Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

Formation Program

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
Stages of Formation

The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales are priests and brothers, dedicated to the spirit of St. Francis de Sales. Francis wrote, preached, and lived a very contemporary message --- that we can live and experience the presence of God in our ordinary, everyday lives!

We believe that the Gospel message and teachings of the Catholic Church hold meaning and hope for all men and women. We want to ensure that the light of Christ is not kept in the dark and seek to enkindle his spirit in the hearts of others.

In order to reach this goal, we have a unique

After a Discernment Weekend at the Novitiate in the Bronx, Fr. Kevin, Terrence Zecha, Dan Blaine, Brian Zumbrum, Danny Jackman, Pat Kennedy, Tim Gallagher, and Steve McGlade stand for a photo. The novitiate community of Terrence, Danny, and Pat, with Fr. Mike McCue, novice director, hosted the September gathering.
Awareness Program (optional)
Associate Program (optional)

Salesian Formation Program. The ultimate goal and essential purpose of this Formation Program is to help a candidate grow in his love for God and for his neighbor so that, as an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, he may serve the Kingdom of God on Earth. Our Formation Program aims at the integration and development of the whole person. The various components of this development include the human, personal, spiritual, religious, social, Salesian, apostolic, and the academic. Below is a brief outline of our Formation Program.

An Oblate Associate is a man who wants to examine his life in relation to the Oblate life. Usually, this coincides with his undergraduate or graduate college or his early work experience, from one to four years.

The process will help him determine whether or not the Lord is calling him to be an Oblate Priest or Brother. An Associate continues his usual Christian lifestyle, but also has regular contact with an Oblate Contact, periodically attends Oblate functions, and participate in a retreat for all Oblate Associates. The Associate Program lasts until the Associate reaches a clear decision about his vocation or decides to leave the program.

Postulancy

A new member of the Oblate community will live for a specified period of time as a Postulant, usually one year. This time is set aside for the new member to make a smooth transition from his present lifestyle to the new reality of Oblate community living. Postulants also continue formal and informal education.

Brian Zumbrum, 23

Novitiate

A one-year Novitiate Program is required by the church for all religious. During this year, the Novice begins to study and appreciate Salesian roots as he grows in his awareness of Oblate life and Salesian Spirituality. This year of quiet reflection is the preparation for taking the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience which will make the Novice a professed Oblate of St. Francis de Sales. Following the Novitiate Program, vows are then taken annually for at least four years before perpetual vows.

The Novitiate, St. Mary's Hall, is located in the Bronx, NY, where our novices learn, work, and pray among the people of the neighborhood, including nearby Fordham University and a soup kitchen just around the block.

Michael Castrill, 33

Apostolic Internship

The Oblates are an apostolic community called to serve the needs of the Church. Therefore, an essential part of our training is in the area of service to the People of God. During this period, the Oblate is expected to involve himself in a full-time, Oblate-sponsored ministry. Oblates serve throughout the United States and abroad as parish priests, teachers and professors, campus ministers, missionaries, chaplains, social workers and counselors.

Dominic Ciriaco, 36

Michael Vogt, 48

Mark Winterbottom, 26

Graduate Theological Training

Brothers generally continue their professional education and training as well as their theological education as part of their preparation for final vows. A program of study is designed for each brother to allow him to unite his unique gifts and talents with the needs of the ministry and the needs of the Oblate community.

Scholastics (candidates for ordination) complete a four year program of academic, professional and pastoral education designed to prepare them for the special ministry of deacon and priest. This program of study usually ends with conferral of a master's level degree, profession of final vows, ordination to the diaconate, diaconate internship and ultimately ordination to priesthood. In addition to theological studies, many scholastics also pursue master's level degrees in other subject areas.

A basic tenet of Salesian Spirituality is that growth is a life-long process which needs new challenges and opportunities. It is the belief of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales that formation is not only for the younger members. Our hope is that we all continue to grow, both individually and communally.