Consecration for married people

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ginapeterson

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I just wanted to let everyone know that there is a Pauline institute of consecrated life just for those who are married or widowed! Regular spiritual direction, monthly literature and CD, an annual retreat and public vows (not promises) are offered through the Holy Family Institute. For more info, go to:
www.vocations-holyfamily.com
 
Hi Gina,

Can you tell me more about this? What exactly is the commitment that you make? Do you say certain prayers daily, promise to attend daily Mass, etc? I have received information about this branch of the Pauline family and would appreciate knowing more from someone who is in it. I didn’t really understand how this is different from Third Order Franciscans, etc. - or is it not really different? Is it kind of being a Third Order Pauline?

Thanks for any explanation you can give!
 
Hi! Thanks for your interest!

When you become part of the Holy Family Institute you make actual public vows before the church and become a consecrated Pauline. The vows are made in accordance with your state in life as a married person. With a third order, you make private promises and you are not a full member of say the Franciscans or Dominicans. You just share their spirituality. One member said that the Holy Family Institute is like wining the spiritual lottery. You can be consecrated (religious sisters and brothers become consecrated) and be married at the same time!

There are Pauline prayers a Holy Family Institute member says - takes about 15-20 minutes a day. There is also a meditation - talking to God and/or reflecting on some spiritual topic. This is 15 minutes per day. Examination of conscience is stressed. Spiritual reading - at least some each month - is encouraged. When you are professed, each month you spend some time going over the past month. You write Fr. Tom each month - doesn’t have to be long - and then he writes back with some spiritual guidance. I receive 2 packets of literature and a CD each month. I really enjoy receiving those.

If you have any other questions, I will be more than happy to tell you more. I made first profession in 2004 and hope to make perpetual profession in 2009.

Gina
 
I’ve been involved in the initial stages of membership - the postulancy, for about eight or nine months now and hope to make the triduum this coming September. It all hinges on how my wife feels; she will be eight months pregnant and probably in no condition to drive 11 hours or so. Are you going to be there Gina?

Craig
 
Craig,

Yes, I will be going to the triduum this year. It would be nice to meet you and your wife if you attend. That does seem like a long drive for your wife bring so pregnant. I know Fr. Tom will understand if you are not able to go this year. Is your wife a postulant also? What state are you from? I am from New Mexico.

Gina
 
Hi Gina,

I found out about the Holy Family Institute over the weekend (while at a Pauline book store) and have since written for information. I’m curious … and don’t take this the wrong way (but I don’t know how else to put this), but what is the main point of taking the vows and becoming a member of the Pauline Family? How will it affect my family’s life. I’ve read some of the literature, but I just don’t “get” what I’m supposed to do every day once I’m a member. My wife and I attend daily Mass and are very involved with our Faith. How will this enable us to get closer to Christ?

I really am interested in learning more about this, but I just don’t get it yet. I’ve heard mention of Pauline spirituality, but I’m not sure how that relates to my daily life.

God Bless,
Gary
 
Gary,

Thanks for your post. I am glad to see that more and more people are wanting information about the Holy Family Institute!

When you take vows in the Holy Family Institute, you are making an act of religion. That means that your spiritual life becomes much more valuable. All your prayers and actions will then be totally directed towards God. Fr. Tom often writes that if you compare a good Catholic who is part of this ministry and that ministry and prays daily and is close to God to an HFI member, the spiritual life of the HFI is actually better. Religious brothers and sisters take vows - what makes them spiritually closer to God? Their consecration! Also, members of the Holy Family Institute and the Pauline family will be praying for you in life and after death. Another plus is the monthly personal spiritual direction you will receive from Fr. Tom.

About what you need to do every day…just like every religious order has a statute and set of prayers prayed everyday, so do HFI members. All the mailings I receive from HFI really help me in my spiritual walk with God. Since the apostolate of the Pauline family is evangelization through the mass media, you are directing your daily prayers and good works towards that goal.

Have you visited the HFI website? Here is the address:
www.vocations-holyfamily.com

God bless,

Gina
 
Gina,

Thanks for the info. I have some material on the way from Fr Tom. I have seen the website and the idea of the HFI really appeals to me. I’d appreciate it if you could keep my family in your prayers so that it will become obvious if we should join the HFI.

God Bless,
Gary
 
ginapeterson said:
Gary,

When you take vows in the Holy Family Institute, you are making an act of religion. That means that your spiritual life becomes much more valuable. All your prayers and actions will then be totally directed towards God. Fr. Tom often writes that if you compare a good Catholic who is part of this ministry and that ministry and prays daily and is close to God to an HFI member, the spiritual life of the HFI is actually better. Religious brothers and sisters take vows - what makes them spiritually closer to God? Their consecration! Also, members of the Holy Family Institute and the Pauline family will be praying for you in life and after death. Another plus is the monthly personal spiritual direction you will receive from Fr. Tom.

About what you need to do every day…just like every religious order has a statute and set of prayers prayed everyday, so do HFI members. All the mailings I receive from HFI really help me in my spiritual walk with God. Since the apostolate of the Pauline family is evangelization through the mass media, you are directing your daily prayers and good works towards that goal.
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Hi again, Gina,

Thank you for your reply to my question earlier. Is HFI the only organization (if that’s the right word) of its kind? Is it the only lay organization with vows? I am praying about joining. Another question I have is, what if a person is divorced? Is that a question that should be directed to Fr. Tom, or do you know anyone in the group who is divorced?

I am praying to know whether I am called to join HFI, assuming that divorced women can join. My last question (for now!) is that since my daughter recently became a candidate with an Order based in Spain, perhaps I should join the group associated with her Order. I asked her opinion, and she said it depends on what God is calling a person to - that just as she has been called to prepare to be a sister with her Order, a person would join one of their associations if God is calling them to do so. It sounds like HFI would be right for me if God is calling me to pray for the success of the Pauline efforts in the media.

I appreciate any answers you can give, and ask for your prayers as I consider God’s will for me in this area.
 
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