Defining Candidacy

Candidacy is the first formal period of discernment which is mentored and made within the context of close relationship within a Salesian Community.

This period of discernment may be as brief as six months and may be as long as two or three years according to the individual needs and requirements of the candidate.

Candidacy is most often a lived-in experience of Salesian Religious Life. The applying candidate is invited to live within a Salesian Community setting to live the rhythm of prayer, work, and fellowship and to experience firsthand the daily life of a professed Salesian Religious.

Because young people make this step at various stages in their own professional, educational, personal, and spiritual maturing, no one model of candidacy is suited to all applicants. Some persons will need to focus on continuing their education at this level. Others will need to maintain their employment. Some may need to live outside of a Salesian community while maintaining frequent contact. And there will be those who may be ready to live and work fully prepared for full-time discernment.

Which model is best suited for an individual will be decided in consultation with the applicant, the Director of Formation and the Director of the receiving community.