From October 8th through the 12th, 2008, I visited The Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity in Corpus Christi, Texas. My visit there was excellent. The most meaningful dimension of the trip was speaking to a wide variety of individuals concerning their experiences. This included several who were part of the Formation program. Their spirituality is essentially exactly what I’m looking for. They appear to be very orthodox and progressive, in that they are completely in line with Church teachings, and are flexible in reaching the surrounding culture. They are open-minded Traditionalists, but they are certainly not isolationalists.

They are primarily a Missionary Community of Priests, Brothers, Sisters, and Lay Members, making them unique within Catholic Church. This is their charism: Ecclesial Teams. It appears to be one big happy family. And they are growing, both here and abroad! The founder is regarded by some as a living Saint, and others in the community are clearly very holy and dedicated. The Holy Spirit is moving in a very powerful and supernatural way through them. It’s not hard to be inspired by their zeal and love.

The first step would be to do volunteer work in North Dakota, on a Native American reservation. From there, I would enter their formal Formation program. The first step is Candidacy, which is one year in Belize (Central America). After Candidacy comes Novitiate. That takes place in an isolated setting in Colorado. After Novitiate comes Philosophy studies in Corpus Christi, Texas, which is approximately two years in duration. Theology studies follow Philosophy, and most individuals go to Rome during this phase of Formation. This lasts about three to four years. Finally, there is approximately one more year of discernment before the aspirant becomes an ordained Priest in the Society of Our Lady. So as you might gather, this is a rigorous and lengthy process, designed to provide unique educational experiences to help equip their people in the areas they will serve. The acadmenic program also seems to be a cut above many others.

This opportunity seems like a great adventure to me. However, I do not pretend to know what the future holds. It just seems like a great Religious community and Formation program that’s worth pursuing. Therefore, by the grace of God, I will take life one day at a time.

May God’s will be done. Please keep me in your prayers.

http://www.societyofourlady.net/