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Serving the Church
Religious Life
Living a Religious Life
In the Episcopal Church, Christians have a long history of living together, dedicating themselves to prayer and worship. Today, those drawn to group living choose either a traditional religious order or a more contemporary religious community, where members practice personal ministries ranging from social activism to quiet contemplation.
Traditional religious orders
Members here are committed for life, holding all possessions in common and taking 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
- Order of St. Helena
845-562-0592
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:
- Companions of St. Luke-Benedictine
319-837-8421
Start the process
Begin by asking your rector to recommend you for a weekend discernment retreat. Attending one of these retreats - held three times a year by the Diocese - marks the first step towards exploring whether or not you are called to live in community. Since each religious order and community has its own specific requirements for membership, the next step is for you to contact the community of your choice directly.
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