This period is of one year. Pre-novices are helped to know Jesus and understand their vocation and helped to grow in prayer, Christian faith and Gospel values. They develop human maturity to respond to the call with freedom and personal responsibility with a capacity for discernment of vocation. The Pre-novices learn the essentials of the Congregation’s charism and spirituality; the institute assists the candidate to assess her suitability to the Congregation. They develop a keen desire for the mission of Christ in the Church according to the Congregation’s Charism and to grow in compassionate love. They further acquire the skills and gain community experience by living in a community.