Brian Poulin welcomed to novitiate community

On September 8, 2008, the Novitiate Community welcomed Brian Poulin into Initial Formation as a pre-novice (postulant) in a simple Ceremony of Welcome borrowing from the monastic tradition with a contemporary feel. Building on the three meanings of the word postulant (from the Latin: postulare – to claim, to request, and to demand,) Brian was asked to stand outside the door of the Novitiate and knock three times indicating his intention. Rob Clark, Novice Director, greeted him at the door and a dialog ensued among the Novice Director, Vocation Director, Brothers from the Esopus communities and Brian.

The monastic tradition called for the dialog to demonstrate the ?newcomer?s? readiness, preparedness and determination to take this first step into religious life. It also asked for the community?s willingness and commitment to accompany him. In this simple ritual, symbolized by the three knocks at the door, Brian was claiming his personal spiritual journey, requesting Marist life for himself and demanding that life from us. We ritually marked this moment of initial formation for two reasons: 1) Brian is new to us and this first step is significant for him. 2) By his presence among us we are being reminded that we as a community have the responsibility of nurturing new membership by word and example. We, his new Brothers, offered him our support and encouragement in his quest.