Formation is a term used by many different groups to express a period taken to explore yourself. Formation in a wider context is a life long process but in when the term is used in conjunction with vocations it is used to mean the start of a person’s journey into religious life. The beginning of formation can be an uncomfortable and sometimes difficult time (as asking yourself deeply personal questions can be) but ultimately the person undergoing formation will walk away with a greater sense of who they are.

The formation process is an idividual one with many lay coming into the Marist family by various paths. The different approaches include  IMMERSION in which a person has the chance to get involved in Marist life at the level of both community and ministry;  PRAYER and its various styles fostering of a vital spiritual life;  STUDIES in which opportunities exist for professional, spiritual and Marist studies;  and ACCOMPANIMENT in which all is undertaken in the company of a skilled and trusted person who walks with each person on their individual journey.  
 
There are different paths to formation as Champagnat Marists whether as Lay Marists or as Brothers. With their focus on young adults, The Grove and The FM Connection are communities that introduce young adults to community and to Champagnat spirituality, the latter assisting young men to discern the shape of their call to Marist life as single, married, diocesan priest or Marist brother. There are other approaches also such as Champagnat in the Pacific, where those working in schools or with young people have an opportunity to deepen the felt sense of their Marist vocation.

Click on the pages at left which give information on some of the formal groups within the order who work in lay formation.