Formation

    In the Confraternity, initial formation, or Aspirancy, takes place in the context of the Intensive Apostolate in our Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Thurgoona, Albury, in the diocese of Wagga Wagga. Here, aspiring members can continue some study, some work if necessary, and are introduced to the Confraternity’s unique method of outreach to the “churchless millions”. Here they begin to learn the art of prayer, especially priestly adoration and intercession. They see the need for and have the opportunity to help the priests and brothers with programs of moral and sacramental formation. While being involved in a well-rounded program of study that fills gaps in their knowledge in preparation for novitiate and possible further studies, they begin to experience the central place of the family and its importance for the life of the parish and for evangelization. They learn to see in the family the domestic church, the first place of priestly worship. They begin to learn the value and dignity of their baptismal priesthood and its meaning for total, self-giving love, in union with Christ the Priest.

    The Aspirancy is followed by a 12 month period of Novitiate at Christ the Priest House of Studies, San Isidore, on the outskirts of Wagga Wagga. This is a much deeper introduction to the charism and traditions of the Confraternity of Christ the Priest. In this period, the novice becomesa man of deep prayer and spiritual sacrifice, and also contributes to community life. Inasmuch as it benefits his formation, he undertakes practical work for the upkeep of the community house and its beautiful surrounds. During this period of formation, the novice is under the direction of a Novice Director, who accompanies his spiritual progress and learning. Latin, Liturgy, Spiritual Theology and Salvation History are important areas of learning in the novitiate. Learning the art and strategies of self-giving commitment in community life is essential preparation for the teamwork needed in the Intensive Apostolate.

    Following the first profession of vows, a time of joyful surrender with a sense of embarking upon a great adventure for God, those who continue to discern a calling to Holy Orders begin priestly formation. While living a community life at San Isidore, the student for the priesthood travels, as necessary, the short distance to the Wagga Diocesan Seminary, St John Vianney Seminary, located on the northern outskirts of this inland city, within walking distance of Charles Sturt University. This is a time of spiritual involvement in the Intensive Apostolate since the major emphasis is on academic learning. Philosophy and Sacred Scripture, Fundamental, Dogmatic, Moral and Spiritual Theology, Patristics, Liturgy and Homiletics are taught by well trained lecturers at Vianney College. At the successful completion of the six year course, a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree is awarded through the Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome, with whom the College is affiliated.

    Not all men called and drawn to the life of the Confraternity are called to Holy Orders. Many wish to give their lives to God for His glory and the salvation of the world through the work of the Gospel through the Brother’s Apostolate in the Confraternity. These men, after taking first vows, or even before that, undertake trades and professions, according to their gifts, so as to earn the finances for the missionary work of the Confraternity, and so participate in many and various ways in the Intensive Apostolate. Some these forms of participation involves work in administration, as sacristans, running youth groups, media work, home visitation etc. The multimedia Apostolate is a very important area of the Confraternity’s work for the Churchless Millions.

    The culmination of initial formation (time spent in first vows), for those who continue to show the signs of a genuine calling, is, of course, the great day of final vows. This is the moment when a well-formed man solemnly and joyfully offers himself to God for the whole of his life in the Confraternity. By this time, he is well-prepared and equipped, spiritually, intellectually and, perhaps technically, for his work, as a member of a family and a team, in the missionary apostolate of the Confraternity of Christ the Priest.

    Of course, for those called to the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the next great moment is sacramental. It is the reception of Holy Orders, whereby the candidate is changed in his very being and marked for all eternity with a ministerial participation in the one priesthood of Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest. From now on, he will enjoy the frightening privilege of celebrating the Holy Mass, of preaching the Word of God, of transforming bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, of offering the one Priest and Victim to the Father in the Holy Spirit, for the glory of God and the salvation of His people. He will absolve sins in Jesus’ name and serve the People of God as a shepherd under his bishop.

    Both priests and brothers in the Confraternity, as brothers in Christ, continue their formation every day of their lives. From the moment they rise early each morning, the constant prayer in their hearts is the sacred disposition of their divine master: “Behold, I come to do your will, O God”.