Frequently Asked Questions
Q. 1. How long does it take for vows and ordination?
A. 1: Every candidate has a different educational background and comes with different skills. Candidates need to spend 2-3 years in community before their first profession of vows (temporary, annual vows). Perpetual vows are taken in about the 6th year for candidates seeking ordination. Completion of formation may take 7-8 years
Q: 2. Why does training take so long and why so much emphasis on academics?
A. 2: The People of God DESERVE and the Church in today's world DEMANDS ministers who are well trained.
Q: 3. Does being a Missionary mean being overseas?
A. 3: We Oblates serve in 65 different countries and the need for foreign missionaries is always present. Nevertheless, because we serve wherever there are the poor and the most abandoned of society, many of our missionaries continue to work in their country of origin. However, those who wish to serve in another country or continent are given the opportunity. Some of these missionaries stay in another country for at least three years. Others stay for the rest of their lives.
Q. 4. What are the financial responsibilities of those wishing to enter?
A: 4. Candidates should be free from all debt, with the exception of student loans. Room and Board is provided by the Oblates, but college tuition is the responsibility of the candidate. Still, the Oblates do not wish for finances to be an obstacle for entry, and readily grant loans to those candidates in need of them.
