The Value of Formation in the Life of Penance

Formation is another word for instruction.  Formation (instruction) in a life of penance (conversion) is on going.  No matter how close we seem to get to Him, no matter how much we seem to love Him, we can always draw closer and love more in this our earthly life.  Only in heaven will we realize the full measure of love and surrender.

But we can begin now, today.  Instruction in the way of penance can be done in many ways. It can be as simple as turning each moment over to the Lord, which we all ought to do.  Or it can be as complex as studying for the priesthood and eventually being ordained.

The Confraternity of Penitents has a specific program of formation.  The program is designed to give the penitent instruction in the Confraternity's Rule of Life, in Scripture, and in the Catholic faith.  The program is meant to be interactive, that is, the penitent in formation shares his or her thoughts and reflections with other, more experienced members of the Confraternity who are already living the life of penance as stipulated in our Rule.  God has designed us to learn from one another.  Take advantage of that opportunity!

All formation lessons have been approved by both a Visitor of the Confraternity and by our sponsoring diocese.  The formators  have lived the Rule for several years and have instructed other members. They are compassionate, insightful, and encouraging. 

Formal lessons will take 3 1/2 to 4 years, under normal conditions, to complete before you may make a yearly pledge or a life time pledge to live this  Rule of Life.  The time of formal formation may be extended, but only by permission of the Visitor of the Confraternity may formation be shortened.  It is important to take time to savor and embrace your formal formation in this holy lifestyle. Formation leads to a life decision which has eternal consequences.  All those who pledge to live the Rule and keep its tenets, in the spirit in which they are written, receive the same guarantee which the Church gives to those who embrace any Church approved form of life.  Living the Rule as one should guarantees eternal life.

Six stages of Formation

The six stages of formation help you wade gradually into this lifestyle,  making small changes each month until, at the end of four years of formal formation, you are living the entire Rule. Thus, the effect is cumulative. What is done in each stage continues throughout the penitent's lifetime. The six stages and materials needed for each stage are:

Inquirer: Those discerning a call to living our Rule of Life. Materials needed: Bible, rosary, Rule and Constitutions of the Confraternity of Penitents. Length: In general, three months minimum, but may be extended as desired.

Postulant: First stage of formal instruction. Twelve lessons which cover basic truths of the Catholic faith and the CFP Rule . Some minor elements of the Rule are implemented including monthly confession, wearing of a cross or crucifix, and praying the CFP daily prayers. As much as possible, reconcile with others, begin to tithe, engage in apostolate of choice.  Materials needed: Bible. Rosary, CFP Handbook (contains all four years of formation lessons plus Rule, Constitutions, much other information). Length: Six to twelve months.

First Year Novice: Second stage of formal instruction. Twelve lessons which begin intensive study of the Catholic faith which continues through Novice 2 and Novice 3 years. Implements over a year's time the prayer portion of the Rule. Materials needed: CFP Handbook, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours), Bible, Rosary. Length: One year.

Second Year Novice: Third stage of formal instruction. Twelve lessons which implement over a year's time the fasting and abstinence portions of the Rule. Materials needed: CFP Handbook, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours), Bible, Rosary. Length: One year.

Third Year Novice: Final stage of formal instruction. Twelve lessons which implement over a year's time the clothing and simplicity portions of the Rule. Materials needed: CFP Handbook, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours), Bible, Rosary. Length: One year.  Three additional lessons, which discuss the life of a pledged member, complete the novice formation.

Pledged: Promise to live the CFP Rule and Constitutions for life or for a year, in peace and communion with all others. Pledges, although binding promises to live the entire Rule and Constitutions, are not made under pain of sin. Pledged members will normally be active in existing chapters or circles of the Confraternity or will begin such local gatherings in their own parishes, if possible. Materials needed: Rosary, Bible, and a selected Church document or writing of a saint (member's choice). Length: Ongoing.

Formation Dates

Inquirers are assisted whenever they contact the Confraternity.

Formation for postulancy generally begins on either Ash Wednesday or August 1 of any given year, but these entrance dates can be waived by the Formation Minister on a case by case basis.

Formation for each novice year begins on Ash Wednesday.

Lessons for each level must be completed successfully by Ash Wednesday for the penitent to be able to move on to the next level of formation. Those unable to complete their lessons on time will continue their formation into the following year or may elect to repeat that level. By exception, a penitent may be allowed to complete one level of formation while moving into the following level. The formator can allow some flexibility as seen fit.

How Formation Takes Place

Answers to formation questions are submitted in writing to the assigned formator, or, by special arrangement, via audio tape or in a personal session. Formation takes place in one of three ways:

1. Local chapters or circles which are gatherings of penitents in cities and towns: If you are near a chapter or circle, your formation would be done in that gathering.

2. On line formation done primarily via regional forums. Secondary option, formation via email.

3. Postal mail formation.

Who May Enter Formation

Any baptized Catholic in good standing in the Catholic Church may enter formation. 

Converts who are currently in RCIA may also enter formation at any time. 

Non-Catholics, or Catholics who, for some reason, would not be able to pledge to live the Rule and Constitutions, may enter formation as Associates. Non-Catholics must agree to the Catholic nature of the instruction.  Associates also include those who have been in formation previously and who have left formation but want to be re-admitted as well as Catholics in the process of rectifying some impediment that would preclude membership.  Associates proceed with formation as do members of the Confraternity.  Once any impediment to membership is eliminated and formation continues unbroken for several years, Associates may apply to become members of the CFP without having to redo formation.   However, only Catholics, who are living in accordance with all the teachings of the Catholic Church and who meet the requirements of the Rule and Constitutions, may pledge, vote, and hold office.

Clergy and religious may enter the Confraternity and complete formation as members. Arrangements for this are made on a case by case basis.

We invite you to complete an inquirer application and begin the formation process.  May the Lord lead you into an ever deeper walk with Him!