Associate What is an Associate? Associates of St. Benedict are single and married, men and women, who desire a richer and fuller Christian experience through an association with a Benedictine Community. It is the belief of the Companions of St. Luke that associates are not third class citizens who are simply asked to pray and contribute financially to the Religious Community. It is the belief of the Companions of St. Luke that associates are individuals who seek a deeper understanding of their baptismal vows and the implications of those vows through the use of the Rule of St. Benedict. Associates are an integral part of Religious Life and play important role in that life. For 1500 years men and women have associated themselves with monastic communities in a desire to enrich their spiritual lives through the principles of St. Benedict.
The Rule ~ A guide for Associates
Associates, like Oblates, and their vowed Brothers and sisters, seek a profound grounding in Christ, and a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith. This understanding comes through the use of monastic tools; principally the use of sacred reading - lectio divina, prayer, and the incorporation of the Rule of St. Benedict into the day-to-day life of its members. In addition to this, Associates promise to live a life consistent with the three-fold Benedict vows of: - Obedience
- Conversion of Life
- Stability
Obedience Associates offer their obedience to God as an act of love and selflessness. They search for God’s will in all things, asking the Holy Spirit to guide and direct their ways. These ways are found in the Gospels and in the Rule of St. Benedict. Associates bind themselves to a Benedictine Community, practicing monastic principles, to heighten their awareness to such selflessness.
Conversion of Life
Through the use of our baptismal vows, Associates seek a life of conversion. That conversion is initiated when we release our need to control our life. Conversion is seeking God’s will in our life. Conversion is placing before God all our actions, deeds, and thoughts, to be remolded, and transformed into the likeness of God through Christ Jesus. Conversion is an ongoing process…..hard at times...but always gratifying because of the work that has already begun in us. Listen carefully, …..to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart. This is advice from a father who loves you; welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice. (Prologue of the Rule of St. Benedict.)
Stability
Stability is a very illusive cornerstone in life. Because of its ability to slip through our hands like sand, an Associate strives to build their faith on the bedrock of Christ. Here and in no other place can true stability be found. Stability is seeking Christ in all things, but especially in prayer. Associates seek out a place and time each day to encounter Christ and bring balance once again into their lives. It is in prayer where balance, connectedness, and wholeness is found.
Formation
The Associate formation program has built in fluidity. After studying the Rule of St. Benedict, each Associate designs his own Rule of Life consistent with the Gospels. The Rule of Life may contain some of the following elements: - Read daily a portion of the Gospels
- Incorporate the teaching of St. Benedict into daily living.
- Seek Obedience, Conversion of Life, and Stability as goals consistent with the Gospels.
- Review weekly the vows you made at Baptism.
- Develop a schedule that will promote regular prayer.
- Worship regularly.
- Receive the Eucharist often.
- Attend retreats when available.
- Schedule time for Bible study at your local parish.
- Pray as often as possible with your Brothers who are in Community.
An Act of Love Thank God daily for the presence of this Religious Community and support them monthly from the resources God has given. For more information, please write or email Abbot Michael-John, OSB at the Abbey. |
