Formation Program
The Program for The Missionaries of St. Benedict.:
ALL MEMBERS MUST BE SELF SUPPORTING

MEANING OF VOCATION

Minor Order
Is for men and women who live in their own home and have taken vows of a monastic.

Third Order
Is for men and women who live in their own homes and with their families. Who live and work in the world. These third order members take the traditional vows of a monastic in their state of life.

Monastic Associate
Is for men and women who live in their own homes and families. They work in the world but do not take traditional monastic vows. They do live the monastic life in their state of life. These people do support the monasteries ministeries.

In a religious sense, a call from God to serve Him in a particular state as a priest or a religious or a Third Order Member bound by vows.
Are as a monastic associate.

REQUIRMENTS TO BE ACCEPTED AS A CANDIDATE

A copy of your Confirmation Certificate.  (If available)
A copy of your Baptism Certificate.
A letter of recommendation from a clergyperson.
A letter of recommendation from a layperson.
A letter by the potential candidate why she or he feels called by God to enter Religious Life.
If you are married, a copy of your Marriage Certificate (Or Holy Union Certificate)


VOWS-

PURITY- CHASITY                                                                                                    The moral virtue whereby a person tries to control sexual impulses according to the dictates of right reason.  This virtue excludes sinful indulgence arising from sexual impulses.  Married and single persons are called by scripture to live a pure life.

BIBLICAL READINGS:
Matthew 4 27-30, 1 Peter 3 2, Timothy 2 5, Genesis 39-7-20

SIMPLICITY- POVERTY

Not to be attached to worldly goods or honors (money, etc.)

DEVOTION- OBEIDENCE

The moral virtue by which an individual submits his or her will to lawful authority.  We are bound to obey the laws of God, and disobedience to his laws result in sin.  We are also bound to obey civil and church authority.  Just as Christ did on Earth.

STABILITY
For those in the order are to remain in it for the rest of their lives. And those who live in community for the rest of their lives.

OBLIGATIONS AFTER PROFESSING VOWS-

To receive Holy Communion at least once a week.
To pray for the church's mission to spread the Gospel and all needs 3 times a day.
To financially support the church's mission to the best of your ability.
To follow the Spiritual Direction of the Abbot.
To attend Spiritual Formation meetings.

FORMATION-

POSTULANT- 3 to 6 months depending on the Spiritual Direction of the Abbot.  A time of spiritual discernment.

NOVICE- 1 to 2 years depending on the Spiritual Direction of the Abbot, Spiritual Formation in the Rule of St. Benedict, The Rule of Jerusalem, Holy Scripture, Prayer, Meditation, and active Ministry.

HABIT- To be white tunic with black scapular and black belt.  (Will receive the Habit at the begining of the Noviciate).

CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER TECHNIQUES-

The Jesus Prayer
Lexio Divina (prayer of scripture)
Liturgy of the Hours (Christian Prayer)
Meditation
Vocal Prayer
Common Prayer

THE FUNCTION OF THE ABBOT-

Is the Spiritual Director of the order.  And is responsible for the training of the members spiritually and in active ministry.

WE DO NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST RACE, CREED, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, SEX, ILLNESS OR FORMAL TRAINING!!!