Post-Novitiate

During Novitiate the student discerns his vocation within the Society, which will lead him to making a public commitment to live according to the apostolic counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience, according to the Constitutions of the Society of the Divine Word. For the next 5-7 years, at the beginning of the academic year, (usually on March 25,) every SVD seminarian or brother in formation makes a commitment to live religious life according to the SVD Constitutions for one year. With the intention to commit oneself for life, assisted by professional formation personnel, his community and personal reflection and prayer, the student makes a choice to live religious life for one year. The temporary character of living religious life gives the student the freedom "to choose again," until he is ready to say his "Yes" for life, at the end of his initial religious formation.

Although the focus of post-novitiate formation may appear to be on academic pursuits, in fact it is very much in the line with the SVD Constitution 503: " Our formation is total and integral: it seeks to bring about human maturity, professional competence, and committed faith." The SVD Australian Province Formation Programme makes it even clearer: "As a single thread, running through our whole formation, missionary service and religious life form a unity in our vocation. The missionary mandate determines the form of our religious life and the spirit of the evangelical counsels permeates our whole missionary work." In the spirit of dialogue and focused on our missionary call, our formation programme promotes a balanced and wholistic approach, rooted in one's culture, community forming, directed towards apostolic service and open to the needs of the world.

While the number of Australian and New Zealand born vocations has decreased significantly, other students from overseas have brought new riches and challenges. In 2006 seven seminarians from five different countries of birth, ( Angola , Australia , China , Tonga , Vietnam ,) professed their final vows and received their new mission appointments. At present, seminarians from Fiji , Korea , Papua New Guinea and Vietnam are pursuing their missionary formation ar Dorish Maru College in Melbourne .

The formation community in Melbourne gives a very effective witness to international and multicultural living. Drawing upon our scholars from around the world, we have also been able to make an innovative academic contribution to the Yarra Theological Union, particularly in the field of missiology.

Studies

All students preparing for ordination are to successfully complete the philosophical, theological and pastoral courses required by the Roman documents. They are also required to complete successfully the missiological courses required by the SVD Constitutions.

Those students who are able to meet the requirements will, in the course of their studies, earn a Bachelor of Theology Degree from the Melbourne College of Divinity. All students are encouraged to do an Overseas Training Programme, (OTP.) Normally this will be done after three years of full-time study at YTU. The full course of studies in preparation for ordination, apart from the OTP, is normally completed in five and a half years of full-time study.

Pastoral Experience

Pastoral Experience, particularly in cross-cultural environments and among the poor and marginalised, seeks to provide on going experiences of Christian ministry during the Initial Formation Programme. These experiences of service aim to provide a deepening of motivation and orientation of one's vocation, a balance to academic studies and a competency in pastoral skills.

All students at Dorish Maru College are involved in part-time ministry throughout their academic training. Normal pastoral work during the academic year is recommended on a once-weekly basis with regular meetings with a pastoral supervisor. Summer breaks include an extended period of pastoral work that steps up an already specified part time commitment or takes on a new commitment. The CPE , (Clinical Pastoral Education,) is normally undertaken during the summer break. Other suggested activities for the summer break include - annual retreat, family home stay, workshops, short courses, study of Australian culture and history.

Daily routine

The daily order in our formation community in Melbourne provides for the full benefits of the liturgical life of the Church. All members begin their ordinary day from participating in the daily celebration of the Eucharist, community prayer and weekly bible sharing. Our meals and spontaneous social gatherings bring us closer to each other as a religious family. Friday evening is set aside for the community to pray and socialise together.