Having experienced a CLOISTER DAY or having COME FOR A CUPPA a young woman may decide that she would like to seriously pursue the possibility that she has a vocation to the Poor Clare way of life. This time of more intensive discernment is called ASPIRANCY and the Church requires that this must last at least a year. Depending on the circumstances of the individual it may consist of a series of visits to the monastery and conversations with the formation director. In our monastery, this period of time includes firstly, a twelve day LIVE-IN experience. This is always an enriching experience, both for the Community and the aspirant, and leads to further clarity on the question about whether or not God is calling her to this particular way of life. After the LIVE-IN, if the aspirant and the sister accompanying her discern together that she should continue with the aspirancy a further longer stay with the community of at least three months, will be arranged and regular contact will be kept up. If after this time it becomes clearer that a genuine call to the Poor Clare way of life is present, the aspirant may apply to become a postulant. Postulancy is the first formal STAGE OF FORMATION.
Almighty, eternal, just and merciful God,
grant us in our littleness [the grace] to do for You alone
what we know You want us to do,
And always to desire what pleases You.
Thus, inwardly cleansed, interiorly enlightened
and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit,
may we be able to follow
in the footprints of Your beloved Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ.
And, by Your grace alone,
may we make our way to You, Most High,
Who live and rule in perfect Trinity and simple Unity,
and are glorified God all-powerful forever and ever.
Amen.
