The Degrees of Membership

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There are six degrees of membership in the Community and Order of St. Columba.  The most committed members are of the First and Second Order. 

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First Degree

The First Order Brothers is comprised of men who take the traditional vows of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience and may live in community. It also consists of men known as the Secular Brothers. These are ordained clergy in Apostolic Succession who take the promises of Simplicity, Purity, and Fidelity, with vows of obedience. Secular Brothers may be either celibate singles or married men.

 

Second Degree

The Second Order is comprised of women who take the traditional vows of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience and may live in community.

 

Third Degree

The third degree of membership is that of Novice. This is a man or woman seeking to enter the life of the Order at the First or Second order who takes a minimum of one year of discernment while living a life similar to a Brother, Sister or Secular Brother.

 

Fourth & Fifth Degrees

The fourth and fifth degrees of membership comprise the Third Order Oblates and Fourth Order Seculars. The Oblates are lay brothers or sisters living in the world who take the three promises of simplicity, purity, and fidelity, plus the vow of obedience. The Fourth Order Seculars are lay brothers or sisters living in the world who take the three promises without the vow of obedience.

 

Sixth Order

The sixth and least demanding of degrees is that of Companions: these are lay members who do not make the promises and do not commit to following the full Rule, but agree to follow a modified rule, and are committed to praying for the Order. They may wear cross, pin, or ring.