postulant

A postulant (from Latin: postulare, "to ask") was originally one who makes a request or demand; hence, a candidate. The use of the term is now generally restricted to those asking for admission into a Christian monastery or a religious order for the period preceding their admission into the novitiate. The term is most commonly used in the Catholic Church, Evangelical-Lutheran Churches, and the Anglican Communion (which includes the Episcopal Church) to designate those who are seeking ordination to the diaconate or priesthood. In this respect, postulancy is generally considered the first formal step leading to candidacy (for ordination) and ordination. The Eastern Orthodox Church uses this term less frequently.