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.
Blessed Lord,
who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:
help us so to hear them,
to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them
that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word,
we may embrace and for ever hold fast
the hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
