Toward the end of novitiate, the novice applies to be accepted by the community as a temporarily professed member. If accepted, the novice professes vows for a period of three years. He becomes a junior monk.
In their first year, junior monks are typically assigned to teach at Delbarton School, or to some other suitable work in the monastery.
A junior may perceive that he is receiving a call to serve God and the Church as a priest or deacon. In consultation with the formation director and abbot, he may, in his second year, enroll in a program of studies in seminary.
At the close of temporary vows, if he wishes, he may choose to renew his vows for a period of time, or to be admitted to solemn profession. Solemn profession binds him to the community for life.