Postulant

In the Catholic church the implementing instruction Cor orans determines that a postulancy in a contemplative community has a minimum duration of twelve months but it must not exceed two years.

Some communities prefer the postulants to wear a specific garb (as this was rather common until the release of Perfectae Caritatis, the decree on the adaptation and renewal of religious life, in 1965) in other communities they wear own plain clothes until the formal investiture ceremony.

Since postulants, as novices, are not members of the institution at this stage, it is easier for a man or woman not fully certain about religious life to re-examine his or her intentions and commitment before making any vows.

The term is also sometimes used to describe the ecclesiastical status of a person who has discerned a call to the priesthood or to the diaconate and has received parish and diocesan endorsement.

The candidate retains postulant status throughout seminary, until ordination to the transitional diaconate takes place.