Application

A member of the Missionary Order of St. Barnabas is someone living in society who has heard God's call to guide their life according to the way of the Order of St. Barnabas and who has responded to that call by living in spiritual union with our community. This union is established and made explicit through the promises made by the members. The Call: Like all religious life, life within the Order of St. Barnabas is a gift we receive. It is not just a simple personal choice. It is out of love that Jesus calls us to follow him in a religious vocation. The Answer: This calling from God is left to the freedom of man; God makes a gentle offer, He does not impose. Today there is added difficulty that might exist in responding to this call. Rarely viewed in esteem, the religious life is far from what the modern world holds as valuable that few are ready to accept it. The candidate for membership must have a profound desire to consecrate their life to prayer and service to God and His people. The member must have a desire for work and prayer (Ora et Labora). This is the framework on which this religious life is built. Since the Brothers and Sisters of St. Barnabas are not hermits, there is a strong sense of communal life which cannot be disregarded. It is therefore imperative that the candidate not only have a penchant for Spirituality, but for communal life as well. Even though we may sometimes be geographically separated, we are still in every way a community. Among other necessary qualities, are mental balance and judgment. We can further add: a maturity capable of preparing oneself to make a commitment to a new life, a spirit of faith and openness that allows itself to be led by obedience, and stability are also necessary. The call to this life will often present itself by a desire which might suddenly appear, or it may show itself slowly over time. In practice, it is not easy to judge from a distance the proper traits and aptitude of the candidate. This is why, an application, interview, and a period of prayer and contemplation are necessary to help discern God's calling.