The Society of Saint John the Evangelist: Becoming a Brother

Becoming A Brother

When a man is so strongly attracted to our Society that he seeks admission, we shall look carefully for signs that he is in fact ready to test his vocation: a desire to seek the face of God in prayer, a yearning to serve, and a willingness to rise up to the demands of life in community

from The Rule of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist

BEGINNING THE PROCESS

It begins with desire. It is our desire and prayer to grow, and we welcome questions and encourage visits from men whose desire to know, love and serve God has led them to investigate the possibility of religious life. To begin the dialogue, we encourage aspirants (prospective new members) to write, describing themselves and their interest. We also offer "Come and See Weekends" at the monastery at which men who are interested in learning more about a vocation with SSJE are encouraged to join us in the monastic rhythm of worship, work and meals; receive instruction on the history and mission of SSJE; and meet with brothers individually and in groups to talk about our life. After preliminary correspondence with the Novice Guardian and one or more visits to the community, a man may be invited to make an Inquirer's Visit of seven to ten days. During this visit he lives the life of the brothers and has ample opportunity for conversations with members of the community. We encourage the inquirer to take plenty of time, following his visit, for prayer and reflection, and to counsel with those who know him well. We also require a physical, dental and psychological examination to assist in our mutual discernment of his calling. Once the SSJE brothers and the aspirant have come to a common mind that he is being called to test his vocation with us, the aspirant is invited to come to the community to begin the period of postulantcy.

NORMS OF OUR COMMUNITY

What follows is a list of some norms which, over the years, we have found to be general guidelines for aspirants, our prospective new members.

Age: Aspirants are normally between 24 and 45 years of age.

Denominational Ties: We are an Anglican religious order whose life of prayer and worship is ordered by The Book of Common Prayer and by the doctrine and discipline of the Episcopal Church (USA) and the Anglican Church of Canada.

Academic Preparation: Most men enter the community with at least an undergraduate education. The formation during postulantcy and the novitiate begins an on-going program of directed study intended to equip the new brother for life and ministry in the Society.

Financial Obligations: If a man is indebted because of academic loans for higher education, SSJE will consider paying part or all of his monthly payments, so long as he remains a member of the SSJE community. An aspirant must otherwise be completely debt-free.

Ordination: Some men are already ordained when they enter the SSJE community. Others may eventually have a sense of call to Holy Orders. The community joins together in discerning this call, a formal process that could not begin until a brother makes his Profession in Life Vows.

Recovery from Addiction: A man's addiction is not necessarily a barrier in his exploring this vocation. If there is an addiction, we expect that the aspirant give evidence of sustained sobriety for at least the previous two years and that he be actively engaged in some kind of support program.

Sexual Orientation: One's sexual orientation is not a determining factor in our discernment. We expect an aspirant to be on the path toward a mature self-understanding and sexual integration, and to demonstrate a sense of call that includes the gift to freely embrace the celibate life.

Previous Marriage or Committed Relationship: For a man who is widowed or divorced, or whose committed relationship has ended, a sufficient period of time for grieving and healing needs to transpire before a discernment process with SSJE can begin. We expect a man to have already had a sustained period of time experiencing freedom and fulfillment in living the celibate life prior to exploring a vocation with us.

Skills and Personal Qualities: We have come to recognize that certain qualities and skills are essential for a man to be able to join and thrive in our community. We will be glad to share these with you when you contact us.

THE PROGRESSION OF OUR LIFE

After being invited to enter the community, a new man is received as a postulant. The six-month postulantcy period precedes the novitiate, when he is clothed in the habit of the order. As a novice he will receive theological training and individual tutoring, take an increased share in manual work and in ministry, and be encouraged to develop creative skills and recreative physical exercise. The novitiate normally lasts for two years. Thereafter, a three-year period in initial vows precedes one's making his profession in life vows.

The SSJE Rule is available and would give you helpful insight into the ordering of our life. The Rule is available through Cowley Publications.

For more information about the life and work of the SSJE brothers or attending a "Come and See Weekend," please write to the Novice Guardian at the monastery. We would be glad to hear from you.

Director of Vocations
The Society of Saint John the Evangelist
980 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
email: vocations@ssje.org