At the end of the postulancy you may be invited to enter the novitiate.  There are three novitiates at present – one for English-speaking candidates in New Zealand, one for French-speaking candidates in Senegal, and one for Spanish–speaking candidates in Peru.  The novitiate is international, and provides training in religious life in a multi-cultural community.  It is a two year preparation for making a religious commitment through the three vows of Chastity, Obedience, and Poverty. Novices deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, and of the Bible.  They study the Constitutions of our congregation, which explain our vocation in the Church.  They learn what it means to be missionary, Marist and religious. They learn how to live in community, and how to work in pastoral teams.