Candidacy – Test drive the Legionary lifestyle
Please contact us at vocation(at)legionaries.org for more information.
The second step in the discernment process is the Candidacy program. For those who attended a Test Your Call retreat and sensed a possible calling, the candidacy is the step of listening more deeply.
The Candidacy allows you to live the life of a Legionary seminarian without making any commitments. Not all who participate become priests. The program simply gives you the opportunity to live the Legionary lifestyle and grow in your prayer life from mid June through August.
Men who have gone through the program find that the opportunity to “test drive” the Legionary life gives them the space and peace to discern God’s will without the pressure of a commitment. They simply give God the summer to grow closer to him and seek clarity at their own pace. Even those who have gone through the program and discerned that priesthood is not for them have found it to be a challenging and enjoyable experience that brought them to a deeper relationship with God and made them stronger, more virtuous men.
Through the ten weeks, you’ll have the opportunity to live at the Legionaries’ North American seminary located in Cheshire, Connecticut. You will see what it is like to live the schedule and lifestyle of a seminarian, including meals, prayer time, studies, and activities. This will give you the opportunity to get to know other young men who are going through the same discernment as you, as well as Legionary seminarians who are in the process of formation to become priests.
Your Candidacy program will include the following types of experiences:
- Intense life of prayer and the sacraments to help you grow closer to God.
- Camaraderie with other men who are seeking God’s will in their life and who have the courage to listen deeply.
- Meditations directed by Legionary formators, and spiritual direction to help you grow closer to Christ and understand how to discern God’s will for you.
- Studies include an introduction to the Legion’s charism and mission.
- Activities twice a day include competitive sports and outdoor hikes and adventures.
- Meals and relaxation times are an opportunity to refresh and renew your spirit.
Men who have participated in this unique and exciting experience say that they have come away with greater clarity about the future direction of their life.
Take the Candidacy challenge and test drive a possible Legionary vocation! To get started, contact the vocations office.
Enjoy "Come and See" wrtiten and performed by the 2009 Candidates!
