Aspirantate
During this phase, the aspirants live in a Salesian formation community and discern the option to be a Salesian priest (clerical) or brother (Coadjutor). The program consists of prayer, an apostolate (pastoral work), and are typically encouraged to continue their university or other tertiary education in their field of interest.

Pre-Novitiate
This year focuses on the integration of the human dimension of understanding self to aid the pre-novice to follow Christ in religious life. In addition, apostolic works and personal accompaniment prepare pre-novices for the novitiate.

Novitiate
This is a formal year of following Christ in the Salesian religious experience. Novices come to understand the Salesian identity of their vocation by making the Salesian constitutions their own and by living fraternal life in community. This phase, characterized by discernment and prayer, prepares the novice for their first profession (taking the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience), a lived response to give themselves totally as signs and bearers of God’s love for the young.

Post-Novitiate
Post-novices, called religious brothers, complete or expand university education, continue fraternal life in community, and are assigned to an apostolic work. This program prepares them to be sent out to a Salesian site.

Practical Training
The religious brothers are assigned to a two-year placement in a Salesian school, parish, or youth center. They are given ample responsibilities to carry out Salesian education and evangelization, while continuing the formative process of integrating prayer, work, and fraternal living in community.

Advanced Education and Theological Study
The religious brothers that have opted for “Coadjutor” status continue additional education or are assigned to a Salesian site. Those religious brothers who opt for priesthood study theology for a four-year period. Final profession for both options occurs six years after first profession.