NOVICE MASTER Meaning and
Definition
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Novice master refers to an individual who holds the role of overseeing and guiding novices within a particular religious or spiritual community, notably within monastic or contemplative traditions. This term is commonly used in the context of the Catholic Church, but it is also found in other religious orders and communities.
A novice master is responsible for providing spiritual formation, education, mentorship, and support to individuals who have recently entered the novitiate, a period of training and discernment preceding full membership in an order or community. The main purpose of the novice master is to assist novices in their personal and spiritual growth, helping them to navigate the challenges and commitments of their new life.
The role of a novice master typically involves various tasks and responsibilities. These may include teaching novices about the history, practices, and values of their specific religious tradition, guiding them in their exploration and understanding of spiritual disciplines, offering counselling and advice, and fostering a supportive and enriching community environment for novices to flourish.
Furthermore, a novice master plays a crucial role in discerning the suitability and readiness of novices to make a lifelong commitment to their religious vocation. They assess the novices' progress, provide feedback, and collaborate with other members of the religious community to make decisions regarding the novices' continuation or departure from the novitiate.
In summary, a novice master is a person who guides, educates, and accompanies novices as they embark on their journey towards a religious vocation, providing them with the necessary tools and support to thrive in their spiritual growth and discernment process.
Etymology of NOVICE MASTER
The word "novice" originated from the Latin word "novus", meaning "new". In the context of a novice master, it refers to someone who oversees or guides novices, or individuals who are new or inexperienced in a particular field, typically within a religious or specialized community. The term "master" has its roots in the Latin word "magister", indicating a person who is highly skilled, knowledgeable, or experienced in a particular subject area. When these two words are combined, "novice master" refers to an individual who is an expert or authority figure responsible for mentoring, instructing, and guiding novices in their respective endeavors or practices.
