Did you know that there are monks, nuns, sisters and brothers, and friars in The Episcopal Church? We invite you to learn what religious life can offer you and to observe Religious Life Sunday on the 3^rd Sunday in Epiphany.

What is “Religious Life Sunday”?

General Convention approved resolution 2022-B004, “Foundation of Religious Life Sunday,” to be held each year on the 3^rd Sunday of Epiphany. On this Sunday, we reach out to Episcopalians to spread the message that monastic and Christian communities exist in The Episcopal Church, who we are, and how to find out what we can offer you.

What are the “religious” communities in The Episcopal Church?

Religious communities in The Episcopal Church include monastic communities, whose members live together under a rule of life and under vows such as poverty, chastity, and obedience. “Religious life” also includes Christian communities whose members are from all walks of life, who live in their own homes and have jobs, and who form unified, vowed communities.

What can religious life do for me and for my faith journey?

In religious life, over the centuries, traditions and practices have been developed to assist spiritual growth and discernment. Religious in the Episcopal Church teach about prayer practices, lead retreats, give spiritual direction, assist in writing and living a rule of life, give presentations about the spiritual journey, and provide spiritual friendship. Many of our monastic communities offer hospitality for short visits or longer retreats. The website religiouslifesunday.org includes resources, videos, a speakers list, and much more.

Once you have made a connection with one religious community, you might want to explore becoming an associate or oblate. The process usually begins with discernment and preparation, followed by a formal service of commitment. Associates and oblates pray for the members of the community and other associates and oblates, and they usually give financial and other support, commit to a rule of life, and attend retreats. We also discern with those exploring a vocation to religious life.

How can I connect with a religious community?

We welcome your interest in our lives and our communities! To learn more about monastic communities in The Episcopal Church, visit caroa.net. Form more information on Christian communities, visit naecc.net. For more resources and information, visit religiouslifesunday.org.

Collect For Monastic Orders and Vocations
O Lord Jesus Christ, you became poor for our sake, that we might be made rich through your  poverty: Guide and sanctify, we pray, those whom you call to follow you under the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, that by their prayer and service they may enrich your Church, and by their life and worship may glorify your Name; for you reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.