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1. Is your group an Order or a Community? This Community is a Christian Community formed
under the Canons of the Episcopal Church. We are incorporated in the State of Wisconsin, and are
organized to conform to Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code.
2. Is the Community associated with a major order like Franciscans or Benedictines? The
Community is not based exclusively on any one major tradition. The richness of diversity that each
offers forms the basis of our discipline. You will find building blocks of many of these great traditions
in every corner of our lives. For example, much of our Prayer life is based on Benedictine tradition;
our life of Study is somewhat Dominican; and our life of Service is Franciscan or Jesuit.
3. How old is the Community? The Community’s foundation dates back almost 2,000 years. This
particular expression of the Christian Community began in 2007.
4. What does it cost to become a member of the Community? How are you supported
financially? The philosophy of the Community is to let our members know the cost of doing things;
processing applications, paying legal fees, renting web space, etc. Members are then asked to
consider what they can do to cover these costs. Some members can not contribute much because
of their circumstances, and others contribute more. Somehow, it all works out! No one is pressured
to contribute funds, and everyone's contributions are held in the strictest confidence. Members are
encouraged to grow into the discipline of tithing, but this is primarily directed toward the Member’s
local parish or causes that further the love and compassion of Christ. Members are responsible for
their own books, travel and communication expenses.
5. I am a member of another Order. Can I also be a member with your Community? Our
guidelines allow dual memberships. However, this arrangement must enhance one's spiritual
transformation, and must not be detrimental to either vocational expression. Some Orders will not
permit vowed members to become members of a second Order or Community. Check this out with
your current Order first.
6. How old must I be to be a member? You must be at least 21 years of age to be considered for
membership in the Community.
7. What Prayer Book is used by the Community? The official prayer book of the Community is
the Book of Common Prayer of the Church, but members select the prayer book of their choice for
personal use. When united at Convocation or other regional meetings, the Book of Common Prayer
will be used to unify the celebration.
8. Do members have a formation program? All members are considered to be under continuous
formation. (See the Formation page for further information.) Essentially, each member (including
the Guardian) is assigned a Formation Guide who assists the member with his or her formation.
9. Do you wear habits? Our habits are primarily “habits of the heart.” The attention we draw to
ourselves should be because we are unique manifestations of God and are treating others as though
they were Christ. While Members are free to use neck crosses, prayer shawls and stoles, our main
habit is the external behavior we exhibit toward others and toward ourselves in keeping with the love
of Christ in our hearts. Local parish customs may permit the wearing of celebration vestments, such
as an alb and cincture, and there may be times when this is appropriate to do so. While we wear no
distinguishable clothing in public, we ask our members to dress simply in keeping with our value of
simplicity.
10. Is the Community open to both single and partnered relationships? The Community is
open to any person over the age of 21, single or partnered, who is a communicant member of the
Episcopal Church or other Christian denomination. The expectation is, however, that any relationship
is based on fidelity and integrity.
11. What types of membership are available with the Community? There is only one type of
membership available with the Community. Each member, however, proceeds through two levels of
commitment. For the first year, members are considered to be Associate Members. After one year
of this initial formation, members may petition the Community to become Full Members. (See the
Formation page and Members page for further information.)
12. What type of references will I need to apply to the Community? Members applying to the
Community will need the support of their spouse or partner, plus acknowledgement from their
pastor. These letters need to be included with the initial application.
13. Do you have oblates? Oblates are lay people who associate themselves with a particular
monastery or abbey in order to support, and be supported by, that association through some formal
arrangement. Because of our simple structure, we do not have oblates. We have one class of
membership that progresses through two levels of commitment.
14. Who are “Friends of the Community”? Friends of the Community are those people
interested in associating themselves with the Community, but who do not wish to have any formal
commitment. Friends support us in prayer and other resources as they are able, and are supported
by our prayer.