novicenmeester
Novicenmeester is a term used in Dutch-speaking religious communities to denote the person responsible for guiding and supervising novices during the novitiate. A novice is a candidate who has entered the order for discernment and formation, typically living within the community under supervision during a period that precedes vows. The novicenmeester coordinates the spiritual, doctrinal, and practical aspects of formation and is often a senior vowed member with experience in spiritual direction and education.
Responsibilities include providing instruction on the order’s Rule, liturgy, prayer life, and community life; offering personal
Selection for the post is typically done by the religious superior and is often a fixed-term appointment.
Etymology: novicenmeester combines novicen (novice) and meester (master). In Latin sources, the role is given as