Novitiate

The novitiate, also called the noviciate, is the period of training and preparation that a Christian novice (or prospective) monastic, apostolic, or member of a religious order undergoes prior to taking vows in order to discern whether they are called to vowed religious life.

[1] In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the novitiate is officially set at three years before one may be tonsured a monk or nun, though this requirement may be waived.

The novitiate in many communities includes a concentrated program of prayer, study, reflection and limited ministerial engagement.

The novices' day normally includes participation in the canonical hours, manual labor, and classes about the religious life.

The term novitiate also refers to the building, house, or complex devoted to the novices' cells or dormitory and other needs, such as study and education.