have not previously completed a Bachelor’s Degree enter into a 4-year program towards their Bachelor’s Degree, which includes the philosophical requirements for passing onto the study of Theology. Those brothers who have previously attained to a Bachelor’s Degree complete a 2-year course of studies called “Pre-Theology” which centers on the philosophical preparation for Theological studies.

Theology (4 years)

Theological studies are also completed at SHMS in a 4-year course. This includes pastoral training, as well as consistent spiritual direction, meeting with formation advisors and retreats. At the completion of the third year of theology, the brother makes his perpetual promises and is ordained to the diaconate. At this point he is a transitional deacon. During the summer months he serves as a deacon, continuing in that capacity throughout his final year of theology. At the completion of the Masters of Divinity degree (4 year theological program) is the celebration of the ordination to priesthood. This takes place in the Cathedral of Corpus Christi in Corpus Christi, Texas, the principal seat of SOLT.

Summer Assignments

Each summer brothers in formation are assigned to various SOLT missions in order to deepen their lived experience of the charism, spirituality and communal life of SOLT and to broaden their exposure to the community’s apostolates. These times also increase fraternity as well as giving opportunity for development of various apostolic skills and experiences. Emphasis is put on at least one of the summer assignments in the study of Spanish.

Each summer brothers in formation are given a home visit that lasts between 2-3 weeks.

Novitiate (1 Year)

Upon a favorable recommendation in aspirancy, the aspirant moves on to novitiate where he is called a novice. The novitiate is one year in length and typically held in Corpus Christi, Texas. During this novitiate the novice studies the constitutions of SOLT, learns the meaning of the evangelical promises of poverty, chastity and obedience and develops his prayer life. The novitiate is marked by much time for silence, coming to deeper self-knowledge, and growth in the contemplative life as well as sharing in communal life.

First Promises

At the close of novitiate, the novice petitions to make his first promises. With this profession of temporary promises of poverty, chastity and obedience for one year, he formally becomes a religious brother. As a religious brother he is given a habit to wear which signifies his consecration. Temporary promises are renewed for a minimum period of 5 years, at which point perpetual promises are made.

Further Studies (2 years)

After first promises, the permanent brother completes 2-years of further in-house studies at the SOLT House of Studies at Holy Redeemer Church in Detroit. He lives and prays alongside the SOLT seminarians. Studies are given by SOLT priests in-house and also through on-line courses. The curriculum is basic theology, including introduction to the Old and New Testaments, Church History, Morals, Sacraments and Spirituality. The permanent brothers also serve at Holy Redeemer church in various apostolates, including CCD classes.

Final Years in Mission (3 years)

The final years of formation are spent in mission: actively living the SOLT communal life and spirituality, serving on an ecclesial team in one of the SOLT apostolates. Yearly evaluations are completed of the brother. At the completion of 5-years in temporary promises, the brother makes his perpetual promises.

Summer Assignments

Each summer brothers in formation are assigned to various SOLT missions in order to deepen their lived experience of the charism, spirituality and communal life of SOLT and to broaden their exposure to the community’s apostolates. These times also increase fraternity as well as giving opportunity for development of various apostolic skills and experiences. Emphasis is put on at least one of the summer assignments in the study of Spanish.

Each summer brothers in formation are given a home visit that lasts between 2-3 weeks.