The Canons Regular of St. John Cantius
“We look with reverence to the Church, in order that we might have life with the Saints.”
Quote from St. John Cantius
Translation by Fr. Dennis Koliński, SJC
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FAQs for the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius
Q. What is the Horarium of the Canons Regular?
A. The Horarium of the Canons Regular is as follows:
• Matins & Lauds 6:30 a.m. (7:55*)
• Conventual Mass 7:00 a.m. (8:30* 7:30** EF)
• Sunday Mass Schedule 7:30, 9:00, 11:00, 12:30, 5:00
• Holy Hour 7:30 a.m. (Private * **)
• Sext (Midday Prayer) 11:45 a.m (Private * **)
• Rosary/Vespers 4:30 p.m. (4:00* 2:00**)
• Compline 7:00 p.m. (After 5pm Mass * **)
*Saturdays **Sunday
Q. What does a vocational visit look like?
A. A vocational visit typically runs from Thursday morning until the following Monday morning. During this visit, one will stay in a guest room and can expect to follow the horarium of the Canons Regular, inclusive of all times of prayer, meals, work, class, and recreation. Each visitor will have an opportunity to meet with members of the Vocations Committee to discuss his vocation and to ask any pertinent questions.
Q. How long is formation?
A. The best answer would be that formation is for life. However, early formation consists of various stages. Postulancy is 6 months. Novitiate is 1.5 years. Juniorate is between 3 and 6 years. Once temporary vows are professed at the conclusion of the Novitiate there is a one year Apostolic Year. Following the Apostolic Year, one may begin priestly formation at seminary. Seminary is anywhere between 4 and 8 years depending on prior education.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. One must be at least 18 years of age and no older than 35 years of age to enter.
Q. Is it necessary to finish college before joining the Canons Regular?
A. To enter, one must have successively completed high school or its equivalent.
Q. What is the application process like?
A. After making a vocational visit, one may request an application in writing. Our vocations committee will then determine whether or not to extend an application. Within the application, one will find a checklist of what needs to be submitted, including a General Questionnaire Form, a letter of recommendation from your pastor or a priest, a letter of recommendation from your school instructor, employer, etc. an autobiography, a recent Certificate of Baptism (issued within approximately the last 6 months), a recent Certificate of Confirmation (issued within approximately the last 6 months), a copy of your Birth Certificate, a transcript of High School Courses, a transcript of College Courses (if applicable), and physical, dental and eye examinations.
Q. As a Canon Regular, are there still opportunities to visit friends or family?
A. During the period of Postulancy and Novitiate, there are no home visits. Friends and family are invited to be present at notable ceremonies such as investiture in the habit, which occurs at the beginning of novitiate. Once a member has completed novitiate and is in temporary vows, a yearly home visit of two weeks is permitted.
Q. Is being able to sing important?
A. Being able to sing is not absolutely necessary in order to enter. However, learning to sing is a large part of early formation, as it is important for the proper execution of our daily horarium (the chanting of the Divine Office).
Q. What is the formation process like?
A. During the period of Postulancy and Novitiate, those in formation will be under the direction of the Novice Director. He will help guide them in their early formation in the life and spirituality of the Canons Regular. As can be seen from the Horarium, this is done through prayer, work, study and the common life. During the period of Juniorate, those in formation will be under the direction of the Junior Director and, if discerning priesthood, the seminary-formation faculty. This period of formation involves more direct work with the apostolates of the community.
Q. Is having student loans an important factor in whether one will be accepted into the Canons? If so, is there a way to have them paid off by a fund or institution?
A. Student loans are certainly an issue. As with any debt accrued, they will not be assumed by the community. However, that should not be a factor in the decision to visit and apply. There are in fact some funds which exist for the sole purpose of assisting individuals in such a predicament. These funds are granted to those who have been accepted to a congregation. So, one who decides to visit and subsequently apply, and whose application is accepted, could then apply for said grant. If the grant is awarded, then he may enter the Postulancy.
Q. Are there any obligations if one chooses to leave?
A. Nothing is expected monetarily or otherwise from a Postulant, Novice, or Junior member who discerns that they are not called to the Canons Regular. Likewise, a candidate who leaves is not to expect any recompense from the community for work done, or time spent.