COVENANT 18 – MAKE VOWS TO THE LORD AND PERFORM THEM
For those who feel called to a deeper commitment within the Coworkers of Christ, the community may offer the opportunity to take vows. These vows are a significant step in the discernment process. They represent a conscious choice to surrender to God’s will more fully and to live a life dedicated to service and spiritual growth. The vows are not taken lightly but are entered into prayerfully and with the support of the community. They serve as a framework for continued spiritual development and a deeper commitment to living out the Gospel in concrete ways.
The formula of public profession of vows by a Professed, which is made before the Minister General, or servant leaders, is as follows:
I, (Name), inspired by the Holy Spirit to live the gospel of Jesus Christ more intently by association with the Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ, by an act of my own free will, do covenant and promise to God and this community in the presence of the church, the members here assembled, and to you, Holy Servant, to live the life of charity, according to the Common Rule of the Sacramental Community of Coworkers of Christ, and to follow that Common Rule as far as possible in my station in life to the best of my ability (for a period of .x. years) . I further dedicate my life to that close union with God and intense love which is the fruit of a disciplined, committed Christian life.
The formula of public confession of vows by a Confessed, which is made before the Minister General, is as follows:
I, (Name), inspired by the Holy Spirit to live the gospel of Jesus Christ more intently by public confession within the Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ, by an act of my own free will, do covenant and promise to God and this community in the presence of the church, the chapter assembled, and to you, Holy Servant, and further place myself into the hands of the Minister General, (Name), to live the life of charity, according to the Common Rule of the Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ, under the evangelical vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and the covenant promises of penance, forgiveness, reconciliation, prayer, study, stability, and apostolic work to the best of my ability for the rest of my God given life. I further dedicate my life to that close union with God and intense love which my humble and complete confession and surrender to this Community can give. So help me God.