Join us in celebrating
Religious Life Sunday
The Episcopal Church, The Anglican Church of Canada, and throughout the world
What is Religious Life Sunday?
The General Convention of The Episcopal Church approved resolution 2022-B004, “Foundation of Religious Life Sunday,” to be held each year on the 3rd Sunday of Epiphany. This observance focuses our efforts to tell all Episcopalians and Anglicans about our monastic and Christian Communities and what we offer the church.
Are you longing for spiritual companionship and for resources to help on your spiritual journey? Are you seeking to deepen your relationship with God and to center your life on Christ?
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We believe that religious life has something to offer everyone!
As monks and nuns, sisters and brothers in religious life, we are trained and formed by traditions and practices that foster spiritual growth and discernment. The communities that we build among ourselves spill over in love as we offer hospitality to all in Christ's name. We teach about prayer, lead retreats, give spiritual direction, give guidance in writing and living a rule of life, make presentations about the spiritual journey, and provide spiritual friendship. We are also eager to welcome new members to enter into our life and to carry forward our ministries and traditions.
VARIETIES OF RELIGIOUS LIFE
Religious Orders
Members of monastic communities live together under a rule of life and under life vows such as poverty, chastity, and obedience. Visit: caroa.net.
Christian Communities
Members of Christian Communities are from all walks of life, live in their own homes, have jobs and families, and form vowed communities. Visit: naecc.net.
See below video discussions comparing religious orders and Christian communities in The Episcopal Church
Introduction to CAROA and NAECC
Living Gospel values in religious life
Ministries in religious life
You are invited to a live conversation
To learn more about religious orders and Christian communities in The Episcopal Church, register for this live Zoom conversation to be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 4:00 pm ET.
Resources for Religious Life Sunday
Written Resources for Religious Life Sunday
Connect with a Religious Community
Religious communities provide spiritual friendship and guidance, and our monastic communities offer retreats. You may want to establish a deeper relationship with one community by becoming an associate or oblate. You or someone you know may have a vocation to religious life. Details and contact information are on the websites below.
Religious Speakers' Bureau List
Invite a monk or nun, sister or brother to preach or give a presentation to your group or at your church. We can talk about religious life and teach about many spiritual topics. We are also are available to give meditations and to lead retreats and quiet days.
Speakers are available in person or online.
See the attached list:
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Videos about Religious Life
Here and on our YouTube channel:
Sr. Monica Clare, CSJB
Superior, Community of Saint John the Baptist
Click on the image at left to view a LinkedIn News video on discerning your call from Sister Monica Clare, CSJB
More resources on vocations to religious life:
Vocations videos from St. Gregory's Abbey
Vocations resources from the Society of St. John the Evangelist
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Collect for Monastics and Vocations
O Lord Jesus Christ, you became poor for our sake, that we might be made rich through your poverty: Guide and sanctify, we pray, those whom you call to follow you under the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, that by their prayer and service they may enrich your Church, and by their life and worship may glorify your Name; for you reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer, p. 819
Photo: Sr. Ellen Francis, OSH
