What do “Final Vows” Mean?
During the Convocation last week, Mr. Jonathan Dick, OSFS, made his perpetual profession or what is commonly known as ‘final vows.” With him in the Connolly Chapel on DeSales University campus were his Oblate brothers from the Toledo-Detroit and Wilmington-Philadelphia Provinces.
So, what does it mean to take final vows as Oblates of St. Francis de Sales? Taking final vows means that the seminarian is now a full member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales congregation and is advancing further along his journey to ordained priesthood. After taking these vows and completing an advanced degree, the next step is to become a transitional deacon and finally an ordained priest.
Oblates have compared the transitional diaconate to an internship and a final ministry experience before ordination to the priesthood.
Living in community with other members of the order is another important aspect of the diaconate for Oblates. According to Fr. John Extiej, OSFS, former Director of Formation: “Having a diverse, deeply experienced group of Oblates around the dinner table or over coffee offers great opportunities for sharing experiences.”
The Oblate approach to the formation process differs from a diocesan priest. In general, men come to the Oblates with more work and life experiences. They are usually in their early 30s and are drawn to community life. Their backgrounds are varied in terms of age, education, life experiences, and work experiences.
Because we Oblates are a smaller order, we can customize the diaconate experience (ministerial internship) for each man based on individual interests and needs. This is viewed as an important opportunity for good, practical, hands-on experience preparing men for the final step of ordination.
Another way Oblate formation is different from diocesan seminary life is the emphasis on community. Men drawn to the Oblates are joining a group of men who live together and work together to spread Francis’ optimistic spirituality to all they meet. This shared experience of living in community with others is part of what makes consecrated religious life unique. Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS, former Novice Director, described his experience of community life as “a structure, my support system, and my home.” An important aspect of the formation process, he says, is “training guys to live together, to be considerate of others’ needs and space, and simply learn how to be together.”
Formation is a long, customized, and complex process for the Oblates. So, what happens after that final step of being an ordained priest? The answer is quite simple: “Formation is never over (for all Christians), it is a life-long journey,” says Fr. John.
Perhaps you know a man in your parish, school, or family interested in following Christ in community with others? This man should work well with people, be a good communicator, compassionate, and desire a deep relationship with God. If they don’t have all these traits, the men should have the openness and ability to be formed by and with others, committed to living Jesus.
Generally, men begin the process by contacting the Oblates, receiving regular communications, participating in individual and small-group discussions, or attending a retreat. As their interest increases, they become a postulant and live with the Oblates to further explore their vocation. From being a postulant, a candidate becomes a novice, then a scholastic (seminarian), a deacon, and, finally, a priest. Those interested in becoming brothers follow a similar, but customized program until they take final vows. Although there are clear steps in formation, there is seldom a straight line as the Oblate formation process is so tailored to each person.
Please continue to pray for those in formation and anyone considering religious life. As our partners in ministry, we encourage you to invite family and friends to consider Oblate life.
Interested men can learn more by visiting our website’s vocation page.