Formation is the period of time in which candidates preparing to be priests or brothers begin to live Redemptorist Community life, and learn about the Redemptorist Charism and Mission.

As men consider Redemptorist life, they need to discern whether they are also called to be ordained. Are they called to become a priest or a brother? Both are full members of the congregation.

Redemptorist Priests

Redemptorist priests do all the things we ordinarily identify with priesthood (preside at Eucharistic Celebrations (Mass), Celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick). Because of our rich history of preaching, moral theology, and work with the poor and abandoned, candidates for priesthood pay special attention in their studies to Moral Theology, Homiletics, and Social Justice, and work in Parishes, Preaching Missions, Inner-City Ministry, Youth and Young-Adult Ministry.

Redemptorist Brothers

Redemptorist Brothers also serve the Church in many ways. For example: Parish Ministry, Chaplaincies, Administration, Inner-City Ministry, Social Work, Counseling, Diocesan Programs, or Education.

Basic Requirements to Begin Discernment

Anyone seeking to begin discernment should…

• Be a practicing Roman Catholic between the ages of 20-40.
• Have completed high school and at least have begun undergraduate studies.
• Be free of major debt
• Have a desire for prayer and to serve God through serving others.
• Have both the desire, and the ability to live the vows, and to live in community.
• Be willing to participate in the mission of the community, as inspired by St. Alphonsus.