Full membership into the Guard is open to Catholic adult men, 18+, in good standing, who can serve the Mass and have shown proof of their desire to conform to the spirituality of the Guard

Once a Candidate makes a statement of desiring to join and is approved by his Parish Pastor, he enters an eight-week postulant period, during which he is trained in how to serve the Mass and is introduced to the spirituality of the Guard. After training is complete, he is given a cassock and surplice and is vested in a simple ceremony. Once vested, he becomes a Novice and is encouraged to serve at any liturgy the Guard participates in and to take part in all Guard events.

The Novitiate period lasts one year, during which time, the Novice continues to learn about the liturgy, as well as about the spirituality, mission and charism of the Guard. This should also be a period of active participation and discernment during which the Novice seeks to understand God’s will and whether he is being called to serve more permanently with the Guard as a full Guardsman. Likewise, the whole Guard should discern and pray for the novices as the undergo this journey.

Each novice should begin to pray daily the Morning Offerings and Night Prayers from the Guard Prayer Book. Finally, the Novice should attend a day of reflection on the spirituality of the Guard, which will be offered by the Office of Formation several times each year.

At the end of the Novitiate, if the Contingent Director and the Governing Council approve, the Novices are installed as a full Guardsmen in a solemn installation ceremony at which they are given the mantle and the make the promises of a Guardsman.

If you would like to become a member of the Saint Michaels Guard or have questions about becoming a Guardsman, please send an email to: info@stmichaelsguard.com