Formation Process for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart

Formation Process for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart

There are three stages of formation:

Stage 1:  Pre-Novitiate

This stage begins towards the end of January and finishes in late October.

The Pre-Novitiate Formation House is in Blackburn, Victoria and falls within the Catholic Parish of St Thomas the Apostle, Blackburn.

What does it involve?

It is firstly an experience of community life with the MSC’s.  Regular community activities such as prayer and meals are shared together.

It also involves:

  • An initial five day retreat
  • Pastoral placement on a regular basis
  • Meeting a wide variety of other MSC’s, visiting a variety of ministry settings and places
  • Studies of MSC Australia and nearby countries where MSC are involved.
  • Input on the origins of the MSC Order and religious life in general
  • Introduction to Heart Spirituality – the Spirituality of Jesus
  • Learning different models of prayer
  • Introduction to Spirituality and Sexuality
  • A growing appreciation of Professional Standards in the Catholic Church today
  • An introduction to the Yarra Theological Union including the Heart of Life Spirituality Centre
  • Preparation for the transition to the Novitiate

Stage 2: Novitiate

The Novitiate begins on the first Friday of November.  It is situated in St Mary’s Towers, Douglas Park, NSW.  The program runs for 13 months and therefore finishes in mid-December the following year.  This is a quieter time of prayer by the novice with deep discerning of God’s presence and relationship.

 It involves:

  • An initial 10 day retreat
  • An ongoing reflection on the MSC Constitutions of Life, Spirit and Mission
  • A deepening appreciation and commitment to the vows of Obedience in Fraternal Charity, Consecrated Celibacy and Evangelical Poverty
  • Experiencing a Thirty Day Retreat based on the Ignatian Exercises
  • An intense Pastoral exposure following the retreat to put one’s desires into action
  • A wilderness experience to deepen one’s love of God’s creativity (flora and fauna), and to appreciate more deeply one’s own ability to be in that environment.

At the end of the Novitiate the novice takes temporary vows, for one, two or three years.

 Stage 3: Studies

 Theological studies are undertaken at Yarra Theological Union (YTU) in Box Hill, Melbourne.

  • Students whether clerical or brothers take up regular sessions of pastoral work.  This may be in Blackburn Parish or other settings keeping in mind the mission of the MSC Society.
  • During this time students will be prepared to make commitment as MSC’s for their lifetime.
  • the theological input will pursue studies up to degree level or diploma as discerned.

For clerical students:

At the conclusion of undergraduate studies (normally 3 Years) the students will continue with Master of Theological Studies to assist them gain the expertise for priesthood (2 years). 

  • When all studies are completed the students are ready to be ordained to the Diaconate. Following this ceremony they take up pastoral settings fulltime (usually a Parish for about six months). 
  • Then in conjunction with the Church and its approval the deacon may be ordained priest.

For Brothers:

Following theological studies each candidate will undertake professional studies or trade in a ministerial field. 

  • A decision such as this is done taking into account their abilities and desires. 
  • This could take another two to three years to complete these requirements.
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