Keyword

Postulant

One asking for admission into a religious order, both before actual admission and for the length of time proceeding their admission and for the length of time proceeding their admission into the novitiate.

It is also used to describe the ecclesiastical status of a person who has discerned a call to the priesthood and received parish and diocesan endorsement (see also Seminarian.) The candidate retains postulant status throughout seminary, until ordination to the transitional diaconate takes place.