BECOMING A BROTHER OR SISTER IN

 THE 3RD ORDER OF ST MARTIN de PORRES

Requirements 

A candidate for the Order must be at lest 18 years of age. This is considered contractual legal age-when a person is legally responsible for their own decisions. It is felt that a candidate can judge by this time if there is a call to a life of ministry.

At the same time, each applicant is considered for their own gifts and level of maturity. These requirements relate directly to the hopes and expectations each applicant brings to the threshold of this new adventure.

Candidates can expect training in the Order's Litary and Creed, Canons and By-laws, and an overview of our history, which is ancient and fascinating. We also offer the chance for on-the-job training in some of the canonry's charitable works, businesses and or programs.

Oblates of St. Martin de Porres

When it is determined through the vote that there are possibly real vocations to our Order, the Vocations Counsel schedules classes in the Creed, Threefold Path, Canon, Liturgy and History of our Order and origins.

Copies of these are given to the *Oblates, and they must be brought to class as they will be used as reference material throughout the course. Candidates are referred to as Oblates of the Third Order of Disciples of St. Martin de Porres from this point until they take their vows.

Whether working with us on one of the Order's projects, or elsewhere in the world's community, the oblates will be receiving these weekly classes, which will include discussions on the Laying on of Hands, the Vow of simplicity and Chapel Liturgy, as well as preparation for the Investiture Ceremony. At present, our Abbot is leading these classes.

The oblate period can last up to three months. Oblates are advised to think deeply about everything they are learning, and to take it all to heart. At this time, oblates are measured for their habit and instructed to chose a new name to go with their new station in life. There may be some who decide after a few weeks that this is not the way for them. That's fine. They are no less loved.

Each group of oblates is asked to add a paragraph to the forward of our charter. The group should meet and discuss this, having the paragraph completed and submitted to the Chancellor by two weeks prior to the ceremony.

Investiture

At long last, the time comes for the Celebration of Life, the ceremony of Investiture, taking of the habit and new name, imposing of the laying on of hands, and taking of the vow of our order.....the vow of simplicity. This ceremony takes place at our chapel, inducts the Oblate into our community.

After making solemn profession the formation of the Sister or Brother is hardly over. Formation is a life-long endeavor and each member continues their path and development throughout their life.

Application

On the basis of an interview with the vocations counsel, a candidate is recommended for formal application to the Order and begins a step by step process which included submitting the following:

Personal Autobiography - birth date, schooling, interest, talents and skills

Letter - explaining why prospective candidate wishes to belong to the Order.

Names for letters of reference - at lest two, must be included contact information (optional)

Medical Information - to the dress that it may be needed in case of emergency or that special considerations must be made with regards to accessibility, do you have an advance directive, ect.

Application form - completed, dated and signed by applicant.

Must have understanding of "Circle of Care"

Must have done volunteer experience/community service 6 months - 1 year prior to application.

At some point needs to complete Spiritual Gifts Quiz

Verbal Interview.

If you are interested and wanting an Application for Membership call:

 Rev. Bro. Joseph+  Brother Superior (San Francisco, CA)

(417) 848-8867 or (417) 576-4603


Rev. Bro. Philip+ (Springfield, MO)


*Oblates - is a person in training, living with or near a Reverend Brother or Sister but not bound by vows.