The Pallottines do not take vows, but instead make sacred promises. We promise consecrated celibacy, poverty, obedience, perseverance, the sharing of resources, and spirit of service. These promises are a sign of the desire to live in a community devoted to the service of God.

The Pallottines of the Immaculate Conception Province have a house of studies for North America called Pallottine Seminary at Green Hill located in West Hyattsville, Maryland. Here men preparing for priesthood and brotherhood pursue their theological, technical, and pastoral training. The journey from the day a man decides to live with the Pallottines to the final day of his life is one of growth and formation.

Here is a brief outline of the stages in Pallottine Formation:

The Contact Stage: A man who senses his call to the Pallottines establishes contact with the vocation director. After meeting the community and its members, the individual, with the support of his vocation director, begins to discern a response to his call. During this period, the man will be asked to submit all necessary documents needed to complete the application process.

Postulancy: The goal of this stage is to allow a man to experience the Pallottines from "the inside" for a period of no more than a year. During this time, the postulant will pursue studies and become involved in a form of ministry that uses his gifts and talents. Conferences and conversations about the Pallottine lifestyle and spirituality are presented.

Preparatory Formation: This two-year period enables the man to continue formation in community life, further his formal education, and create a solid spiritual foundation. One year is the "Academic Year" in which the man will continue with Collegiate or Theological Studies and/or other specialized training. The "Spiritual Year" is one of intense prayer and reflection in which the man will prepare for life as a Pallottine within the Society of the Catholic Apostolate and the Union of Catholic Apostolate. The "Spiritual Year" is conducted at our North American Novitiate located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin which is part of the Mother of God Province. The Director of Preparatory Formation will introduce the man to the charism of our founder, Saint Vincent Pallotti, the Law of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, Pallottine history, and the theology of consecrated life.

Temporary Consecration: This is a time of "living into the life" as a professed member of the Pallottine community. It consists of four years of promises. The promises are renewed three times during this time as a way of deepening the on-going commitment. Theological studies will be completed while continuing to integrate, interpret, and nurture the Pallottine charism. After this period of temporary consecration, a man can request perpetual consecration. At that time, he professes for life the promises of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate. Initial formation is completed at this time for the Pallottine brother and he now begins a full-time ministry. The perpetually consecrated seminarian prepares for his ordination to the Diaconate and Priesthood.

Continuing Formation: We realize that growth in life and in faith is a life-long process. Through his ministry, support groups and other educational opportunities, a Pallottine is certain to animate the words of Jesus: "I have come that they might have life and have it to the full." (John 10:10).