After the Season of Exploration, Explorers who have completed the necessary reading and webinars and discernment session will be invited to enter the Season of Preparation as Candidates. This is a structured, cohort-based season designed to help you discern if the vows and practices of the Order of the Mustard Seed are right for you.
The season runs from December to the following October, with cohorts led by two established Members of the OMS. There will be a Cohort Leader, who will often have another OMS Member helping them to facilitate the cohort. OMS leader. During this time, you will meet monthly with your group to learn, practice, reflect, and pray. You will need to commit to about 10 hours/month of cohort meetings, Bible study, daily prayer, and other weekly exercises. You will be guided in creating a personal rule of life and are recommended to arrange your own spiritual direction or accompaniment.
The Season also includes a personal pilgrimage and some cohorts (where geography allows it) arrange a short in-person retreat. Towards the end of the Season, if you would like to proceed with taking your vows, you will meet with your Cohort Leader to discern together whether taking vows is the right next step for you. Each Candidate needs to be recommended by an existing Member before they are able to take vows with the Order. This interview will also clarify all that is needed to finalise the preparation for taking vows.
The cost for the Season of Preparation is a sliding scale from £100 to £200, but bursaries are available. Payment is due at the start of the Season of Preparation.
For additional information, please see the Season of Preparation FAQs.