Applying to the Novitiate
After an appropriate period of discernment, a man may be invited by the Vocation Director to apply for admission into the Novitiate of the Society of Jesus. The application process is meant to be an experience of discernment through which the Society of Jesus and an applicant enter freely and honestly into an intense time of reflection, assessment and discovery. Through this process, the two strive with the help of the Holy Spirit to discover the will of God, and they commit themselves to a faith-filled response to it.
The entire Process takes approximately ten weeks. During that time, the applicant undergoes thorough psychological, physical and spiritual assessment and evaluation. He is interviewed by four Jesuits and one lay Ignatian partner. He meets with a psychologist, a medical doctor, a dentist, and an ophthalmologist or optometrist. He completes and submits the two Statements of Authorization and the Application for Admission. He submits academic transcripts, two photos, the results of the HIV testing; the Reports of Physical, Eye, and Dental Examinations; the Certificates of Baptism and Confirmation; all other necessary canonical documents; five letters of reference; and a criminal background history report. The reports of the five interviewers, the results of psychological testing, and any official documents or transcripts are submitted directly to the Vocation Director. A checklist of all these materials is included in this packet. The Process may not reach its final stages until all materials have been submitted to the Director of Vocations.
In addition, the applicant should maintain personal diligence in each of the following areas: daily prayer, spiritual direction, the sacramental life of the Church, contact with a Jesuit community, service to the poor, and an intentional living of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
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