II. COLLABORATION IN THE VARIOUS PHASES OF FORMATION

12. Collaborative initiatives take place in the various phases of religious formation. They can be part of initial formation: preparation for novitiate, formation of novices, formation of religious in temporary vows, formation of candidates for ordained ministries; and part of continuing formation.

Services should be organized by the Conferences of Major Superiors, or by a group of Major Superiors, who bear ultimate responsibility for them. These Superiors are responsible for informing this Congregation every three years about the life and activities of the centers.

The organization of the programs ought to offer effective help for doctrinal formation and for the vocational growth of the candidates, according to the criteria indicated by the Code of Canon Law(⁴⁸) and by complementary norms issued by competent authorities.

The courses should be based on the mystery of Christ(⁴⁹) and developed with gradualness and attention to persons and cultures. They should propose to the students the theology of consecrated life and help them deepen the sense “of that one ecclesial charity by which all work to build up the organic communion — charismatic and at the same time hierarchically structured — of the whole People of God”.(⁵⁰)