GETTING STARTED

It sounds a bit frightening to say that you want to get started living a life of penance (being converted), doesn't it? But that simply means that you want to make a formal beginning on a life of conversion to doing things God's way. You probably do want to do that.  Otherwise, you wouldn't be reading this pages!

Here are some questions beginners ask, and some answers.

The Confraternity does not require any monetary contribution from its members. A donation is suggested for materials requested, if possible. Any donation to the Confraternity is always greatly appreciated as the Confraternity depends on free will donations to meet its monthly expenses.

Do you desire to live this way? If God has granted you this desire, then He will grant you the means to live this life, even though it may initially seem difficult.

Does the idea of living this Rule bring peace and joy? To become a penitent, one must possess a joyful self-discipline and peace of heart.

Are you willing to be at peace with all, as much as others will allow? A penitent must remember that the primary rule is love of God and of neighbor.

Are you willing to try to make some changes, if needed, in your current lifestyle so that you can live this Rule? If so, you will experience increased freedom and deeper awareness of God's presence throughout the day.

We live the Rule of 1221 according to our Constitutions. You may be living somewhat like this already. If so, continue. If not, you should probably not attempt to try to live too much of our way of life right now. Generally those who most successfully embrace this way of life are those who follow our formation plan. Often those who try to do too much too soon, without taking the time to make the lifestyle changes needed, grow discouraged with themselves. We don't want this to happen with you. Talk over with your formator what you would like to do and he or she will help you devise a plan.

Begin by praying for God's guidance. Does the Lord seem to want you to possibly live according to our Rule and Constitutions?

Contact the Confraternity with any questions or concerns.

Speak to your spiritual director, if you have one, about your desire.

Make a few small changes in your life and see how they feel. Here are some suggestions, which reflect various aspects of our way of life. How about trying one or two?:

Pray the Apostles' Creed, Psalm 51, Psalm 54, and Psalm 119 to verse 32 mornings.

Pray the Apostles' Creed and Psalm 51 nights.

Make a nightly examination of conscience and pray an Act of Contrition for any sins committed during the day.

Spend fifteen minutes each day in mental prayer.

Pray a daily rosary.

Wear a visible cross or crucifix as a necklace, brooch, or lapel pin.

On Fridays, abstain from meat and eat nothing between meals.

Consider giving something away to a needy person or charitable organization. This need not be something of monetary or sentimental value.

Complete the Inquirer Application and return it to the Confraternity.

Completion of the Inquirer Application will not commit you to formation. Nor will you ever be pressured to enter formation.  The Inquirer Application is a form of inquiry which will enable you to receive the following benefits:

a. Mailings made only to Confraternity members.

b. Contact with your Regional Minister who will assist you personally in your discernment process.

c. Personal contact with others in your Region.

d. Depending on where you live, contact with a local gathering of Confraternity members.

e. Access to special forums, monthly chat teaching, and web pages which are available only to inquirers, members, and pledged penitents.

These contacts will help you more clearly discern a call to this way of life.

No. Many who find the Confraternity on the Internet are understandably cautious about sharing personal information with people whom they do not know.  We'd be cautious, too! 

If you wish to get to know the Confraternity and its members better, please email, postal mail, or phone us to request additional information. We will be happy to answer your questions and be in touch with you as long as you feel it is necessary to get to know us better. When you feel comfortable, then complete the Inquirer Application.  Again, there is no pressure to complete the application before you are ready.

You simply let the Confraternity know. Some who do not continue formation ask to become Affiliates of the Confraternity so as to remain on the public mailing list, support the Confraternity, and be able to attend Confraternity functions. Upon vote of a Chapter's or Circle's Council, and with the approval of the Spiritual Assistant, Affiliates may also be allowed to attend Chapter or Circle meetings.

Note: Those whose health or age prevents them from living the fasting and abstinence provisions of the Rule are not in the Affiliates category because health, not choice, is keeping them from embracing this part of the Rule.  If they wish to enter formation, they proceed through formation as usual. Affiliates are those who could proceed through formation and live the Rule but choose not to.

What if I do want to go on in formation?

You would then complete a Postulant Application, available from the Confraternity, and submit it to your Regional Minister or Chapter or Circle minister (president).  Your application will be carefully reviewed.  Most of those who apply for formation are accepted.  Those who are not accepted into formation are told why the Confraternity feels it is better for them to either seek another vocation or to wait a bit longer before entering formation.  When your application is accepted, you will begin formation as a postulant  either after Ash Wednesday or  August 1 of any given year.  Your Regional Minister or Chapter or Circle minister (president) will assign you a formator (formation director) who is knowledgeable about our Rule and Constitutions and who can assist you on your journey.

Please contact us for more information. 

May God bless you on your spiritual journey!