NovitiateThe novitiate, also called the noviciate, is the period of training and preparation that a Christian novice (or prospective) monastic, apostolic, or member of a religious order undergoes prior to taking vows in order to discern whether they are called to vowed religious life. It often includes times of intense study, prayer, living in community, studying the vowed life, deepening one's relationship with God, and deepening one's self-awareness.
Christian monasticismChristian religious way of life
Catholic ChurchChristian church based in Rome
OrdinationOrdination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart and elevated from the laity class to the clergy, who are thus then authorized (usually by the denominationalhierarchy composed of other clergy) to perform various religious rites and ceremonies. The process and ceremonies of ordination may vary by religion and denomination. One who is in preparation for, or who is undergoing, the process of ordination is sometimes called an ordinand.
Episcopal Church (United States)The Episcopal Church (TEC), also known as the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America (PECUSA), is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, based in the United States. It is a Mainline Protestant denomination and divided into nine provinces. The presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church is Sean W. Rowe. In 2024, The Church of England Yearbook reported a total of 2.4 million members.Religious orderA religious order is a subgroup within a larger confessional community that has members who lead a contemplative lifestyle devoted to prayer and service. Religious orders often trace their lineage from their founders and have a text describing their lifestyle called a rule of life. Such orders exist in a number of the world's religions and their denominations.Vultum Dei quaerereVultum Dei quaerere (Latin for Seeking the Face of God) is an apostolic constitution issued by Pope Francis on 29 June 2016, regarding women's contemplative life.
Anglican CommunionInternational Christian communionThe Anglican Communion (AC) is a Christiancommunion consisting of the autocephalous national and regional churches historically in full communion with the See of Canterbury. Member churches exercise jurisdictional independence but share a common heritage concerning Anglican identity and commitment to scripture, tradition, and reason as sources of authority.
Eastern Orthodox ChurchSecond-largest Christian church
LutheranismMajor branch of ProtestantismLutheran priest elevating the host during the Mass at Alsike Church, SwedenChurch of the Revelation, an Evangelical-Lutheran parish of the Church of Sweden in the locality of Saltsjöbaden
CandidateA candidate, or nominee, is a prospective recipient of an award or honor, or a person seeking or being considered for some kind of position. For example, one can be a candidate for membership in a group or election to an office, in which case a candidate selection occurs. "Nomination" is part of the process of selecting a candidate for either election to an office by a political party, or the bestowing of an honor or award.
LatinLatin (lingua Latina or Latinum) is a classical language belonging to the Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally spoken by the Latins in Latium (now known as Lazio), the lower Tiber area around Rome, Italy. Through the expansion of the Roman Republic, it became the dominant language in the Italian Peninsula and subsequently throughout the Roman Empire.
DeaconA deacon (from Greek "assistant", "servant") is a member of the diaconate, an office in Christian churches that is generally associated with service of some kind, but which varies among theological and denominational traditions. Major Christian denominations, such as the Catholic Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, Methodism, and Anglicanism, view the diaconate as an order of ministry.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.