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A PROGRAM OF FORMATION FOR DIVINE WORD MISSIONARY BROTHERS
(US Provinces)

DESCRIPTION OF THE S.V.D. BROTHER

The Divine Word Missionary Brother is a person who has chosen to commit himself to Gospel values according to the charism and lifestyle of the Society of the Divine Word. This commitment is his faith response to a call to grow in his understanding and acceptance of self, the Lord, and others. This commitment is made visible in development of his personal talents and becoming a professional able to share these gifts with his community and those he is called to serve in the context of the charism of the Society of the Divine Word.

Our total commitment to the Lord and to his work of salvation is expressed in following him along the way of the evangelical counsels. These are to make us forgetful of self, available and equipped for complete involvement in the missionary church.

 

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Divine Word Missionary

The Brother entering the Brother Formation Program has already demonstrated his commitment to religious life in the Society of the Divine Word by professing first vows. It is assumed that he is pursuing goals, which he has determined for himself, and in dialogue with the Society, and that, essential to this pursuit, he has openness to further growth and development.

This program offers a framework through which he can continue to grow in personal maturity, spiritual development and his SVD mission identity.

At the beginning of the program the individual and the Director of Brother Formation will assess previous evaluations. This assessment is to provide the individual with an increased awareness of his areas of strength and needed areas of growth which he can then use as a personal guide ongoing development.

Growth toward human maturity implies the harmonious development of a person’s physical, affective, intellectual, and moral endowments as well as gradual attainment of a more mature sense of responsibility for ennobling one’s own life through constant effort, and pursuing authentic freedom (GE1). Freedom then acquires new strength when a person commits self to the service of the human community (GS 31).

Growth and development are tasks shared both by the individual and the community; individual growth and development takes place in the context of community. As the community grows, the individual in it grows; as the individual grows, so does community.

Community heightens the uniqueness of the person. Freedom, tolerance, pluriformity, accountability are marks of a mature community. The ways members communicate, interact, and relate to each other and to authority are deeply and pervasively formative of the individual. This is so because we become ourselves through our life together. Community is an event that takes place on the level of shared values and shared concern, and it is on this level that we become the person we are. (PPF, 523).

Our communities should provide us with a suitable environment in which we can grow in the missionary vision that has brought us together. (Const. 310.2)

In order to profit fully from his experience in community and to prepare himself to minister to the people of God, it is necessary for the Divine Word Missionary Brother to have good human relation skills. It is recommended that whenever possible the Brother participate in an on-going sharing supportive group within his own community. Since human dignity demands acting according to a knowing and free choice (GS 17), our Brothers should receive prudent counseling to enable them to form their conscience rightly and to make free and responsible decisions.

In order to develop his ability to make decisions out of inner choice and community charism and to follow through responsibly, at the beginning of each vow year, the Brother will meet with his Provincial Director to articulate his formational goals for that year. They will meet again quarterly to evaluate these goals.

Educational Experiences

The academic and professional training of our confreres should be in accord with the requirements of their respective countries; it should also bear in mind the missionary goal of our Society and its international character. (Const. 503)

The Brothers are to obtain the training that corresponds to their abilities and inclinations as well as to the missionary tasks of the Society.

The program of studies should deliberately emphasize the missionary dimension and provide a basic education in the humanities and social sciences. Insofar as the necessary preliminary stages have been completed, the possibility is there for further professional training or academic study. (Const. 515.1)

For the Divine Word Missionary education is both a right and an obligation. The needs of the Society along with the individual interests and abilities of the Brother are to be taken into account when he and the Director of Brother Formation evaluate and propose a course of studies to the Provincial and his council for approval.

To further understand his role as a Divine Word Missionary Brother in the life of the Church, the Brother in formation will participate in courses, workshops, or seminars in missiology and theology. He must also keep current on new developments in religious life and take an active interest in the efforts of local and/or national Brother organizations.

Evaluation

Changes in the world and in the church, in the sciences and theology, as well as development in different phases of one's life, demand of each confrere and community ongoing, development in one's field and lifelong maturity. (Const. 520)

Since education and growth are gradual processes, periodic evaluation of development is needed. (PPF, 250)

To review his commitment and growth as described in the Brother Formation Program, each Brother will participate in a program of evaluation on an annual basis. This consists of the following elements which are centered on the evaluation process for renewal of vows:

  1. A written self-evaluation is to be discussed with the Provincial Director of Brother Formation. The self-evaluation should begin with the Brother candidly evaluating himself in terms of his personality, professional and academic competence, spirituality, and areas of needed growth and strength. (PPF 251).

  2. A letter is addressed to the Provincial expressly requesting permission to renew vows.

  3. A meeting is held with the Provincial Director of Brother Formation and the local formation supervisor.

  4. For renewal of vows the vote of the local community, along with the local formation supervisor’s report, the small community evaluations and any student responses, are forwarded to the Provincial and his Council for final decision.

  5. A quarterly meeting with the Provincial Director to assess progress.

 

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

Spiritual development is most important to the Divine Word Missionary Brother. His very identity, after all, is rooted in his faith-life and commitment to God through the three vows. A Brother must seek to better know the Lord, to become more and more a person of prayer, and to witness to God's love for all people. Unless he continues to grow in his loving relationship to the Lord, his religious missionary life will become merely a service to be performed, a job to be done.

It is by listening to the word of God and living it that we become co-workers of the Divine Word. The witness of a truly Christian life on the personal and community level is the first step in the realization of our missionary service. People must be able to recognize that we have experienced in our own lives the kingdom that we proclaim to others. (Const. 106)

Personal Prayer and Reflection

Prayer is the life-blood of the Divine Word Missionary Brother. Through prayer he learns what the Lord’s will for him is, and receives the strength to carry it out. And so, it is essential that each Brother strive to develop his personal prayer life, and become a living witness to its importance in his life of service and ministry.

We dedicate a certain amount of time every day to meditative prayer in which the Holy Spirit leads us to all truth and forms our lives more and more according to the image of Christ. (Const. 409)

Because both prayer and community are such important aspects of the Brother’s vocation, it is essential that they be integrated in each Brother’s life. Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them. (Matt. 18, 20) The Brother will participate in daily community prayers and liturgical worship, so that the community will have a united voice in prayer. It is also important that he join in special prayer functions, particularly days of recollection and an annual retreat.

Spiritual Direction

One who is searching for the Lord in his life will certainly find Him. As Scripture says: "Everyone who asks will receive, and whoever seeks will find, and the door will be opened to the one who knocks." (Matt. 7,8) But, very often, like the first disciples, each of us needs help to recognize the Lord and the working of His Spirit in our lives. Hence, each of us has a need for spiritual guidance and direction.

A spiritual director is one with whom the Brother can share his experiences of prayer. A director should be a compassionate listener, and a person of prayer someone worthy of trust and respect. Sharing his prayer life with a spiritual director can help the Brother find the Lord and better understand his relationship to himself, the Lord and the world around him. Each Brother will choose a spiritual director with whom he meets on a regular monthly basis.

Spiritual Direction is completely confidential.

Theological Input

A Divine Word Brother is both missionary and minister, sensitive to other's feelings and needs. As a representative of the Church, he gives living witness to the Good News. It is, therefore, necessary that each Brother deepens his understanding of the Christian message, and develops his ability to verbalize it.

The Brothers are called to carry out the missionary task of thechurch, entrusted to every Christian in baptism and confirmation, in thedecisive way called for by the religious life. Through their varied services and witness to the Gospel, the Brothers share in the mission of Christ to renew all things. (Const. 515)

Essential to the proclamation of the Gospel is a familiarity with the Scriptures and some formal study in current theology. Upon entering the Brother Formation Program, each Brother in consultation with the Provincial Director of Brother Formation, is to develop a program of theological study. Ordinarily, a minimum of 12-15 semester credits covering basic areas of theology is required and completed before novitiate. A written program of theological study is not necessary if the Brother has already completed this requirement. All Brothers however, are encouraged to do ongoing study in theology.

 

SVD IDENTITY & MISSION

Community Belonging

We show interest in the life and work of each confrere and help and encourage him to bring his life and talents to fuller development. We share each other’s joys, sorrows, hopes and problems. Goodness and kindness should be characteristic of our Society. (Const. 303)

Community living is an integral part of the Brother's religious missionary commitment. It is within community that he finds fraternal support. This fraternal support is essential to the formation of a Divine Word Missionary Brother.

Therefore, it is most important that the Brother experience in his formation years a general feeling of support from the local community into which he has been assigned. The Brother will therefore only be assigned to a community where this formation is assured. He must be seen as a mature, dedicated member who contributes to the happiness and the effectiveness of the community. He must experience involvement in the goals and objectives of his community. His full participation in the life of the community is expressed through the Liturgy, prayer, work and mutual support.

In order to facilitate peer group interaction, Brothers will be placed in approved "clusters" for the first two to three years after novitiate. A cluster can be described as a place which will:

  1. Provide a variety of ministerial experiences (education/formational, parish ministry, community service).

  2. Be in a geographic area small enough so as to allow for meetings on a regular basis;

  3. Have a competent formation director;

  4. Insure that the program of Brother Formation is understood, followed and accepted;

  5. Be a part of the local SVD apostolate.

(from the Brothers' Thanksgiving Workshop, 1982)

The clusters are approved by the Provincials and Directors of Brother Formation in North America.

The Divine Word Missionary Brother is called to develop an awareness of and sensitivity to the wider interests and objectives of the Society. He will be responsible and mature, well prepared for his vocation and the demands of the times, spiritually alive and willing to dedicate himself fully to the missionary life.

The principle of solidarity requires each confrere and community to be co-responsible for and contribute to the well being of the individual and the whole Society. (Const. 303)

The Brother will acquaint himself with the administration and policymaking institutions of the SVD. In order to accomplish this objective, he shall participate in house or district meetings, assemblies and chapters. It is also important that he be aware of activities of the Province and Generalate.

As an expression of his concern for continuing effective ministry, the Brother should be willing to participate in new models of future apostolates and formation. He is encouraged to make use of SVD publications to communicate his ideas and opinions and to benefit from the feedback of his confreres.

Apostolic Experience/Involvement

As St. Paul, the apostle of the gentiles, identified himself with those he served, so we meet with friendliness and goodwill those among whom we announce the gospel, growing into their historical situation, customs and mentality. We will be one with them in respect and love, sharing their joys, sorrows and aspirations. (Const. 120)

In order that the Brother will develop the qualities of an effective minister, he should see himself as a person of God, who makes manifest God’s love in the world. He should strive to be of service, having sensitivity toward others. He has dedicated his life to spread the gospel and to the betterment of humanity.

The Divine Word Missionary Brother will also be a professional in his field of ministry, giving of himself totally in service. Each Brother, in his desire to live a life of evangelical poverty, consecrated celibacy, and apostolic obedience, becomes a life giving witness to the people of God.

The special gift that each Divine Word Missionary Brother contributes is that of his personal charism. The professional side of a Brother’s vocation has its root in his personal charism. If a man is aspiring to the Brotherhood, he must find and realize his personal charism, for this will help to determine, in the context of S.V.D. charism, the direction of his ministry as a Brother. His personal charism may find its expression in teaching, parish ministry, social justice work, carpentry, etc.

At every state of formation Brothers dedicate part of their time to supervised social and apostolic ministry. Cross-cultural experiences and temporary mission assignments are highly encouraged during their formation (see OTP and Const. 515.3)

The SVD is intimately linked with humanity and its history; its focus is on the world of all people, the entire human family. The Brother must be aware of the international character of the SVD. In order to accomplish this, he must not only have knowledge of the Constitutions and directives of the Society, also must internalize them in his day-to-day ministry. Another important consideration for the Brother information is that of the Founder's charism. He must realize that this is not just an intellectual matter, but also a means of expressing the action of the Spirit. It is important that the Brother identify this action in himself and in the Society. This is expressed by his openness to involvement in SVD cross-cultural apostolates.

The charism of the Society of the Divine Word in the Church may be expressed in this manner:

Being an intermediary agent between all local churches in their effort to be in communion with each other and so live consciously out of a universal brotherhood.

Bringing the effort of this universal church to the task of creating a Christian presence among non-Christian cultures and peoples in order that the entire Church may give a greater and richer expression if its very nature as sign of the eschatological consummation of this world in man's intimate union with God and with all people in Christ.

The missionary activity of the Church is the very reason for our existence as a Society and should provide the formal element that characterizes our way of life and our activities. (The Missionary Purpose of the SVD in Today’s World, proposals of the SVD Theologate faculty at CTU, Chicago, October, 1972, p. 15)

The Brother in formation must manifest in his attitude an awareness of and sensitivity to the values of cultural or racial groups other than his own.

By making use of available workshops, organizations, etc. on social justice, the Brother will raise his level of consciousness in social justice concerns. Our efforts to win more widespread recognition and appreciation of the dignity and inner worth of the human person are more important than any material help we can give. (Const. 112.1)

 

ORGANIZATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

In the community the confreres have a variety of services and tasks to perform for the building up of the Body of Christ. (Rom. 12, 4-5) Yet each in his own way contributes to the common missionary goal of the Society.

Each confrere should be eager to work in harmony with others in the activities entrusted to the Society, making his contribution towards building up the Body of Christ (See Eph. 4, 11-12). When the occasion demands it, he is willing to renounce personal preferences for the sake of the common good. (Const. 304)

During the time of formation it is essential that the Brother increases his understanding and acceptance of the mutual responsibility and accountability that exists between himself and the SVD. This relationship may be described in the following manner:

The Society provides:

  • Financial support

  • Opportunity for vacations and home visits

  • Counseling for profession choice and educational planning in line with Society charism and needs

  • Spiritual direction

  • Community days of recollection and an annual retreat

  • A program of formation and directors to implement it

  • Opportunities for regular evaluation

  • Education and training for service and ministry

  • A community conducive to formation

Likewise the Brother:

  • Contributes to the apostolate of the Society through his work and by sharing his talents

  • Commits himself to the common good of the Society

  • Is obedient to the will of God as expressed in the SVD

  • Is faithful to the constitutions of the Society

  • Participates in the activities of the Brother Formation Program

  • Is responsible for annual self-evaluation

  • Is responsible for meeting regularly with directors of the Brother Formation Program

  • Shares in the life of the local community

Novitiate Requirements for Brother Candidates

Although this Handbook is primarily concerned with the formation of Brothers in temporary vows, it also includes a listing of the requirements for entrance into the novitiate.

In most respects the requirements for admission to novitiate are the same for seminarians and Brother candidates. However, while the academic requirements are clear for a man who intends to be a cleric in the Society, they are sometimes not so clear for a man who wants to be a Brother. To clarify, they are as follows:

Academic Requirements

Theology: 12 - 15 credit hours, including these courses:

  • Old Testament

  • New Testament

  • Christology

  • Church

  • Sacraments

  • Introduction to Theology

  • Morals/Ethics

Social Sciences: 9 - 12 credit hours, including:

  • Cultural Anthropology

  • Anthropology and Mission

  • Language and Culture

  • Expository Communication

Professional/Technical Requirements

A candidate should have completed an initial level of training in a professional field. For example:

 

Carpentry: apprentice program
Nursing: registered nurse, B.S. Nursing
Teaching: bachelor's degree with certification
Social Work: B.S. Social Work
Business: Bachelor's or Associate of Arts degree.

Rationale for Requirements

The above requirements are established so that after first vows the Brother can be placed in a community and be able to make a contribution to an SVD apostolate while he is also growing as a young missionary religious. At the same time, he will be gaining experience in his professional/technical field.

With the experienced gained during the years of placement in a community the young Brother will have better information to approach the choices for the next stage of his program. Will he go for advanced studies or training? Will he go on to CTP?

With the community experience, as well as the subsequent choices, he can better make his choice and preparation for final vows.

With the above program the Brother should be ready both professionally and as a religious missionary for his first permanent assignment after perpetual vows.

 

EVALUATION FOR RENEWAL OF VOWS

The Provincial Director of Brother Formation may choose from a number of evaluation forms which are presently in use. Much will depend upon the nature of the community in which the Brother in temporary vows is living.

One form, adopted from a "continuity study" by the North American Formation Commission is reproduced in Appendix A.

 

TRANSFERS: WITHIN AND BETWEEN PROVINCES

Process for Inter-Province Transfer

  1. The process can be initiated by the Brother in temporary vows, the Provincial Directors of Brother Formation, the National Coordinator of Brother Formation or the Provincials.

  2. The initiating persons prepare a written statement indicating the reasons for requesting a change.

  3. The reasons for change are discussed by the above parties.

  4. The Provincial, if he has not already been involved, is brought into the discussion and his counsel is sought.

  5. Possible placement sites are explored by the Directors of Brother Formation.

  6. The Director of Brother Formation in the receiving province discusses placement possibilities with the local superior and local formation supervisor.

  7. Concrete proposals are prepared by the Provincial BFP Director (sending province) including the reasons for change; the Provincial BFP Director of the receiving province prepares an evaluation of placement sites. These are presented to the National Coordinator.

  8. The National Coordinator reviews the proposals, adds his comments and forwards them to the Provincials involved.

  9. If a change is made, the Provincial Director of the receiving province meets with the involved parties at the new site to develop an understanding of the placement. This placement agreement should include:

    1. Name of the local director.

    2. Relationship with the local superior and the

    3. Community

    4. A job description.

    5. A determination of financial responsibility,

    6. for example: how costs for insurance, studies,

    7. Student loan repayments, etc. will be handled.

Process for Intra-Province Transfers

  1. The process can be initiated by the Brother in temporary vows, the Provincial Director of Brother Formation, the National Coordinator of Brother Formation or the Provincial.

  2. The person initiating the request should prepare a written statement indicating the reasons for a change.

  3. The reasons for a change are discussed by the above parties.

  4. The Provincial, if he is not already involved, is brought into the discussion.

  5. The Director of Brother Formation and the Brother in temporary vows explore together possible placement sites.

  6. The choice for a new placement is discussed with the local superior and the local supervisor.

  7. The Director of Brother Formation prepares a concrete proposal and offers it to the Provincial.

  8. If a change is made, the Director of Brother Formation then meets with the involved parties at the new placement site to develop a placement agreement. This agreement should include:

    1. The name of the local director.

    2. The relationship with the local superior and

    3. the community

    4. A job description.

    5. A statement of financial responsibility, for

    6. example, how the costs of insurance, studies

    7. and loan repayments will be handled.

 

CHANGE OF STATUS

Brother in Temporary Vows to Seminarian

  1. The Brother writes to the Director of Brother Formation stating his desire to prepare for priesthood and his reasons for it. Copies are given to the local formation director, Rector of the Theologate and the Provincial(s) involved.

  2. The Director of Brother Formation and the local formation director send their recommendations to the Provincial(s), with copies to the Rector of the Theologate.

  3. The Brother is interviewed by the Rector and Formation Director of the Theologate.

  4. The Rector and Formation Director of the Theologate send their recommendations to the Provincial(s) with copies to the Director of Brother Formation.

  5. The Provincial Council determines acceptance into the Theologate formation program.

  6. Confidentiality during the above process is accorded the individual discerning his vocation. However, if a local community is voting on renewal of temporary vows, they should be informed if a change of status is imminent.

  7. Seminarian to Brother: Suggested Procedure

    1. The seminarian writes a letter to his Formation Director at the Theologate stating his desire to become a Brother and his reasons for it. He sends a copy to the Director of Brother Formation and the Provincial.

    2. The Director of Formation at the Theologate sends his recommendation to the Provincial with a copy to the Director of Brother Formation.

    3. The seminarian is interviewed by the Director of Brother Formation.

    4. The Director of Brother Formation sends his recommendation to the Provincial with a copy to the Director of Formation at the Theologate.

    5. The Provincial Council determines acceptance into the Brother Formation Program.

    6. Confidentiality during the above process is accorded the individual discerning his vocation. However, if a local community is voting on renewal of temporary vows, they should be informed if a change of status is imminent.

 

 

CROSS-CULTURAL TRAINING PROGRAM

Nature of the Program

  1. The CTP is highly recommended, and fully endorsed by the Directors of Brother Formation.

  2. The ordinary length of the program will vary from a minimum of 18months to a maximum of three years. Two years, however, is the average

  3. The first stage of the program involves language and cultural studies. Such studies will normally not take more than one-half of the total time of the program.

  4. The second stage consists of an in-depth supervised mission experience. CTP is not simply an exposure program. The Brother will participate in some aspect of the regular apostolate of the host province. To become an effective learning situation the experience must be supervised. This involves a personal learning relationship with an experienced missionary. The activity must be such that it involves the Brother with the people of the area. To have any depth, the supervised mission experience should consist of one long placement (at least 12months) rather than many shorter ones. In this way the Brother will realize the impact and consequences of his ministry and have adequate time to develop a wholesome and fruitful relationship with his supervisor, confreres, and those with whom he works.

Goals of the Program

  1. To broaden the Brother's understanding of Church and its missionary mandate.

  2. To solidify and mature the Brother's vocation in the Society of the Divine Word.

  3. To clarify the Brother's interests and aptitudes and knowledge of the way in which he can contribute to the missionary work of the SVD.

  4. To heighten the sense of international mission awareness.

  5. To develop awareness of the impact of another culture on the individual Brother.

  6. To facilitate early initiation into language and cultural studies.

Prerequisites of the CTP

The Brother:

  1. Will be in temporary vows for at least two years.

  2. Exhibits personal stability in his vocational choice.

  3. Has an appropriate level of emotional and spiritual maturity.

  4. Is in good physical health.

  5. Has satisfactorily completed a preparation program, e.g. as at CTU.

  6. Has sufficient professional skills or knowledge to contribute to the missionary efforts of the host province.

Application Procedures

  1. The Brother who wishes to participate in the CTP confers with the Provincial Director of Brother Formation to determine if the prerequisites have been met.

  2. The Brother requesting admittance to the CTP draws up a goal statement for each of the following areas:

    1. Personal growth

    2. Spiritual growth

    3. Vocational development

    4. Professional contribution.

  3. The National Coordinator of Brother Formation meets with the Brother to discuss placement possibilities and to assist in the preparation of goals statements.

  4. The two directors in North America, the National Coordinator of Brother Formation and the CTP/OTP Director at the Theologate may confer about appropriate sites for Brothers and seminarians applying for CTP.

  5. The National Coordinator of Brother Formation presents the application and a statement of approval from the host province to the Brother’s home provincial.

  6. When the application is approved by the Provincial, the National Coordinator coordinates the preparation program and other specifics with the Brother and his provincial.

  7. Should an application be denied, it is referred back to the Brother, along the same lines of communication.

National Director: Host Province

  1. Formulate local policy for CTP.

  2. Clarify lines of authority and accountability for the supervisors and participants in the program.

  3. Assure the availability of spiritual directors for CTP participants and the time for them to attend to this dimension of the formation program.

  4. Maintain contact with the National Coordinator of Brother Formation in the U.S./Canada.

  5. Participate in those sessions when evaluations and contracts are prepared between the Brother and the on-site supervisor.

Qualities of the On-Site Supervisor

  1. A person who can provide the Brother with a welcoming atmosphere of acceptance and freedom to exercise ministry so that the Brother can come to a deeper awareness and understanding of himself as an SVD missionary Brother.

  2. A role model for the religious missionary life.

  3. Has ability to live and interact with young confreres.

  4. Has adequate mission experience.

  5. Hass24 ability to direct in-service training.

  6. Has willingness to work with the Brother in the on-going evaluation that the program requires.

  7. Has theological background that has kept up with recent developments.

  8. Has contemporary understanding of, and appreciation for, the Brothers' role in the Church and our Society.

Responsibilities of the On-Site Supervisor

The on-site supervisor is to accept responsibility in three broad areas: direction, reflection and evaluation.

  1. Direction:
    Set goals and determine the CTP schedule with the Brother; establish the responsibilities of the Brother; provide in-service training and supervision.

  2. Reflection:
    Set a weekly or monthly meeting time with the Brother to reflect on the CTP experience as a learning/formation experience.

  3. Evaluation:
    Facilitate the five required evaluations.

Although the evaluations are to be prepared by the Brother himself, the supervisor will go over the material with him and offer his observations. In light of the supervisor's comments, the evaluation is to be put in final form.

At any time in the program, the supervisor may offer a personal evaluation of the Brother to the National Director of CTP (host province) and the National Coordinator of Brother Formation (U.S./Canada). It is highly recommended that a final evaluation of the Brother should be prepared by the supervisor and submitted to the two persons named above.

Evaluations during CTP

Evaluations are an important part of the CTP. Without such instruments, supervision would remain only an ideal with little implementation and no practical means of accountability. Without supervision and accountability there would be little if any formal training.

Language/Cultural Studies Evaluation

The purpose of this evaluation is to determine how the Brother is doing in language/cultural studies, adjusting to his new environment, and progressing in his goals.

Evaluations will take place after the third month, or mid-way through the course, and at the completion of language/cultural studies.

An initial report is to be drafted by the Brother himself, and where possible, presented to the language/cultural studies director or major teacher for additional comments.

Copies of this evaluation are distributed to the National CTP Director in the host country, the National Coordinator of Brother Formation in the U.S./Canada, and the on-site supervisor.

Evaluation of Missionary Work

The purpose of this evaluation is to critically review the Brother’s mission involvement. Determination of strengths and needed areas of growth would be appropriate. These are all put within the broad framework of the goals already established: personal, spiritual, vocational and professional.

Three written evaluations need to be prepared by the Brother during the course of this second stage of the CTP: after the third and sixth month, and one month prior to the completion of the program.

 

CTP CONTRACT

The purpose of the CTP contract is to clarify and specify the expectations of the Brother and his supervisor which are to be fulfilled during the course of the mission experience. The contract serves as a job description or program for implementation of the goals of the CTP.

Upon arrival in the host country, the National CTP Director, the on-site supervisor and the Brother will meet to formulate the contract. This initial formulation might need to be adjusted at a later date, for example, after the completion of the language/cultural studies, to reflect the actual situation and the real scope of the Brother's missionary involvement.

The CTP contract should include the following information:

  1. Place and timetable for language/cultural studies.

  2. A description of the site of the Brother's assignment.

  3. A description of the Brother's role at that site.

  4. A specific statement of responsibilities for each area of the Brother’s involvement, including goals and objectives for each area.

  5. A clear statement of the lines of authority and accountability.

  6. A statement of the responsibilities of the supervisor.

Copies of the signed contract should be kept by the Brother and supervisor. Copies should be distributed to the National Coordinators: of the host province and U.S.A./Canada.

Suggested form: CTP CONTRACT

  1. Profile of mission experience setting:

    1. Name of location

    2. Number of staff

    3. Description of site

    4. Socio-economic description of the situation

    5. Language, educational and racial context

    6. Religious affiliations of the people

    7. History of the mission

  2. General description of the type of mission work which the CTP Brother is involved in.

  3. Types of opportunities that the mission offers the CTP Brother.

  4. Specific tasks for which the Brother will be responsible. It is well to indicate the approximate time to be given to each task. Ideally, a weekly program ought to be outlined for the Brother.

  5. Supervision:

    1. Name of the supervisor and his responsibilities.

    2. Lines of authority of those to whom the Brother

    3. is responsible.

    4. Provisions for formal supervisory sessions with

    5. the supervisor: time, frequency, and length of sessions.

  6. Provisions for continued language/cultural studies, if necessary.

  7. Aids to help the Brother integrate theology and mission experience (resources, such as local seminary, district house, suggested readings, etc.)

The contract should be signed and dated by the Brother and the supervisor.

 

 

CTP SCHEDULE

The purpose of the CTP schedule is to provide all concerned with a timetable for the CTP experience.

At the initial meeting in the host country, the Brother, the National Director and the supervisor should draw up a calendar to indicate the timetable for the various CTP stages and other events involved in the mission experience. Like the contract, this timetable might need to be adjusted during the course of the program.

The contents of the schedule should include the following information:

  1. The dates for language/cultural studies (Stage One)

  2. The time of involvement in the apostolate (Stage Two: Mission Experience).

  3. The time of the annual retreat.

  4. The times of quarterly recollections.

  5. The time of the annual vacation.

  6. The time of any local workshops from which the Brother might benefit.

  7. Weekly day(s) off.

  8. The schedule of language/cultural studies evaluations (2).

  9. The schedule of the mission work evaluations (3)

  10. The schedule for the weekly or monthly meetings with the supervisor.

Copies of this signed schedule are retained by the Brother and his supervisor. Copies are sent to the two National Coordinators: of the host province and U.S.A./Canada.

Finances

  1. Expenses covered by the sending province are:

    1. Preparation program

    2. Travel to and from CTP

    3. Educational expenses, such as tuition, books, room and board for language

    4. studies and cultural studies

    5. All medical expenses

    6. Extraordinary expenses are normally taken care of by

    7. the sending province, but discussion between the

    8. host and sending province should ordinarily take

    9. place before these expenses are incurred.

  2. Expenses covered by the host province are:

    1. Monthly allowance: this should be in line with what

    2. local SVD students or others on CTP receive.

    3. Room and board during the ministry stage of CTP.

Money received by the Brother is to be disposed of according to SVD Constitutions.

The National Coordinator of CTP in the host country and the National Coordinator of Brother Formation in the U.S are to establish an acceptable procedure for billing and payment of all CTP expenses.

 

 

MEMBERSHIP AND VOWS

Membership

When a Brother is approved for CTP he is transferred to the Province in which he will be doing CTP. This transfer is made by the Generalate for the length and purpose of this formation program. Through this transfer he has all of the rights and privileges, as well as all of the responsibilities, of any member in temporary vows within a province of the Society.

Renewal of Vows

Before going on CTP, each confrere should profess temporary vows for a period of two or three years, depending on how long he expects to be away from the sending province (c 513.5).

If the CTP student’s departure for CTP takes place several months before the next renewal of vows is due, the provincial superior can allow him to anticipate profession after the usual admission process.

The vow formula in c 513.9 is to be used except for the designation of the time period. The fact that the temporary profession was made for a period of two or three years must be noted in the Profession Records and on the confrere’s Relatio Form.

Notification of this profession must be communicated to the provincial superior of the receiving province.

Before leaving for CTP, it is presumed that each Brother has taken the opportunity to prepare himself adequately in his cross-cultural sensitivity, missiology, and mission methods. He should also have a clear understanding of the philosophy, purpose, goals and requirements of the CTP program.

An assessment of a person’s readiness for CTP will be included in the evaluation for renewal of temporary vows at the end of a Brother’s evaluation year. Final approval for CTP is given sometime during the following year by the Provincial Council, upon the recommendation of the local council and National Coordinator of Brother Formation.

Upon return from CTP, the Brother takes the Mission Integration Seminar sponsored by CTU or some similar re-entry program. This time of supervised reflection on the experience of ministry is essential so that the student, in the company of peers, becomes aware of the patterns of his service and his own needs; it facilitates a deepening self-knowledge, self-acceptance and self-esteem, as well as a further revelation of God’s call.

 

 

PREPARING FOR PERPETUAL VOWS

Constitution 514.1 states that all SVDs undertake a special program of preparation for perpetual vows for a period of six months to a year. Further, it says that our confreres should "spend the time of preparation for perpetual vows in a house of the Society where thorough training and preparation are assured."

The first step is to request permission to begin preparing for perpetual vows. This is not a request to profess perpetual vows, only to begin the preparation. Acceptance for perpetual vows is a separate process.

The request to begin preparing for perpetual vows should include:

  1. A direct statement to the Provincial requesting permission to begin preparing for perpetual vows.

  2. A proposed date to begin the preparation and the length of the program. It should also indicate a preference for location and date of the vow ceremony since these dates must be coordinated with the provincial. In proposing dates, it would be wise to check with other individuals or houses who may also be planning major events in the province.

  3. The particulars of the program and a timetable. Please describe each activity.

  4. A budget projecting estimates on the various costs involved in the program.

The Constitutions state the following:

"The immediate preparation for perpetual vows takes place under spiritual direction. Conscious regularity in meditation and prayer, scripture reading and participating in the Eucharist must now confirm confreres in their response to the Lord's call. In this way, they are helped to make a final decision to dedicate themselves for life to the Divine Word in our Society and thus cooperate in his ministry of salvation. (Const. 514)

"Confreres spend the time of preparation for perpetual vows in a house of the Society where thorough training and preparation are assured. Preparation for perpetual vows last six to twelvemonths. (Const. 514.1)

 

 

REQUESTING PERMISSION FOR ADMISSION TO PERPETUAL VOWS

Requesting permission to profess perpetual vows follows a process very similar to the process for renewal of vows: a formal request, vote by local council, and vote by provincial council. In the case of perpetual vows, however, the provincial council then sends a summary of the process and the relation to the general council. The superior general, with the consent of his council, admits members to perpetual vows.

The request for permission to profess perpetual vows should be submitted at the beginning of the preparation period. The customary self-evaluation and a direct statement requesting perpetual vows should be included.

APPLICATION FOR FIRST ASSIGNMENT IN PERPETUAL VOWS

The Handbook for Superiors gives the steps in this process of applying for first assignment.

  1. Confreres usually make their application for first assignment at the same time as they apply for admission to perpetual vows. The first assignments are usually made in the following May or June.

  2. Confreres should submit their application to their prefect or director of brother formation for comment and recommendation. He in turn submits the pertinent papers to the local superior who, after consulting other confreres, votes collegially with the full local council.

  3. In addition, the provincial superior should use the occasion of the first assignments to meet personally each confrere and to explain thoroughly the process and content given in numbers C21, 1.0 – 5.0.

  4. The provincial superior with his council will then consider the application together with all documentation, including the collegial vote of the local council. He in turn will pass on all necessary documentation together with the collegial vote of the provincial council to the superior general. The importance of this collegial discernment cannot be exaggerated.

  5. The superior general, with the consent of his council, makes the first assignments in accord with the goals and needs of our Society after due consideration of the expressed preferences of our members and of the recommendations of all lower levels of administration.

The Handbook for Superiors offers further comments on the first assignment.

Application for first assignment in our Society should be seen as an exercise of solidarity and co-responsibility for the well-being and development of our religious-missionary community.

First assignment takes place in the context of dialogue wherein superiors respect the personal dignity of our members and members respect that same personal dignity by showing initiative and zeal for the achievement of Society goals, as well as readiness to accept the lawful authority of our superiors.

Accordingly, it is important for confreres to let the superiors know where they stand by revealing:

  1. The state of their health

  2. Their personal inclinations & capabilities

  3. The type of work they judge themselves most suited for.

  4. Their academic or professional training, fields of specialization, degrees or

  5. certificates acquired, etc.

In making out their application for first assignment, confreres should be open and trusting; failure to be honest and candid in making known one’s true preferences and one’s real disinclinations is a serious mistake and can only mislead superiors and all others involved in the assignment making process. It is equally important to make known both preferences and non-preferences; it assists superiors if one indicates where one does not wish to be assigned for ministry.

Availability and adaptability are necessary to make rational planning possible in the Society. Accordingly,

  1. The applicant may opt for a specific province if he has a definite reason for it, such as having done CTP there, having developed a special interest during formation years, etc.

  2. The choice may be made for a country rather than a province when it has several provinces or when it is not part of larger language areas.

  3. For the Generalate the assignments become easier if an applicant, instead of opting for a particular province, requests a language area, for example, French or English-speaking Africa, Spanish, or Portuguese Latin America. This openness and flexibility have proven a great help in distributing the available personnel according to existing needs.

In making first assignments the Generalate takes some very important factors into considerations. Handbook for Superiors states:

The Society needs confreres willing to commit themselves to some specific areas of our SVD mission today such as: formation (initial and ongoing), vocation promotion, communications, education (schools, colleges, universities), SVD research institutes (anthropological/missiological institutes), finance and/or administration.

Applicants interested in these areas are requested to give reasons for their choices and indicate their personal talents and interests in line with the above basic concerns of the Society.

Since the first choices cannot always be granted, those expressing their desiderata should, therefore, be willing to accept a different assignment, if called for. All volunteering for first assignments “should understand that they have as much chance to receive their third preference as their first. No one should be disappointed with a third choice” (Nuntius XIII, p.473).

Prior to appointing someone to a country or a ministry for which he did not volunteer, the Generalate normally first consults the individual concerned. It does not do so, though, if he is appointed to his homeland (Nuntius XI, p. 432,5).

"Strong emphasis should be placed on the personal development and professional training of brothers in the occupational categories indicated by the 12th General Chapter.

 

 

SOCIETY POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS FOR A CONFRERE IN TEMPORARY VOWS WHILE HE IS ENGAGED IN ACTIVE MINISTRY

Overall Policy

“The years in temporary vows assist the further development of the spiritual life. They serve to dispose confreres to respond better to the claim God has on them through the evangelical counsel and to help them see more clearly the fields of work open to them in the Society. During this time each confrere should grow in the assurance that he will find human fulfillment in his vocation as a religious missionary.” (Const. 513)

“The aim of our constitutions and directory is to clarify the Master’s invitation, "Come, follow me."

To follow the Divine Word and entrust ourselves to his service demands that we remain loyal to the Society we have joined and to the way of life we have vowed. Such loyalty, however, entails more than a conscientious observance of the letter of the law. For us the supreme norm of a life of service should be the self-surrender of the Lord who for love of us died that we might live.” (Epilogue of the Constitutions).

Community Expectations and Responsibilities

  1. “Therefore, we, like our founder must be men of prayer, filled with faith and hope, constantly seeking closer union with God. This is the source of our apostolic zeal.” (Const. 122)

  2. “We live the celibate life in community. This means that we strive to form a true brotherhood where every confrere can feel at home, form deep friendships and find fulfillment in his work and in the development of his talents.”(Const. 204)

  3. “The heart of our shared life is the Eucharist. Our oneness in Christ grows particularly through its celebration where we are strengthened by listening to the word of God and where the one bread we break is a communion with the Body of Christ.” (Const.302)

  4. “Each confrere should be eager to work in harmony with others in activities entrusted to the Society.” (Const. 304)

  5. “Meals taken together are a sign of friendship and love; they promote a sense of community. Likewise, common recreation and friendly get-together are of great value in fostering community.)(Const. 306)

Personal Obligations and Responsibilities

  1. “We foster a sense of personal initiative and responsibility in carrying out our missionary task.” (Const. 119.1)

  2. “Daily Participation in the Eucharist.” (Const. 402)

  3. “We devote a suitable amount of time each day to reading the scriptures and studying spiritual and theological questions.” (Const. 407.1)

  4. “Daily meditation lasts at least half an hour.” (Const. 4091)

  5. “In our daily examination of conscience we reflect on our lives and our following of Christ.” (Const. 410.1)

  6. “Confreres will strive to live a simple way of life and so become a challenge to the mentality of a consumer society.” (Const. 211)

  7.  “The apostolic scope and community character of our poverty demands the conscientious use and administration of all temporal goods given to us.” (Const. 212)

  8. “In the sacrament of reconciliation we experience the merciful love of the Father through Christ. Frequent and regular meeting with Christ in this sacrament helps us grow in love and become more credible witnesses of his word.”(Const. 411)

  9. “All confreres should entrust themselves to regular spiritual direction.”(Const. 403.1)

  10. Ministry requires advanced moral and emotional/sexual development, a clear knowledge of fiduciary and legal responsibilities, a solid sense of professional boundaries, thoroughgoing standard courses and workshops on these matters, the National Director of Brother Formation will provide a list a various workshops on these matters. The local formation director will see that they are discussed during the year in the group meetings. Lastly, the local or National Director of Brother Formation will make them a topic in the individual interviews at sometime during the year.

  11. Internet connection is available for all Brothers to facilitate their use of educational and research sites in the pursuit of their studies. It also makes available the convenience of e-mail communication. Access to the Internet opens up the possibility of the use of a vast array of sites e.g. information, shopping, travel, entertainment, etc., of e-mail and other communications (e.g. chat rooms). Therefore each Brother is responsible to use the Internet in such a way so as to support and develop our major purposes: human maturity, professional competence and committed faith. Using the Internet for immoral or illegal purposes is considered a major breach of trust and grounds for seeking dismissal from the Society or non-renewal of vows.

Local Superior’s Obligation and Responsibilities

  1.  The local superior has the rights and duties as outlined in the Constitutions and Directory. (See Const. 636 and elsewhere.) In a parish context, the pastor, for all practical purposes, functions as religious superior for a member in temporary vows. Local superiors have the overall responsibility for seeing to the implementation of Society directives and policies.

  2. The local superior, along with the principal, determines school and community activities. The Pastor specifies the school, church and parish activities in which the young confrere is to involve himself. Participation in these various activities are primary and take priority over part-time studies or any other involvement outside the community, parish, and school.

  3. In general, the same approved practices regarding the use of money hold true for a member in temporary vows as it does for one in perpetual vows in harmony with our Constitutions and Directory.

  4. While the local superior shall show fraternal interest in and deep concern for each individual (Const.636) and while he shall promote fraternal discussion in all matters of common concern and interest (Const. 636), his is the final responsibility in community/parish/school matters. Correspondingly, he has a right to expect an account from the individual concerned regarding all such matters.

Formation Supervisor's Responsibilities

Where a confrere in perpetual vows has agreed to function as on-site supervisor, his supervision entails above all else:

  1. A willingness to listen.

  2. A readiness to encourage.

  3. An ability to spot weaknesses and failings to help correct them.

  4. Occasional visits to classes or other activities.

  5. A general readiness to help foster the individual's growth and development by prompt advice, by a concern for his needs and difficulties, and by foreseeing and forestalling whatever may be negative.

  6. Spiritual Director's Responsibilities

It is the role of the Brother's spiritual director:

  1. To help him grow in personal maturity and living faith,

  2. To guide him in deepening his understanding of his vocation and of the three evangelical counsels,

  3. To help him grow in appreciation of and commitment to our Society, its way of life, Constitutions and Directory,

  4. To further instruct, guide and encourage him in the art of prayer to facilitate the work of the Spirit and so enable him "to have that mind which is in Christ Jesus". (Phil. 2,5)

  5. To make him aware of his need for continued self-denial and simplicity of life, and

  6. To challenge him to show forth in his whole way of living that Christ is the "way and the truth and the life" (John 14, 6) for him.

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THEDIRECTOR OF BROTHER FORMATION

In General

Constitution 522.3 states: "A director is to be appointed in each province or for several provinces, responsible for the recruitment, education and formation of Brothers. He sets up and implements a suitable formation program; in this he is responsible to the provincial superior and his council.

In the Temporary Vow Program

  1. To meet with the individual Brother at the beginning of the program to assess previous evaluations.

  2. To meet with the Brother at the beginning of each vow year in a goal setting interview.

  3. To meet quarterly with the Brother.

  4. To facilitate participation in training experiences.

  5. To assist the individual Brother in discerning a professional choice.

  6. To conduct the annual evaluation of individuals in the temporary vow program.

  7. To discuss with the individual Brother the annual retreat opportunities.

  8. To assist the Brother in developing a program of theological study.

  9. To plan and implement "cluster" activities. This will include two meetings during the course of the year in the Province "cluster".

  10. To provide guidance and evaluation, at least annually, of apostolic activities.

  11. To assist in the planning and evaluation for the preparation for perpetual vows.

  12. To assure that an adequate program of spiritual training and preparation is provided and affected.

  13. To provide funds from an approved budget for education expenses and special activities. Ordinary expenses are provided by the local community.

  14. To assist in the selection of local formation supervisors.

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NATIONAL COORDINATOR OF BROTHER FORMATION

The role of the National Coordinator of Brother Formation will be:

  1. To oversee that the Brother Formation Program is applied in the Provinces.

  2. To evaluate and oversee the programs dealing with Brother Formation already established as well as to propose new ones.

  3. To intervene when the program for the Brothers in formation is not followed, or when development is not taking place in a Brother candidate or a Brother in temporary vows.

  4. To determine if an institution/parish is a valid site for formation, and also to determine if there are role models present in that formation institution/parish.

  5. To help the individual Brothers who are in the Formation Program to choose or grow in their vocation in the SVD, and to help determine their overall readiness for mission work.

  6. To coordinate proposals to Provincials for inter-provincial assignments during formation years.

  7. To coordinate the annual gathering.

History of the Development of This Program

  • 1975 Initial discussion and committee work

  • 1978 Presentation of the program

  • 1984 Revised to adapt to new SVD Constitutions

  • 1985 Approved by U.S. Provincials

  • 1991 Revised. Approved by North American Formation Commission on March 23, 1991.

  • 1991 Revised program approved by North American Provincials on April 17, 1991.

 

 

APPENDIX A

EVALUATION FOR RENEWAL OF TEMPORARY VOWS
BROTHER FORMATION PROGRAM

Evaluation of Brother _______________

The SVD National Formation Commission completed an in-depth study of our formation programs from pre-novitiate to post novitiate, calling their work a "continuity study". The Commission attempted to point out the various issues and concerns which candidates deal with as they progress through formation. They are:

  • Community Life

  • Physical & Intellectual Development

  • The Apostolate

  • Religious Life

  • Personal/Emotional Maturity

  • Spiritual Life

This evaluation form incorporates some of these concerns and asks you to indicate how well you see the Brother in temporary vows dealing with these areas of our religious life.

Under each of the six major categories there are a number of statements. Below each of the statements are phrases which are intended to help focus your comments. Please use the space below the statements to write your comments. It is possible that you may have no comments for some areas.

I. COMMUNITY

1.1 He identifies with the Society.
*involved in life & work of the Society
*participates in SVD activities
*demonstrates loyalty to the Society

1.2 He lives in community without excess dependency or independency.
*functions well in community
*demonstrates independence/accountability
*demonstrates a good level of self-esteem

1.3 He is a contributing member of the community.
*shares and listens in a group
*shows appreciation for the process of dialogue
*deals appropriately with conflict & confrontation
*shows a readiness to serve where needed

1.4 He has skills for multi-cultural community living

II. PHYSICAL & INTELLECTUAL

2.1 He has an appropriate level of education and skills.
*has an accurate image of his abilities
*continues to develop his skills
*offers his skills & talents freely
*expresses himself clearly in written & spoken word

2.2 He looks after himself physically.
*exercises moderation in food and drink
*takes care of himself
*balances work, rest, leisure, time for prayer

III. APOSTOLATE

3.1 He identifies with the poor.
*has ministry contact with the poor.
*is content in ministry.
*can relate to rich or poor.

3.2 He shows enthusiasm for our SVD charism.
*engages in the SVD apostolate.
*participates in SVD activities
*works as a team member
*multi-cultural

3.3 He explores his own biases.
*displays an openness to challenge.
*listens and "explores"

IV. RELIGIOUS LIFE

4.1 He lives a celibate life.
*shows happiness in community.
*demonstrates ability to love and to share

4.2 He lives an obedient life.
*communicates with superiors.
*dialogues with community
*deals appropriately with anger

4.3 He lives a poor life.
*lives simply
*has few "gadgets"
*shows concern for the poor
*shares his belongings and time.

4.4 He is free from clericalism.
*views himself as a lay person
*can work with SVD priests without feeling dominated or limited.

V. PERSONAL/EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

5.1 He has a healthy relationship with his family.
*keeps in touch with his family
*doesn't fall back on family as first line of support
*exercises freedom of choice in dealing with family

5.2 He demonstrates a healthy sexual identity.
*isn't overly "macho" or effeminate
*relates well with men and women
*relates well with heterosexuals, homosexuals and transsexuals

5.3 He demonstrates a healthy individual identity.
*demonstrates poise and confidence
*is able to relax
*can handle stress & conflict in a healthy way

VI. SPIRITUAL LIFE

6.1 He has a personal relationship with God.
*has a sense of the sacred
*is aware of his creature hood
*speaks of faith in his life
*integrates Christian values

6.2 He participates in spiritual direction
*takes major decisions to discernment

6.3 He has an understanding of mission
*has a sense of fraternity with all
*is open to dialogue
*understands that mission is not geographical
*appreciates his role as a lay person

6.4 He has a personal prayer life.
*sets aside time for prayer
*participates in community prayer and liturgy
*attends retreats and recollections

6.5 He has an appreciation for quiet.
*is at peace in quiet time
*"goes apart"

 

VOTING

  • PP highly recommended

  • P recommended

  • PQ recommended with qualifications because.....

  • ? vocation is questioned because....

  • D dismissal recommended because...

  • I I do not know him well enough to vote on renewal.

Your vote is: __________

Your name _________________________ Date __________

 

 

APPENDIX B

EVALUATION OF MISSION EXPERIENCE: suggested format

Brother ____________________

Name of Person Evaluating: ____________________

I. Vocation

  1. To what extent does he participate in community prayer and liturgy?

  2. Is his personal prayer life evident?

  3. How well has he adapted to the new culture?

  4. How does he relate with confreres, co-workers, and people he ministers to?

  5. What is the quality of his contribution to the apostolate of the province?

  6. Does he seem well-suited personally to his chosen profession or work?

  7. Does he seem happy as an SVD Brother?

  8. Is he able to fit himself into the Society's pattern of life and mission?

II. Supervision

  1. Have the supervisory sessions been regularly used?

  2. Have they been fruitful? How could they be improved?

  3. What is the date for the completion of the next evaluation?

 

 

APPENDIX C

EVALUATION SCHEDULE (sample form)

To be completed at the initial meeting of the Brother, National Coordinator of CTP and the on-site supervisor.

Brother _________________________

Supervisor _________________________

Site: _______________

Language/Cultural Studies (Stage One)

1. The first evaluation: Date:_______________
This is to be prepared after the third month, or midway
in the Brother's language/cultural studies program)

2. The second evaluation: Date:_______________
This is prepared at the completion of language/cultural studies.

Mission Experience

1. The third evaluation: Date:_______________
This is prepared after three months of mission experience. It is the time to inquire
whether the contract is in need of re-negotiation.

2. The fourth evaluation: Date:_______________
This is to be prepared six months after the mission experience has begun. It offers the opportunity to determine how to use the remaining six months to the best advantage.

3. The fifth evaluation: Date:_______________
This is prepared one month before the completion of the program.

Supervisory Evaluation Schedule (weekly or monthly)

 

Date Time Place
_______________ _______________ _______________
_______________ _______________ _______________
_______________ _______________ _______________
_______________ _______________ _______________

 

 

APPENDIX D

Sample form

____________________ ____________________ ____________________
Family Name First Name M.I.

APPLICATION FOR FIRST ASSIGNMENT
(PETITIO MISSIONIS)

The following material will initially be used by the members of the House, Provincial and General Councils. Later the General Council will supply to the Province of your first assignment only that information which it feels is useful and not in violation of confidentiality. Please print or type all responses.

Present Community of Residence: .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

Personal Data

Birth: Place .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. Date .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Baptism Place .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Date .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Father's Name .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Mother's Name .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Name and address of relatives who should be contacted in case of emergency (in order of preference).

1. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Phone.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

2. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Phone .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Entrance into the Society of the Divine Word

When and where did you begin your formation in the Society?

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Novitiate: Place .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Date .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Date of first vows .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Date of final vows .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Number of years in temporary vows .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Educational Profile

High School: Name .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Place .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

 

College/University/Vocational School:

 

Name .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Place .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Major Area .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Minor .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Dates .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Degree/Dip. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

 

Name .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Place .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

 

Graduate Study/Advanced Training

Name .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Place .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Major Area .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Minor .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Date .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Degree .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Language Proficiency (in order of proficiency)

 
Speaking Knowledge of 1. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .2. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .
  3. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .4. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .
Reading Knowledge of 1. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .2. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .
  3. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .4. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Professional/Ministerial Background

Occupation prior to entering the Society of the Divine Word:

Assignments in temporary vows:

Place .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Dates .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Type of Service .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Place .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Dates .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Type of Service .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Ministerial/Professional experience during program of Brother Formation, (e.g., C.P.E., OTP, required and self-initiated ministries --how long?)

Special skills (musical, communications, administrative, business, mechanical, artistic, carpentry, nursing, athletic, farming, etc.)

Personal Health Profile

What is the state of your health at present?

Are there any physical or psychological concerns that should be considered in regard to your first assignment? Explain briefly.

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Personal Preferences for First Assignment (Please make three different choices, indicating the country and/or province.)

First Choice: .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Reasons .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

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Second Choice: .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Reasons: .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

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Third Choice: .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

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Personal Preferences for Type of Assignment. Explain briefly.

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List below any place and/or type of assignment you would wish to have excluded from consideration

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Use the following space for any additional information that would be useful to the Superiors in making this assignment.

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Opinions of the Superiors:

Provincial Director of Brother Formation

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Local Superior and Council

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Signature .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Date .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

 

Provincial Superior and Council

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Note: This program is still on the process of being updated.