The Journey of Formation

The path from first enquiry to full membership unfolds gradually over several years, allowing time for genuine discernment, deep formation, and the building of lasting relationships within the community.

The novitiate is the formal period of preparation for membership. Over two years, you are introduced systematically to the spiritual and practical life of the Order. Formation during the novitiate includes study of the Rule of St David, the Rule of St Benedict, and the life and teaching of St David himself; instruction in prayer, the Liturgy of the Hours, and lectio divina; formation in the evangelical counsels; regular spiritual direction; and full participation in the life of the Order.

A novice director guides your formation throughout this period. You may freely withdraw at any time during the novitiate, and the Order may conclude that this is not the right path for you. Neither outcome carries any stigma. Before first profession, you will make a retreat of at least five days.

This is an informal period of exploration. You learn about the Order, attend gatherings as an observer, and begin to discern whether God might be calling you to this form of consecrated life. You will be assigned a guide from among the members who will walk alongside you, answer your questions, and help you reflect on what you are experiencing.

During this time, you will study the Rule of St David, participate in the prayer and gatherings of the Order, and maintain an ongoing conversation with the Prior General or a delegate about your discernment. At the end of this period, if you wish to continue, you may petition for admission to the novitiate.

At the conclusion of the novitiate, those who are ready and willing may be admitted to temporary profession. This involves making the three vows of Rootedness, Wholehearted Devotion, and Faithful Service for a period of one year, renewed annually. The total period of temporary profession must be at least three years and no more than six. The ceremony takes place within a celebration of Holy Mass, ordinarily on or near the feast of St David.

During temporary profession, formation continues through ongoing study, spiritual direction, and the gradual assumption of responsibilities within the Order. This period allows you to live the commitment fully before making it permanent.

After at least three years of temporary profession, members who have demonstrated fidelity to the Rule and readiness for a lifelong commitment may petition for perpetual profession. This is a solemn and joyful occasion: the member professes the three vows for life within a celebration of Holy Mass, receives a blessing, and may be presented with a symbol of their profession such as a ring or medal of St David.

Perpetual profession is a definitive commitment, binding until death. It represents the fullness of membership in the Order, with all attendant rights and obligations. It is both the culmination of the formation journey and the beginning of a lifetime of deepening consecration.

Is God Calling You?

If you have read about the Order of St David and feel something stirring within you, that may well be the voice of God inviting you to explore this way of life. Discerning a vocation to consecrated life is a journey, not a decision to be made overnight, and the Order is here to walk with you every step of the way.

The Order welcomes enquiries from any Catholic of good standing who is baptised, confirmed, and at least eighteen years of age. There is no upper age limit. Married candidates are welcome, provided their spouse gives written consent and understands the nature of the commitment. Clerical candidates require the written consent of their diocesan bishop or religious superior.

STAGE 1: Period of inquiry (6 months)

STAGE 2: THE NOVITIATE (2 YRS)

STAGE 3: TEMPORARY PROFESSION (3-6 YRS)

STAGE 4: PERPETUAL PROFESSION

Our Rule of Life

The Order draws from two great wells of Christian wisdom. The first is the Celtic monastic tradition of St David, with its emphasis on closeness to creation, joyful simplicity, and the awareness of what the Celtic saints called the thin places -- those moments and spaces where heaven seems very close to earth. The second is the Rule of St Benedict, one of the most enduring guides to Christian life ever written, with its gentle wisdom, its balance of prayer and work, and its call to stability and conversion of life.

Together, these two traditions shape a Rule of Life that is practical, grounded, and suited to people living in the modern world.

Take the First Step

Every journey begins with a single step. If you feel drawn to learn more about the Order of St David, we warmly invite you to get in touch. There is no obligation and no pressure. We are simply here to listen, to share, and to help you discern whether God might be calling you to walk this path.

Contact us today to begin a conversation about your vocation. We would be delighted to hear from you.

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