Living a Religious Life

In the Episcopal Church, there are many options for those who desire to live in a faith community with other persons of prayer.  Those drawn to community living choose either a traditional religious order or a more contemporary religious community.

The Diocese of Virginia does not offer a program of formation for religious life, but encourages those seeking to explore such a life to be in touch with religious communities directly.  Most have their own processes of discernment and formation.  

Traditional religious orders
Members make vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience. The Conference of Anglican Religious Orders in the Americas recognizes 23 orders, differing in size, composition and mission.

Some traditional orders include:

• The Order of the Holy Cross
  845-384-6660

• Society of St. John the Evangelist
  www.ssje.org

• Order of St. Helena
  845-562-0592

• Other Options
  www.orders.anglican.org/caroa

Contemporary religious communities
Although similar to traditional religious orders, most modern religious communities do not require celibacy or mandatory vows. In many communities, members have the choice of living individually, in small groups, or with their families.

Some contemporary communities include:

• Richmond Hill
  804-783-7903
  www.richmondhillva.org
  
• Brotherhood of St. Gregory
  www.gregorians.org

• Community of Celebration
  www.communityofcelebration.com

• Community of the Paraclete
  www.theparacletians.org

• Companions of St. Luke-Benedictine
  319-837-8421

• Other Options
  www.orders.anglican.org/caroa