3 to 4 week long period aimed at understanding and discerning a vocational call as well as acquiring a deeper knowledge of the lay consecrated vocation within Regnum Christi.
This stage has as its goal: attaining a deeper knowledge of the consecrated vocation in Regnum Christi, acquiring the habits associated with the vocation, and a strengthening of the decision to follow Christ in this way.
The Initial Formation stage spans two years: the first year is exclusively set aside for human and spiritual formation, while the second year is dedicated also to academic and apostolic activities.
After the Initial Formation stage, first temporary vows are made for three years. During this stage, lay consecrated men in formation continue the professional formation and the apostolic activities that have been assigned to them.
The First Vows period has as its aim a deeper discernment and preparation for final vows.
Vows are taken for an additional three years.
Studies and full time apostolic activity continued. This is the final period of discernment before taking Final Vows.
Once the period of temporary vows is complete, the consecrated can be admitted to the profession of final vows. In this stage, the consecrated man devotes himself to full time apostolic activities and ongoing pastoral and professional formation.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS VOCATION IS FOR ME?
If you identify with the Regnum Christi spirit, are inspired by the work of the Consecrated men, and feel Christ calling you to live intimately united to him, carrying out his mission in the world… this could be for you.
Each vocation is a gift and most people discover their gift through a gradual process of discernment. Since the beginning of life on earth, God has chosen to reveal both his larger plan for humanity and his specific plan for each individual in a gradual way. When it comes to an individual’s vocation it’s common in the beginning to take notice of a thought or two or three – that provokes some personal reflection. More thoughts follow which leads to questions needing answers. As this happens we seek out responses from others and God. Throughout this gradual discovery one generally perceives an invitation to a greater commitment and then ultimately to a total self gift. This is common among Lay Consecrated, married people, priests and religious.
Typically, there are both interior and exterior signs that accompany someone as they discern a particular vocation. An isolated sign or two will not be enough to make a final determination when it comes to vocational discernment. After having received a variety of signs along with a growing internal conviction a person begins to perceive more clarity regarding God’s Specific call.
An initial sign of a particular vocation is interior resonance with that vocation, one relates to or connects with the identity and mission specific to that vocation and style of life.
Our name, the “Lay Consecrated Men of Regnum Christi” implies our specific identity within the RC Movement. We are one hundred percent lay and totally consecrated to God and his Church through the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. We are also fully committed to the spirituality, methodology and apostolic/ministry common to all members of the Regnum Christi Family.
A Lay Consecrated Man is encouraged to live out his gifts, talents and strengths through his profession and to act as a bridge builder between the clerical/religious state and all laypeople – either single or married. We identify closely with the way Christ lived out his own daily interactions within the secular world. At times Christ worked alongside people on a purely human level while at other times He witnessed to them about the love that His Father has for each human person!
Most of our Lay Consecrated Men were actively involved in ECYD/Regnum Christi/RC School as a youth, college student or young professional. Occasionally young men discovered the seeds of their vocation after a series of retreats, through spiritual direction, on mission trips or via an RC apostolate.
Personal preferences can also be seen as signs of a potential call. If a young man senses from within an inclination to professional work and the direct evangelization of daily life/work, it may be a sign that God could be calling him to a life of lay consecration.
For additional information about this vocation and for opportunities to visit one of our communities, please contact Tony at amacdonnell@arcol.org or call/text (914) 471-2084.