noun

novitiate

noh-VISH-ee-uht/nəʊˈvɪʃiət/

The period or state of training before full membership in a religious community.

During her novitiate, she studies scripture and learns the community’s rules.

A novice in plain religious habit studies quietly with an older member in a simple monastery room, training context.

Etymology

The pieces express the “state of being a novice.” In a religious order, this state is a probationary one, so novitiate names the period of training before full membership.

In context

WikiTree55:30

father pat as his nieces and nephews called him entered the jesuit novitiate in 1935 and was ordained a priest in 1948.

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More examples

His novitiate lasts two years before he takes religious vows.
She begins her novitiate with a month of prayer.
Different religious orders structure their novitiates in different ways.

Forms

novitiate · novitiates

novice noun — A beginner training for religious membership.

Similar words

probation: Emphasizes a trial period, not necessarily religious training.
training: Covers instruction generally, without implying entry into religious life.