Confraternity of Penitents?

[Andruschak]

Stumbled across this website. I read it, and wondered if anybody has more information on this outfit.

penitents.org/

I might or might not be interested in joining, although they do have some strict fasting and abstinence guides. Finding time for the prayer requirements would also be a challange.

Chastity is NOT a problem, and simple living is something I need to practice, and have already undertaken.

In any case, I couldn’t do anything until after Confirmation next Easter

In other word, just curious at the moment:thumbsup:

 

[Go_Irish]

I have also spent a lot of time on that site.

The Confraternity (CFP) members strive to live the Rule of 1221, a Rule of Life that many saints lived as they advanced in holiness.

I am in formation with another group of souls who also strive to live the Rule of 1221. The name of the group is the Brothers and Sisters of Penance of St. Francis of Assisi. Their website is: www.bspenance.com.

I am over halfway through with my first year of Novice formation (Formation is 1 year as a postulant and 3 years as a novice.) and I cannot effectively put into words how God has changed my life through the Rule of 1221.

I encourage you to pray about this. I do not believe that it was mere coincidence that you were led to that site. Read the Rule again. Read the publications that the CFP and BSP produce. (There is a great penance library on the CFP site.)

Maybe even try to adopt a couple small portions of the Rule into your current lifestyle.

I will pray for you.

 

[Go_Irish]

I am sorry.

The BSP website is: www.bspenance.org.

 

[Andruschak]

II encourage you to pray about this. I do not believe that it was mere coincidence that you were led to that site. Read the Rule again. Read the publications that the CFP and BSP produce. (There is a great penance library on the CFP site.)

Maybe even try to adopt a couple small portions of the Rule into your current lifestyle.

I will pray for you.

Well, if it wasn’t coinidence, shall we assign this to Mother Mary? She seems to be sticking her nose into a lot of my affairs lately. Yes, yes, I know I know…I asked her to. But still…

In a way, I have started adopting some of the suggestions on a small scale. I currently fast on Wednesday and Saturday in devotion to BVM and the souls of Purgatory. Easy enough to change that to Wednesday and Fridays.

FOUR days of abstinence a weeK? Well, could be done. Only two big meals per day on non-fast days (plus a small snack)? Want to run that by my Physician.

Drab clothing? No problem? Simplify lifestyle? Fine with me. Haven’t had a TV set since 1985 and I ain’t dead yet of deprivation

More prayer? Now that might be a problem.

And I hope we are allowed pets.

Anyhow, thanks for the other link. In any case, I’d have to await my Confirmation next easter before SERIOUSLY considering these options.

Again, thank you for your replies:thumbsup:

 

[Andruschak]

I have also spent a lot of time on that site.

The Confraternity (CFP) members strive to live the Rule of 1221, a Rule of Life that many saints lived as they advanced in holiness.

I am in formation with another group of souls who also strive to live the Rule of 1221. The name of the group is the Brothers and Sisters of Penance of St. Francis of Assisi. .

OK, I checked out both websites. Both seem to want very much the same dedication for those truely called. What are the differences that I should consider?

And obviously I’d like some members nearby for support and help as needed. It does NOT look like something that can be done by myself without substantial help)

 

[baltobetsy]

There’s a forum member who is a member of the CP, I believe, and who has posted about it. Perhaps you could try a search for the thread, or send a PM to mercygate. I think that’s who it was.

Betsy

 

[mercygate]

That’s me! I am a third-year novice in the CFP. I will be pledging for life (perhaps making a vow) in July of this year.

There are some differences in the way the BSP and the CFP live the 1221 Rule of the Franciscan Lay Order. Both groups have constitutions (aka statutes) that provide a modern interpretation of the medieval rule. I understand that the BSP flex their dress code to allow colors on Solemnities and feasts. Our rule does not. (We can wear not-regulation colors for special occasions with the permission of our spiritual director).

If you have questions about our way of life, PLEASE ask! I’m a spiritual slob. I have found that the accountability and the fellowship really help me to stay focused.

Our annual retreat is always a delight. This year, our retreat master was Fr. Dominic Mary MFVA. The conferences were excellent, and during our “talking” meals, I never laughed so much in my life. When they’re not praying the Office or in Adoration, our CFP brothers and sisters are a LOT of fun!

 

[Andruschak]

If you have questions about our way of life, PLEASE ask! I’m a spiritual slob. I have found that the accountability and the fellowship really help me to stay focused.

As I noted, I need all the help I can get, and it seems to be another of those “coincidences” that I run across both BSP and COP in a 24 hour period.

And this before I am even confirmed.

Obviously, with either group, there will be some major and minor changes in my life, and probably all for the better.

Should I actually choose to join either group after the 4 year adjustment period, there will be much discomfort and sacrifice at first. I suppose is what “penance” is all about, especially considering my previous years.

But the long term looks to be what I need…a life driven by purpose in Christ. With support.

But obviously the sound logic of a 4 year adjustment period is obvious

 

[mercygate]

As I noted, I need all the help I can get, and it seems to be another of those “coincidences” that I run across both BSP and COP in a 24 hour period.

And this before I am even confirmed.

Obviously, with either group, there will be some major and minor changes in my life, and probably all for the better.

Should I actually choose to join either group after the 4 year adjustment period, there will be much discomfort and sacrifice at first. I suppose is what “penance” is all about, especially considering my previous years.

But the long term looks to be what I need…a life driven by purpose in Christ. With support.

But obviously the sound logic of a 4 year adjustment period is obvious

In the CFP (and the BSP also) we break into the life gradually. Each discipline is approached in increments, starting with getting your life in order in the postulant year, followed by prayer (Nov 1), food (Nov 2) and clothing (Nov 3). So there are no huge wrenches. It’s a gradual adjustment towards simplicity.

 

[mommyof4]

I too stumbled across the COF site this summer. I have concidered joining, but I don’t think that the time is right for me at this time. I have a lot of family obligaitons and I don’t think my husband would be too happy with me using more of my time for church (he hollers about how much I am “into” church as it is). And the drap clothing thing - he would have a problem with that, too. Not that this 40 something mother of four is going around dressing like Brittany Spears right now, but he likes it when I look nice, wear perfume, etc.

However, I have signed up for their e-mails, and I regulary get prayer requests, that I do honor. I have also asked them to pray for some of my needs, also (like getting my husband back “into” church, also)!

The correspondence I have gotten from them is very good, and I also will occasionally get private e-mails from them just to see how things are going. My opinion is that this is a group that is worthy of looking into further.

Good luck, Andruschak.

 

[Andruschak]

In the CFP (and the BSP also) we break into the life gradually. Each discipline is approached in increments, starting with getting your life in order in the postulant year, followed by prayer (Nov 1), food (Nov 2) and clothing (Nov 3). So there are no huge wrenches. It’s a gradual adjustment towards simplicity.

You might be interestted in another “coincidence”. You may or may not have read some other posts of mine where I talk about my learning experiences at catechismclass.com

Here is the assignment our spiritual director wanted us to do this weekend…

++++++++++

32nd week of Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Beginning immediately after this class I want you to spend various parts of the entire weekend really wrestling with the implications for you of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s:

PRINCIPLE AND FOUNDATION

Man is created to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord, and by this means to save his soul.

And the other things on the face of the earth are created for man and that they may help him in prosecuting the end for which he is created.

From this it follows that man is to use them as much as they help him on to his end, and ought to rid himself of them so far as they hinder him as to it.

For this it is necessary to make ourselves indifferent to all created things in all that is allowed to the choice of our free will and is not prohibited to it; so that, on our part, we want not health rather than sickness, riches rather than poverty, honor rather than dishonor, long rather than short life, and so in all the rest; desiring and choosing only what is most conducive for us to the end for which we are created.

++++++++++++

Yup, I need to think about that

 

[mercygate]

I too stumbled across the COF site this summer. I have concidered joining, but I don’t think that the time is right for me at this time. I have a lot of family obligaitons and I don’t think my husband would be too happy with me using more of my time for church (he hollers about how much I am “into” church as it is). And the drap clothing thing - he would have a problem with that, too. Not that this 40 something mother of four is going around dressing like Brittany Spears right now, but he likes it when I look nice, wear perfume, etc.

However, I have signed up for their e-mails, and I regulary get prayer requests, that I do honor. I have also asked them to pray for some of my needs, also (like getting my husband back “into” church, also)!

The correspondence I have gotten from them is very good, and I also will occasionally get private e-mails from them just to see how things are going. My opinion is that this is a group that is worthy of looking into further.

Good luck, Andruschak.

You sound like you have your head on straight. I’m glad you are on our list and that we can pray for one another.

The CFP Rule is aimed at living our family life fully and richly. If you feel the Rule would get in your way, then you need not to be living it. OTOH, there is a lot of flexibility in our Rule that accommodates the needs of various life commitments.

The dress code is not necessarily “drab.” OK: I MISS red, and tartans, and most of all, I’m sure gonna miss my furs . But it IS possible to stay in “code” without looking like a frump. Nobody in my office has the LEAST suspicion that I’m dressing to a code. Having all that room in my closet and drawers is WONDERFUL!!!

 

[mercygate]

You might be interestted in another “coincidence”. You may or may not have read some other posts of mine where I talk about my learning experiences at catechismclass.com

Here is the assignment our spiritual director wanted us to do this weekend…

++++++++++

32nd week of Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Beginning immediately after this class I want you to spend various parts of the entire weekend really wrestling with the implications for you of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s:

PRINCIPLE AND FOUNDATION

Man is created to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord, and by this means to save his soul.

And the other things on the face of the earth are created for man and that they may help him in prosecuting the end for which he is created.

From this it follows that man is to use them as much as they help him on to his end, and ought to rid himself of them so far as they hinder him as to it.

For this it is necessary to make ourselves indifferent to all created things in all that is allowed to the choice of our free will and is not prohibited to it; so that, on our part, we want not health rather than sickness, riches rather than poverty, honor rather than dishonor, long rather than short life, and so in all the rest; desiring and choosing only what is most conducive for us to the end for which we are created.

++++++++++++

Yup, I need to think about that

I made the complete Ignatian *Exercises *under the direction of a Jesuit when I was still an Anglican – almost 20 years before coming into the Catholic Church. That experience became the focal point of my entire spirituality and remains so today.

 

[mommyof4]

You sound like you have your head on straight. I’m glad you are on our list and that we can pray for one another.

The CFP Rule is aimed at living our family life fully and richly. If you feel the Rule would get in your way, then you need not to be living it. OTOH, there is a lot of flexibility in our Rule that accommodates the needs of various life commitments.

The dress code is not necessarily “drab.” OK: I MISS red, and tartans, and most of all, I’m sure gonna miss my furs . But it IS possible to stay in “code” without looking like a frump. Nobody in my office has the LEAST suspicion that I’m dressing to a code. Having all that room in my closet and drawers is WONDERFUL!!!

Furs are no problem for me - don’t like 'em. But my best colors are reds, fuscias, purples, etc. How can I give them up??? And all of the days with out meat. My family would be in outright rebellion. It would be one of those horror stories you read about in the paper: “Mommy of 4 killed by meat-deprived husband and children” or something like that.

But in all seriousness, it really sounds like a good organization, and I continue to pray for all of the intentions they send me and I have nothing but admiration for those who conform to the rule of life.

 

[georgia101]

I am so happy to find this thread! I found the Confraternity of Penitents website about a month and have been seriously considering it ever since; in fact, I don’t seem able to get it off of my mind. I just sent in my inquirers application last night. I think that I will benefit greatly from joining.

 

[mommyof4]

I am so happy to find this thread! I found the Confraternity of Penitents website about a month and have been seriously considering it ever since; in fact, I don’t seem able to get it off of my mind. I just sent in my inquirers application last night. I think that I will benefit greatly from joining.

Good luck, Georgia101. Keep us informed on your progess~

 

[georgia101]

Thank you so much. I am looking forward to learning more about this group. I have been looking for an organization like this for a long time and this is the life style that I have felt that I should live for a long time now.

 

[mercygate]

I am so happy to find this thread! I found the Confraternity of Penitents website about a month and have been seriously considering it ever since; in fact, I don’t seem able to get it off of my mind. I just sent in my inquirers application last night. I think that I will benefit greatly from joining.

Hey, Georgia! Welcome. I hope you find our way of life as refreshing and encouraging as I have.

 

[Br_Mark]

For all of the followers of the Franciscan Rule of 1221, I have a question ?

Why would anyone join an group that claims to be loyal to the church but are not recognized by the canons of the church as a secular organization under the authority of the church.

I would think if one wanted to follow the rule of St. Francis and be a part of a group sanctioned by the church; one would join the Secular Franciscan Order, one time known as the Third Order of St. Francis.

That would be like for me to start an order that would be orthodox and of course loyal to the church but at the same time not be a part of the church.

Let’s see I think I’ll call it the Orthodox Benedictian Order of the Holy Altar Rail Cloth.

Just trying to understand,
your brother in Christ,

Br Mark, OSB

 

[mercygate]

For all of the followers of the Franciscan Rule of 1221, I have a question ?

Why would anyone join an group that claims to be loyal to the church but are not recognized by the canons of the church as a secular organization under the authority of the church.

We are a private lay association of the faithful under obedience to the Bishop of Providence, Rhode Island.

I would think if one wanted to follow the rule of St. Francis and be a part of a group sanctioned by the church; one would join the Secular Franciscan Order, one time known as the Third Order of St. Francis.

Our founders were originally for many years members of the SFO. However, feeling drawn to return to the original charism of the Franciscan lay foundation, they began to live the original 1221 rule, adapted to modern life. When the number of people – from different parts of the country – grew in significance, they petitioned the SFO to be allowed officially to pledge to observe the 1221 rule, which is significantly more stringent than the current rule of the SFO. Permission was denied, as I understand it, because the SFO did not wish to authorize a two-tiered organization in which some might be tempted to spiritual pride (or conversely, envy). Those who felt compelled to pledge to the 1221 rule of life severed their ties with the SFO, while others, still living our life and recognized as associate members of the CFP, remained affiliated with the SFO.

That would be like for me to start an order that would be orthodox and of course loyal to the church but at the same time not be a part of the church.

Let’s see I think I’ll call it the Orthodox Benedictian Order of the Holy Altar Rail Cloth.

Just trying to understand,
your brother in Christ,

Br Mark, OSB

Where did you get the idea that we are not recognized by the Church or part of the Church? Perhaps you did not have the opportunity to look at our home page: www.penitents.org?