Tertianship is a word that refers to the third year of Jesuit formation. Its spelling can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "ter," is pronounced as /tɜːr/, with a long "e" sound followed by an "r" sound. The second syllable, "tian," is pronounced as /ˈtɜːr.ʃən/, with a long "i" sound followed by a "sh" sound, and the third syllable, "ship," is pronounced as /ʃɪp/, with a "sh" sound followed by a short "i" sound and a "p" sound.
Tertianship, also known as "tertiary formation," refers to a stage of religious formation within certain religious orders or congregations, particularly in the Catholic Church. It is a period of supervised training and spiritual formation that occurs after the completion of the novitiate phase.
During tertianship, individuals who have already gone through the initial stages of religious life are given further instruction and guidance to deepen their understanding and practice of their religious vows and commitments. The primary focus of this stage is to help the individual grow in their spiritual life, particularly in the context of their community and the mission of the religious order.
Tertianship typically involves a combination of intellectual study, spiritual reflection, and practical experience. The curriculum may include advanced theological studies, scripture study, pastoral training, and specific charism and mission-related courses. Participants might also engage in different ministry placements or engage in community-based activities to foster a holistic formation.
The length of tertianship varies depending on the specific religious order or congregation, ranging anywhere from a few months to a year. The exact structure and requirements are determined by the governing norms and traditions of the particular religious community.
Tertianship aims to further prepare individuals for lifelong commitment to their religious vocation, equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and spiritual maturity to serve their community and fulfill their mission. It is seen as an essential step in forming well-rounded members of religious orders who are capable of promoting the values and teachings of their religious traditions.
The word "tertianship" is derived from the Latin word "tertius", which means "third". In the context of religious or spiritual formation, "tertianship" refers to the third year of a Jesuit's or a religious person's training or probation period. This term is primarily used in the Roman Catholic Church.