"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may
discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect."   Romans 12:2


Transformation can be defined as the "purification of the heart" so that we can reconnect with God.  
Transformation of a person can come in several ways.   One way is through our own efforts.  The other way
is through the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit as you follow a path of awareness, surrender and guidance.  Our
Community strives to follow the Holy Spirit who will lead us to a new awareness of our true self, gradually
shedding the false self (ego).

Please see the Guardian's Guideline on Formation in the "Writings" section of this web site.

Members of this Community spend their first year as Associate Members.  This is a time for them to
become familiar with the Community to see if it “fits.”  They will be following a formation plan that includes
being involved in community interaction, shaping their lives around the Community’s values, and
developing their own personal Rule of Life.

During their first year, Associate Members will:

  • Become familiar with the Community's Constitution  and Rule (Customary);
  • Begin developing a personal Rule of Life;
  • Assemble a spiritual formation team;
  • Build a pattern of Prayer;
  • Design a plan of study;
  • Realize a personal mission;
  • Attend Eucharist/Communion regularly;
  • Attend Convocations if possible;
  • Discern if a continued relationship with the Community is appropriate;
  • Speak with their Formation Guide at least monthly.

At the end of the year, if they and the Community feel that a continued association would be blessed, the
Associate Member may petition for full commitment to the Community.  They could then be received as a
Full Member of the Community and would be entitled to the benefits of taking a religious name, using the
title “Brother” or “Sister,” and having voting rights on issues affecting the general welfare of the Community.  
Members are free to leave the Community at any time.

Full Members continue their (trans)formation, as an ongoing blessing.  Formation for Full Members could
include:

  • Annual review of the Constitution and Customary;
  • Continue development of a personal Rule of Life;
  • Continue working with their spiritual direction team;
  • Continue their prayer, study and personal mission;
  • Attend Eucharist, Convocations, and retreats as able;
  • Work with a Formation guide;
  • Take greater roles of responsibility within the Community.

All members continually strive to be responsive to others' needs, pray for each other and for God's grace
for the Community, and work to incorporate the Supporting Values into their lives.

Our members are encouraged to:

RULE OF LIFE – Members build a personal Rule of Life – a personal expression of how they live out the
values of the Community in their own lives.  The Rule of Life grows and changes over time, and helps
solidify ones growth and direction.

JOURNALING – Members are encouraged to jot down the events of the day, and reflect on the blessings
and challenges.  This "awareness examen" is very helpful in watching personal growth day by day, and can
be a great resource for spiritual direction.

RETREATS – Members are encouraged to make several personal retreats throughout the year.  These
can take several different forms, such as silent retreats or directed retreats.  There are many retreat
centers to choose from, so it is best to visit several to find the one that suits your needs.