How do you join Opus Dei?

[Faithdancer]

Maybe he’s a school teacher with a trust fund.

Anything’s possible, lol. Although if I had a trust fund I don’t know that I would still teach!

It just occurred to me that perhaps when someone inquires they ask someone working in the same field to meet with the aspirant. That and/or geographic proximity, is my guess. I think I did also mention in my initial email to them that I’m pursuing an advanced degree in theology, so maybe that’s attractive to Opus Dei. I guess some of my questions will be answered soon, at any rate.

 

[Faithdancer]

Deciding to become a numerary is a bit like deciding to become a monk or nun. It’s not something to decide to do lightly. I believe Opus Dei expects people to have been involved in the organization for a year before letting people become numeraries. Just check them out and see what your calling is.

You’ll fine that Opus Dei very much does not “target” people. They are pretty low key. However, most members are professionals. This has to do with the origins of Opus Dei. Saint Josemaria Escrivera founded the organization while he was a law student and all the original members were fellow law students. To this day a disproportionate number of members are from the legal profession. People from all walks of life are welcomed, but it just happens to be an organization that has historically attracted professionals.

I agree, it’s a vocation and no vocation should be taken lightly. I’m sure as well that the ultimate role of a member is a process of mutual agreement and accommodation. I’ve read elsewhere that they automatically refuse membership to anyone who is seeking to enter the priesthood through Opus Dei membership, but that won’t be an issue with me because I’m completely unworthy of the priesthood! (not to mention over 50).

That’s interesting about the history of lawyers in the prelature. I would imagine that could extend the length of any meetings

 

[Faithdancer]

I had a very informative and informal meeting with an Opus Dei supernumerary this evening. In fact I think we talked more about school teaching, relationships and life in general than we talked about Opus Dei. Anyway, next step…I’ll start attending the Evenings of Recollection, get to know other members, just see where it takes me. One step at a time…

Oh and just downloaded Scott Hahn’s “Ordinary Work, Extraordinary Grace” in audio format. The man I met with tonight highly recommended it, and I’m sure I will love it. Then have to finish “The Lamb’s Supper!”

 

[jaaraf]

Hi! Just to clarify: All members of Opus Dei are considered full members, the only difference is one’s availability, thus one joins as a numerary, associate or supernumerar uy. All are considered to have the same vocation, although apostolic celibacy is a part of the vocation of numeraries and associates. Numeraries usually discover their vocation in their late teens or early twenties as they have to be flexible to move even to a new country, depending on the needs of Opus Dei. The Founder of Opus Dei once said that if an 80 year old wants to join as an associate, and he has the vocation, he shpuld be allowed to join. I have personally known people who became associates in their 50’s.
A person may join less than a year of attending activities of formation if the person and the directors see it fit. I know of one such case. For young people, they say approximately 2 years is enough, but some people do join Opus Dei only decades after attending activities.
I disagree that there are more lawyers in Opus Dei. The only lawyer I know who joined Opus Dei in my part of the country just moved to the U.S. In some countries, more blue collar workers are members.
If you’re wondering, I’m a female associate who works as a medical doctor. I’ve been a member of Opus Dei for exactly 11 years today. I joined while about to finish college, when I was 20.

 

[Leegal]

Antonin Scalia of the United States Supreme Court is a member of Opus Dei.

 

[Hubertus]

Is there a required age? Can college students attend these evenings of recollection?

 

[jaaraf]

There may be separate activities for college students and professinals as the meditations and talks are geared towards the needs of these different groups. Other activities may also be organized like symposiums, excursions, classes, etc. Sometimes clubs are also organized for primary, intermediate and secondary levels. As always, activities are held separately for men and women.

 

[Sherry_G]

I emailed Opus Dei from their website as Ihave a great deal of interest myself. I got a reply very soon after, and was told there is no group or meeting near me. However, I was given names and locations of cities wtihin a 6 hr drive where I could attend a meeting or seminar to gain more information. No “requirements or qualifications” were stated to me, so I think anyone who would like to can learn more at any time. I often visit St. JoseMaria Escriva’s website as well as Opus Dei website where much more can be learned. The idea that we can all achieve holiness in everyday work is a very attractive and worthwhile endeavor. Being involved in Opus Dei would be super, if I lived in an area where it was possible. meanwhile there are a myriad of ways to accomplish this goal right where I’m living now.

 

[Busy_bee]

Dear Friends in Christ,

I contacted a local house (Westwood, near UCLA) and within a week or so they connected me with a local (Inland Empire) member, with whom I am meeting tomorrow evening for coffee, as it turns out. He is married, so I assume he must be a supernumerary. He is also a school teacher, so this dispels any misconception that Opus Dei “targets” high earners, or anything like that (I’m a substitute teacher, and they are aware of that).

I think that since I am single/ celibate, associate or perhaps (?) numerary would be my likely role. But I don’t want to get ahead of myself, coffee and talk first! Will keep y’all posted, if you like.

Please keep me posted! Thank you!

 

[Busy_bee]

Anything’s possible, lol. Although if I had a trust fund I don’t know that I would still teach!

It just occurred to me that perhaps when someone inquires they ask someone working in the same field to meet with the aspirant. That and/or geographic proximity, is my guess. I think I did also mention in my initial email to them that I’m pursuing an advanced degree in theology, so maybe that’s attractive to Opus Dei. I guess some of my questions will be answered soon, at any rate.

No, they don’t ask those who are in your field as a rule, though it helps if there someone and the person is free.

It is attractive to me, but it is not the reason for a vocation to Opus Dei. You can help out as a cooperator. You don’t have to be a member to contribute intellectually.

 

[Busy_bee]

I had a very informative and informal meeting with an Opus Dei supernumerary this evening. In fact I think we talked more about school teaching, relationships and life in general than we talked about Opus Dei. Anyway, next step…I’ll start attending the Evenings of Recollection, get to know other members, just see where it takes me. One step at a time…

Oh and just downloaded Scott Hahn’s “Ordinary Work, Extraordinary Grace” in audio format. The man I met with tonight highly recommended it, and I’m sure I will love it. Then have to finish “The Lamb’s Supper!”

The lamb’s supper was great!!!

 

[davidmlamb]

I have just contacted Opus Dei via their website and hope to hear from them soon. This may be exactly what I have been looking for. I am an Engineer but outside of work much of my life is dedicated to mass, prayer, scripture reading, and daily Eucharist Adoration. I was very inspired by the movie “There Will Be Dragons.”

Peace of Christ be with all of you.

David

 

[Faithdancer]

I have just contacted Opus Dei via their website and hope to hear from them soon. This may be exactly what I have been looking for. I am an Engineer but outside of work much of my life is dedicated to mass, prayer, scripture reading, and daily Eucharist Adoration. I was very inspired by the movie “There Will Be Dragons.”

Peace of Christ be with all of you.

David

They will probably start with advising you to attend an Evening of Recollection, David. These are pretty quiet- lots of silent prayer, adoration of the Eucharist, a talk by a Supernumerary and then a talk by an Opus Dei priest. I just attended my second Evenings, in two different locations so 4 overall. People are starting to come up and talk to me now, including an Opus Dei officer (so to speak- he works for Opus Dei). So, you just have to go to the Evenings, hang out, achieve a comfort level, make it obvious you’re not trying to do an expose, lol! Although it would be pretty boring for the general public, watching a video on an Evening of Recollection. The Catholic fervor runs deep, but I suspect it wouldn’t translate to video.

 

[mrgeorge]

I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live,

 

[whb]

Joining Opus Dei is not like joining a typical organization You need to receive a vocation from God to become part of the faithful of Opus Dei. So how do you know if you have a vocation? Here the recommendations others have posted are relevant: get to know Opus Dei through its various activities open to everyone: Evenings of Recollection, Annual Retreats, spiritual direction with a priest or layman, etc. Opus Dei has centers in many cities (if you send me your city I can tell you if there is a center there). Though the priests of Opus Dei travel to other cities, it is easiest to get involved if there is a center in the city you’re in. If you decide that these activities are helpful to you, that you like the spirit of Opus Dei (making holy the work you do each day, growing closer to God through a deeper commitment to doing his will, etc.) then you can let a member know that you feel you have a vocation. It’s really between you and God. Opus Dei just helps you to be sure the vocation is there. But if you have received a vocation and Opus Dei agrees, membership is the next step. However, there are 1000 roads to heaven, and Opus Dei is only one. You don’t have to be a member to participate in the many activities that Opus Dei sponsors, all of which will be enormously helpful to your spiritual life. So get to an Evening of Recollection, go on a retreat, get involved in spiritual direction, and get to confession! Regardless of whether you have a vocation to Opus Dei, you will be growing closer to God and that’s the goal.

 

[Faithdancer]

Joining Opus Dei is not like joining a typical organization You need to receive a vocation from God to become part of the faithful of Opus Dei. So how do you know if you have a vocation? Here the recommendations others have posted are relevant: get to know Opus Dei through its various activities open to everyone: Evenings of Recollection, Annual Retreats, spiritual direction with a priest or layman, etc. Opus Dei has centers in many cities (if you send me your city I can tell you if there is a center there). Though the priests of Opus Dei travel to other cities, it is easiest to get involved if there is a center in the city you’re in. If you decide that these activities are helpful to you, that you like the spirit of Opus Dei (making holy the work you do each day, growing closer to God through a deeper commitment to doing his will, etc.) then you can let a member know that you feel you have a vocation. It’s really between you and God. Opus Dei just helps you to be sure the vocation is there. But if you have received a vocation and Opus Dei agrees, membership is the next step. However, there are 1000 roads to heaven, and Opus Dei is only one. You don’t have to be a member to participate in the many activities that Opus Dei sponsors, all of which will be enormously helpful to your spiritual life. So get to an Evening of Recollection, go on a retreat, get involved in spiritual direction, and get to confession! Regardless of whether you have a vocation to Opus Dei, you will be growing closer to God and that’s the goal.

Thank you so much for mentioning the retreats whb. There are 3 down here in Southern California, they are pricey but that’s because the retreat centers in this area charge a lot to the renting organizations. Also, I was told by my supernumerary friend that they are silent retreats, punctuated by talks, mass, adoration of the Eucharist, etc. I think they are probably much like an extended version of an Evening of Recollection.

 

[JimmytheButcher]

and what is it really? do you have to go to Mass everyday? is it secretive… If this is an illegal topic, please delete.

Don’t worry friend. I won’t tell Dan Brown… or Dan Rather for that matter either. You secret is safe with me.

Ask St. Josemaria Escriva show you the way.

youtube.com/watch?v=wc5di460jrg

If you are not familiar with him. You can find him easily enough on YouTube. Funny huh?

Clicky-click the link, if you will.

youtube.com/results?search_query=josemaria+escriva&oq=josemaria+escriva&aq=f&aqi=g3g-m3&aql=&gs_sm=3&gs_upl=437l1063l0l1365l4l3l0l0l0l0l259l683l0.1.2l3l0

 

[MarjannaS]

Last year, I remember watching a film on EWTN about Josemaria Escriva and Opus Dei. It was incredibly interesting, and perhaps they’ll run it again. The point this holy priest made was that until the foundation of Opus Dei, most work was simply, well, work. It was what paid the rent and bought the groceries. Most people, even very good catholics, felt that Sainthood was reserved for priests and nuns; that ‘regular people’ just had to be struck by lightning or something in order to be saints. He made them see that their work IS their Vocation, and that vocation, just like a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, can help the individual become more holy and more saintly. That work could be elevated to a sublime effort for the love of God. It was a revolutionary idea, because this meant that even poor people, laborers, factory workers, judges, policemen, office workers, – everybody – could become holy and the work they were doing was ALSO HOLY.
This is a fairly recent phenomenon in the Church. The film seemed to be actual footage of rallies and gatherings during the 60s, perhaps, while Fr. Escriva was still alive,
There have been “attacks” on Opus Dei, probably Satan-prompted, because he hates anything which elevates man out of his reach! One of the worst may have been the Dan Brown books where Opus Dei is made out to be a secret organization of super-spies or fanatics and assassins. But, God is Truth, and He will not let the lie stand against Him.
God loves you. Your work is holy. Know it is a grace to bring you closer to God.

 

[davidmlamb]

Thank you so much for mentioning the retreats whb. There are 3 down here in Southern California, they are pricey but that’s because the retreat centers in this area charge a lot to the renting organizations. Also, I was told by my supernumerary friend that they are silent retreats, punctuated by talks, mass, adoration of the Eucharist, etc. I think they are probably much like an extended version of an Evening of Recollection.

I have not heard back from Opus Dei. I really believe I may have a vocation here. I would appreciate it if anyone out there can put me in direct contact with someone from Opus Dei that can get me involved and down the right path. I live in the Norfolk, Virginia Hampton Roads area which is under the Richman, Virginia Diocese area. Thank you for your assistance.

David

 

[ByzCathCantor]

First, we should bear in mind that we are all called in our daily lifes and vocations to be part of the “Work of God”!