COVENANT 17 – 2 TIMOTHY 2:2
The process of entrance into the full membership of the Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ consists of four paths each possibly leading to the next:
Friend: share in the fellowship, prayer, and spiritual journey of the Community.
Companion: commit to study and live, as far as applicable, the Common Rule.
Profession: tonsured and set aside for study and ministry taking temporary vows.
Confession: offering a solemn profession of vows for life.
At the direction of the Holy Spirit, and taking the needs of the individual into account, a person may remain at any stage indefinitely. All persons under the age of eighteen must have their parents’ or guardians’ written permission to enter as a Companion, and no one may be considered for Profession until they have first completed their twenty-first year.
Anyone formally associating with the Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ, in any capacity, is encouraged to submit a written statement. This statement should outline personal goals and expectations, reflecting on one’s unique calling within the Community. Additionally, they are asked to promise to uphold the spirit of the Common Rule, to the best of their ability, as it applies to their specific role.
To ensure the well-being of our Community, all individuals seeking membership are required to disclose any serious or chronic health conditions or illnesses they may be managing. Written documentation regarding their treatment history is also requested. This information is vital for informed decision-making by the General Council. It’s important to emphasize that the Community does not discriminate based on health conditions. Following careful consideration, individuals with such conditions may still be admitted. However, any attempt to conceal this information could render acceptance or profession null and void.
Joining the Sacramental Community is a voluntary act of free will. Those entering the Community understand that their services will be freely given, as directed by the Community. There is no expectation of financial compensation, should an individual choose to leave at any point, or be dismissed by the General Council or Minister General.
Friend
The Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ welcomes individuals at all stages of their spiritual journey. The first level of membership, Friend, offers a welcoming space for those who are curious about the Community’s charism and teachings. Friends actively participate in the Community’s prayer life and spiritual activities, such as attending church services, participating in prayer groups, engaging in retreats, and joining in chapter meetings. This level is open to anyone, including parishioners of the Sacramental Community Churches and those from other Christian denominations. Being a Friend allows individuals to explore their faith alongside the Coworkers of Christ without any formal commitment, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth.
Companion
Companions are those who enter the Community desiring to follow our Common Rule and possibly become Professed and or Confessed members under solemn profession. They do not live in community nor under vows, as this is a time of discernment of aspiration though they are encouraged to visit local chapters, ministries, and churches and be involved in the community as much as possible.
Becoming a Companion involves a commitment to daily prayer, weekly worship, and attending weekly chapter meetings as well as a sincere desire for spiritual growth, which is nurtured through daily engagement with our Common Rule.
Profession
Profession marks a significant step in the Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ, initiating full membership. This intensive twelve-month period is dedicated to formation and discernment, allowing individuals to fully immerse themselves in our way of life.
The period of Profession is a time of intense growth and discernment. Newly professed members immerse themselves in a comprehensive program designed to prepare them for deeper commitment. This includes ongoing discernment, focused spiritual formation, immersive experiences in monastic life, and in-depth theological study. This formation emphasizes several key elements: deepening spiritual practices, building a strong theological foundation, and understanding the nuances of the spiritual journey, including navigating times of spiritual dryness. Integral to this process is individual spiritual mentoring, the development of honest accountability within a supportive community, and the integration of contemplative practices with active engagement in apostolic works. This period of formation prepares members for the possibility of ongoing conversion and ultimately, the potential for Confession and permanent vows.
Professed members reside within the Community, literally if possible and figuratively if not, either in a religious house or a hermitage cell. They are progressively integrated into the daily rhythms of the Community, assuming appropriate rights and responsibilities. This fosters a sense of belonging and allows them to experience our values in action.
Each professed member is assigned a spiritual director who serves as a trusted guide and mentor, overseeing their spiritual growth and understanding of the Common Rule. The director provides written assessments to the Minister General twice a year, evaluating progress and suitability for continued discernment.
This period of dedicated exploration, while typically one year, may be extended indefinitely for deeper discernment, ensuring that the decision to take permanent vows is well-considered and rooted in a genuine calling.
Several key qualities are considered for admission to Profession. These include:
Right Intention and Freedom of Choice: The desire to join the Community must be sincere and freely chosen.
Spiritual, Intellectual, and Social Fitness: A strong foundation in faith, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to function effectively within the Community are essential.
Personal Maturity and Well-being: Emotional maturity and sound physical and mental health are necessary for thriving in the Community’s lifestyle.
Intellectual and Professional Development: A commitment to ongoing learning, whether through existing qualifications or a willingness to pursue further education, is valued.
Christian Faith and Understanding: Being a practicing Christian with a firm grasp of core Christian creeds is a core requirement.
Profession is a transformative experience, offering a taste of the Community’s life while allowing individuals to discern their vocation. Through guidance, formation, and a spirit of discernment, Profession equips individuals to make a well-informed decision about a life long commitment to membership in the Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ.
Confession
As seasonal Profession concludes, the Coworker reaches a momentous milestone: the Solemn Confession of vows. Bolstered by the pillars of our spiritual life – penance and obedience, chastity and poverty, forgiveness and reconciliation – the Confessed member is consecrated to God within the Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ until their death.
Solemn vows taken by Confessed members represent a spiritual covenant of the highest order. These vows are not simply temporary commitments; they signify a lifelong dedication to God and the Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ. This permanent bond reflects the enduring nature of God’s love and the call to discipleship. While the specifics of daily life may evolve over time, the core commitment expressed through the vows remains constant. This permanence provides a sense of stability and purpose, allowing Confessed members to fully dedicate themselves to a life of service and spiritual growth within the Community.