Novices making their First Profession.

Lower left picture-members children play during the Triduum.

Holy Family members begin their preparation for vows in stages. Discerning whether the Institute is right for them, and if they are right for the Institute, is begun in the stage of Postulancy. This usually lasts around a year.

Next comes the Noviatiate. This lasts two years, and is a period of more intense study and reflection on the Pauline Family and what it means to be a part of it. A small public church ceremony begins this phase.

After the two years comes FIRST PROFESSION, a church-regulated, public ceremony that the canidate professes Vows of Conjugal Chastity, Poverty and Obedience. There is also a Promise of Fidelity to the Pope.

After these first vows, there is yearly a renewal of vows. Two one- year renewals, then a two-year renewal takes place before PERPETUAL PROFESSION. If by God's grace we make it to this point, we can be sure of God's purpose and direction in our life. No need to wonder if there is anything better we can be doing. This has been confirmed by our lifetime committment to the Institute and Pauline Family by God himself.

These stages are church regulated and approved steps, just as the brothers and sisters make in entering the Pauline Family. The members of the Institute do not become Religious, but Consecrated Lay Members. The Institute is defined as a Pauline Institute of Consecrated Secular Life. By our Lay status, we touch the world where we are, in our homes and workplaces. This is a gift of the Second Vatican Council, the realization that ALL the members of the Church are called to EVANGELIZATION, not just the Priests, Brothers and Sisters. Whether or not we join the Institute, we are still called to evangelize the world. How much more can we do with the great gift of the Institute. Not just any Institute, but the First Vatican-approved Institute exclusively for the Married and Widowed. A great gift of our time!

If you would like to learn more, you can contact

Holy Family Institute

P.O. Box 498

Canfield, OH. 44406

Or phone :(330)533-5503

To see the official 2004 Triduum picture, click HERE

To See even more Triduum pictures, click HERE

To See even more Holy Family members pictures, click HERE