The Constitution of the Community and Order

of St. Columba

 

 

ARTICLE I: OF NAME

The Organization shall be known as the Community and Order of St. Columba which is comprised of the members of the Order of Saint Columba and the Companions.

 

ARTICLE II: OF CANONS

The Community and Order of Saint Columba is an independent ecumenical order ruled by its two documents of government.

 

ARTICLE III: OF GOVERNMENT

A. The two documents of the Community and Order of Saint Columba by which its members shall be governed, are: The Rule and the Constitution.

B.  Decisions of the order are made in accord with the consensual form of government outlined in the constitution.

C. The final interpretation of the documents of the Order shall rest with the Abbot.

 

ARTICLE IV: OF THE VISITOR BISHOP

A. The Abbot—in mutual consultation with the Visitor Bishop--is the guardian of the Constitution and is the final court of appeal for the maintenance of its discipline.

B. The Visitor Bishop will function with the full sacramental authority and rights of a bishop within the life of the community.

C. The advice and counsel of the Visitor Bishop will be sought when any Life Professed Member is being considered for dismissal. His decision is final.

D. The Abbot shall appoint the Visitor Bishop.

 

ARTICLE V: OF THE ABBOT

A The first appointed Abbot of the Order of Saint Columba shall serve from the time of his appointment until resignation, disability, death, retirement or removal from office as outlined in Article V, Section C.

B. The Abbot serving subsequently to the founder must be elected by a consensus of the members meeting in Chapter. The Abbot so elected may serve until resignation, disability, death, retirement or removal from office as outlined in Article V, Section C.  The institution of the Abbot shall be accomplished through the Visitor Bishop, at a Eucharist to be attended by as many of the members as possible.

C. Should it become necessary to seek removal of the Abbot, a special Chapter shall be called by the Visitor Bishop. A consensus of the members must be achieved.

D. Of the duties, rights and powers of the Abbot.

1. He shall govern the order with love, patience, humility, and justice.

2. The Abbot shall lead the members using the example set by our Lord Jesus Christ by seeking, through prayer and meditation, the   guidance of the Holy Ghost. He shall also seek counsel of the Visitor Bishop.

3. The Abbot may appoint Priors and Prioress of individual communities to assist him in governing the Order.

 

ARTICLE VI: OF PASTORAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS

A. The Abbot may appoint Priors and Prioresses as assistants. These shall be Professed and will have such jurisdiction as given them by the Abbot.

B. The Abbot shall appoint personnel to assist him in the operation of his offices. The officials defined herewith shall serve at the Abbot's pleasure. They are not limited to any specific number.

C. The specific officials designated for the operation of the Community are:

1. The Administrative Assistant, who serves immediately under the supervision of the Abbot and can only issue orders at the direction of   the Abbot.

2. The Secretary, who bears the responsibility for the minutes of Chapter meetings, as well as all requirements of the Abbot for correspondence, preparation of documents along with their incorporation into the records of the Order.

3. The Priors and Prioresses are subject to the Abbot. They have authority over the members in their individual communities. Priors and Prioresses serve for a term of ten (10) years and may be re- appointed for succeeding terms. One of the principal duties of the Prior and Prioress is to act as a mentor to all members in their community.  They are required to make visits to them or to have    them gather for study, etc. All the Communities of this Order will be under the rule of obedience and shall not be self-governing. Thus, Priors and Prioresses will act under the direction of the Abbot.

D. If at any time an official desires to resign, he/she must notify the Abbot in writing, giving as much notice as he/she can afford, but not less than thirty days.

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ARTICLE VII: OF CHAPTER

Chapter shall meet each year at a time and place designated by the Abbot. Members may be dispensed from attending only due to serious illness or with consent of the Abbot.

All decisions are made according to the form of consensual government. 

The Chapter is comprised of the Abbot and all Priors and Prioresses.

Duties of Chapter are:

              A. To amend the Rule and Constitution of the Order;

              B. To elect the Abbot.

              C. To deal with disciplinary matters.

 

ARTICLE VIII: OF MEMBERSHIP Eligibility and membership:

A. Any baptized and confirmed communicant (member in good standing) of a Church is eligible for membership as associates in the Community and Order of Saint Columba, provided he/she is at least eighteen years of age.

B. Any baptized member in good standing of a recognized Christian Church is eligible for membership at the Oblate, and Tertiary levels in the Order of Saint Columba. Any baptized and confirmed communicant member of a recognized Christian Church in apostolic succession is eligible for membership in the First and Second Orders of the Order of St. Columba, provided he/she is at least eighteen years of age and has the conviction that he/she is called to the Religious Life.

C.  Any baptized person of a Christian Church may become Companion and free to participate in the liturgical and social life of the Community without taking the vows of the Order of St. Columba. They shall make public proclamation of their agreement to support and pray for the Community.

D.  Any person not baptized into the Life of Jesus Christ may participate in the liturgical and social life of the Community as a Seeker. Upon petition for baptism and later for confirmation, they may become a Friend of the Community upon approval of the Abbot in consensual consultation with the Visitor Bishop and the Chapter.

E. The right to admit candidates to the Office of Novice belongs to the Abbot.

F. Mindful of their responsibility to the Church and to the Community, the Prior or Prioress of a community, in consultation with the Abbot should, after examination and prayerful consideration, admit only those candidates who exhibit the character and maturity necessary for entering the Religious Life. The character and maturity of applicants should be examined by those having the education and expertise in that field. Recent converts should not be admitted until their constancy has been firmly established.

G. In accordance with the above requirements, and any others that may from time to time be deemed necessary, it shall be required of all applicants:

 1. Names of three references; pastoral, parochial and personal.

 2. A complete resume or biography, including information concerning association with any other Order.

 3. A personal interview with the Prior or Prioress.

H. A person shall have been in validly accepted and will be subject to immediate dismissal if any information given by him/her on his/her application or interview is proven to be false or misleading.

I. An applicant duly accepted by the Prior or Prioress, in consultation with the Abbot, shall be so informed, in writing, and shall become a Novice-Prospective until Investiture, when Novice status is granted.

J. A Novice may be released at his/her own request or be dismissed at any time for just cause by the Abbot.

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SEPARATION FROM THE COMMUNITY OR ORDER: DEPARTURE, LEAVE OF ABSENCE OR EXCLAUSTRATION

1. A Brother/Sister under vows, either annual or life, may, at the discretion of the Abbot be granted a temporary dispensation not to exceed one year.

2. During the period of dispensation, the Brother/Sister remains subject to the authority of the Abbot and to the requirements of his/her sacred bond, but is dispensed from the remainder of the Rule. He/She loses his/her voice in council and may not wear the habit, cross or clericals.

3. While dispensation is normally granted for such reasons as the need to reexamine vocation, serious illness which impairs the ability to live the Rule etc., it is also within the jurisdiction of the Abbot to enforce departure as a means of discipline for very serious reasons.  In this instance, the Abbot  may require observance to such portion of the Rule that would normally be dispensed.

4. Upon completion of the specified period of dispensation, the Brother/Sister either returns to the Order or asks the Abbot for a request for dismissal.

5. The period of dispensation is not fixed and the Brother/Sister may be recalled or he/she may apply for return at any time.

6. Dismissal automatically abolishes Religious Vows thereby returning the Brother/Sister to the secular state.

7. Proceedings for dismissal may be initiated by the Abbot or by the Brother/Sister. In the latter case, the Brother/Sister submits his/her request, in writing, and the Abbot responds, in writing, within one week. If a writ of dismissal is refused, the Brother/Sister may appeal to the Visitor Bishop.

8.  A Friend of the Community may be dismissed with the approval of the Abbot in consultation with the Visitor Bishop and the Chapter.

Cause or reason for dismissal may include, but is not limited to:

1. Request by the member.

2. Disobedience, or refusal to accept the direction of theAbbot.

3. The public profession of apostasy, and or heresy.

4. Being the cause of scandal to the Community.

 

ARTICLE IX: TEMPORAL POSSESSIONS AND DISSOLUTION

In the event of dissolution of the Community and Order of Saint Columba, or if it may cease to exist, the following formula would apply:

All property would be sold and monies realized from such sale, together with monies held in trust or bank accounts, would be concentrated into a single fund. After the settlement of any and all outstanding debts, the total residue would then be given to a church or charitable organization agreed to by the Governing Body.

 

OF THE ORDER OF SAINT COLUMBA AND THOSE OUTSIDE ITS LIFE:

We should never discuss personal problems or situations of a member with anyone outside the Order. Brothers and Sisters are cautioned not to gossip among themselves about other Brothers and Sisters. We are a family, and family matters are to be dealt with in the context of a loving, caring family. Nothing, other than our public service and duties to the Church, are of any interest to anyone outside the Order.

 

OF THE OFFICIANT AT THE OFFICES:

When members gather to say the Office, it is the responsibility of the senior member present either to officiate or to choose the officiant. The officiant is then responsible for choosing the lector(s).

 

OF THE TITLE BROTHER/SISTER:

Upon reception into the Novitiate, a Novice shall be entitled to use the title "Brother/Sister" and to sign their name, ---, n/OSC.

A Professed member may sign their name, ---, OSC.

 

OF PERSONAL RETREAT:

Thirty days before making First or Life Profession vows, a member should make a retreat.

 

OF SUPPORTING THE ORDER:

The Order of Saint Columba joins the Church in affirming that all members should give a share of his/her wages to the Church and the Order.

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FORM FOR ANNUAL REPORT

On one of the three days prior to St. Columba's Day (June 9th), set aside time to prepare your report. Read the Rule and after careful examination of conscience, respond in detail to the following questions. Be sure your name, your parish, your Rector's name, and the date are at the top of each page of your report.

1. How have you maintained contact with your Brothers/Sisters, both those in your vicinity and elsewhere?

2. What works have you been involved in.

              A. For the Order?

              B. For the Church and Community?

3. How often do you attend the celebration of the Holy Eucharist? Have you observed the Rule concerning daily prayer? If not, how many omissions and the reason for each.

4. What form of meditation did you use? How faithful were you in this practice? Did you set time for study of Scripture or other spiritual material?

5. Did you attend, take part in, or conduct a retreat or quiet day? If so, describe it briefly.

6. In what ways did you try to bring your vocation as a Brother/Sister into your daily work?

7.  Have you any comments, concerns, or suggestions?

8.  Sign and date your report and mail immediately. It must be in the Prior's/Prioresses' or Abbot's hands no later than one week from St. Columba's Day (June 9th).

 

 

SERVICE OF INDUCTION INTO THE ORDER OF ST. COLUMBA

 

The Abbot of the Order, the Prior of the monastery, or the Prioress of the convent, or someone delegated by them, conducts the ceremony.

 

Introductory Prayers

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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity Three in One and One in Three. Amen.

 

V.  Lord, have mercy.

R.  Christ, have mercy.

V.  Lord, have mercy.

 

Let us pray.

 

We beg Thee, O God, forgive us our sins. We know that we cannot sufficiently atone for them by our own good works. May the merits and intercession of our blessed lady Mary, mother of Jesus our Lord, and the patronage of our holy Father Columba therefore help us to maintain and work out our salvation.  This we ask, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

The Presentation and Questioning of the Candidates

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Presenter:  Before Almighty God the Holy Trinity and before this congregation, I present N.N. that he/she might enter into the special vocation to which he/she believes he/she is called.

 

Officiant:  Do you wish to be enrolled as a Companion/

Oblate/Tertiary/Novice/First Order Brother/Secular Brother/ Sister in the Order of St. Columba?

 

Candidate(s):  I do.

 

Once each candidate has been presented then is said

 

Officiant: May the grace and mercy of God the Holy Trinity be with you. I now ask that you reaffirm your baptismal vows.

 

Then the Officiant asks the following questions of the candidate(s):

 

Question: Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?

Answer:   I renounce them.

 

Question:  Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?

Answer:   I renounce them.

 

Question: Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?

Answer:   I renounce them.

 

Question: Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?

Answer:   I do.

 

Question: Do you put your whole trust in His grace and love?

Answer:     I do.

 

Question: Will you obediently keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of your life?

Answer:   I will, with God's help.

 

Officiant:  Let us all with one heart and mind renew our commitment to Christ, and rejecting the works of Satan, saying together the Apostles Creed in the renewal of the baptismal covenant.

 

The Renewal of the Baptismal Covenant

 

Officiant: Do you believe in God the Father?

People:  I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

 

Officiant: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

People:     I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

              He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

              He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

              He descended to the dead.

 

              On the third day he rose again.

              He ascended into heaven,

              and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

              He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

 

Officiant: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

People:     I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church,

              the communion of saints,

              the forgiveness of sins,

              the a resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

 

Officiant: Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers ?

People:     I will, with God's help.

 

Officiant: Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

People:     I will, with God's help.

 

Officiant: Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ Jesus?

People:     I will, with God's help.

 

Officiant: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

People:     I will, with God's help.

 

Presentation of the Rule of St. Columba

 

Then is presented to each candidate individually a Rule Book and when all are presented to all is said

 

Accept this Holy Rule of St. Columba which was written in the spirit of the Gospel teachings of Christ. Let it be a special guide for you in your life as a Christian and a Companion/Oblate/Tertiary/Novice/Brother/Secular Brother/Sister of the Order St. Columba. May the principles herein contained show you the true Way of Christ as taught us in the Gospels: love of God and love of our fellow human beings, and proper stewardship of God's creation.

 

May you therefore be more and more concerned about the needs of others, ready to give generously of yourself to the building up of true Christian fellowship with those around you: the strong and the weak, the wise and the unwise, the healthy and the sick, the rich and the poor, the joyous and those afflicted with misery and sorrow, the lovable and the unlovable, the secure and the insecure, those well cared for and those who are neglected, the young and the aged, those placed over you and those who are under your care, whether in affairs of Church, business, government, or any other area of life.

 

May your study of the Gospels and all of Holy Scripture inspire you to work zealously in harmony with others where you are, for the good of humanity and the honor and glory of God. May God in Holy Trinity bless and guide you in your striving to be a faithful witness of Jesus Christ and of St. Columba, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

Blessing of the Newly Enrolled

 

The officiant prays over the newly enrolled:

 

Let us pray

 

Listen to our prayers, Lord, as we receive this/these Companion(s)/Oblate(s)/ Tertiary(s)/Novice(s)/Brother(s)/Secular Brother(s)/Sister(s) into union and affiliation with the Order of St. Columba. May he/she/they be strengthened with unfailing firmness so that: persevering in his/her/their holy resolution he/she/they may serve you in all holiness.

 

O God, Thou once called our blessed Father Columba to serve Thee to fight the good fight and overcome the turmoil of sin and evil in the world. We beg Thee to grant strength and perseverance to this/these your servant(s) who is/are eager to serve you, not apart from, but in the world where he/she/they live(s) and work(s), having promised to follow the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and the example of St. Columba as his/her/ their guide. This we ask, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

May the blessings of almighty God, and of the Son, a and of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity One God, come down upon you and remain with you forever.  Amen

 

If none are taking their final vows, the service continues with the blessing and presentation of crosses and rings.

 

For Those Taking Final Vows

 

A year after their enrollment as Novices, they may make their Final Vows as Full Members of the Order of St. Columba upon mutual agreement of the Abbot, or the Prior or Prioress of their monastery or convent.  This act of Final Vows make them full-fledged members of the Order of St. Columba.

 

 

Invocation of the Holy Spirit

 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, a and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love.

 

V.  Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created.

R.  And Thou shall renew the face of the earth.

 

Let us pray.

 

O God, Thou hast filled the hearts of Thy faithful with the light of Thy Holy Spirit; grant us by the same Spirit to know what is right, and always to rejoice in His consolation.

 

Raise up, O Lord, in your Church, the Spirit which animated our holy Father Columba, so that, filled with that same Spirit, we may strive to love what he loved, and to practice the way of life he lived. This we ask, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Questioning and Admonition

 

The officiant asks the candidate(s):

 

Do you wish to make your Final Vows as a Member of the Order of St. Columba?

 

The candidate(s) answer

  I do.

 

The officiant responds:

May the grace and mercy of God be with you. As Novices you have had a year to study the Rule of St. Columba, the Celtic Christian way of life, and most especially the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to which you wish to govern and enrich your life as a Christian /as Christians. By now you should know from this year of experience as a Novice(s), under what conditions you are about to make your Final Vows as a Brother/Secular Brother/Sister in the Order of St. Columba.

 

If you are still ready and willing to be guided by the example of our holy Father Columba, and to conform your life completely to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and are resolved to remain faithful and persevere in your holy resolution, you may now make your Final Vow.

 

The Promises

 

After a pause, the officiant questions each Novice in turn. If the group is large, he questions all together as a group.

 

N.N., do you dedicate yourself to the service of God and humanity according to the Rule and Constitution of the Order of Saint Columba?

R.  I do.

 

Will you strive to be faithful and persevere in your holy resolution for the rest of your life?

R. With the help of God's grace, I will.

 

The officiant then says

Thanks be to God. Since God has given you this good will and you trust in His help, you may now make your Final Vows.

 

Act of Final Oblation

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Each one in turn reads his Vows alone.

 

Peace! In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

I ...(Baptismal Name)...

Taking the monastic name of…

offer myself to Almighty God

through the Blessed Virgin Mary

and our Holy Father Columba

as a Brother/Secular Brother/Sister in the Order of St. Columba

and promise to dedicate myself

to the service of God and humanity

according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and

the Rule and Constitution of the Order of Saint Columba.

 

Each one, when finished making his/her Vows goes to the altar or table and signs his full name on the Vows form.

 

Blessing of the Crosses/Rings

 

If crosses/rings have not been blessed beforehand, then follows

 

Officiant:  Our help is in the name of the Lord.

All:         Who made heaven and earth.

 

 

In the name of God the Father Almighty, a who made heaven and earth, the seas and all that is in them, I exorcize these crosses/rings against the power and attacks of the evil one. May all who wear these crosses/rings devoutly, be blessed with health of soul and body. In the name of the Father a Almighty, and of His Son a Jesus Christ our Lord, and of the Holy a Spirit the Paraclete, the Holy Trinity Three in One and One in Three, and in the love of the same Lord Jesus Christ, who will come on the last day to judge the living and the dead, and the world by fire. Amen.

 

The crosses/rings are then censed and sprinkled with Holy Water

 

Almighty God, the boundless source of all good things, we humbly ask that , through the intercession of St. Columba, you pour out your blessings a upon these crosses/rings. May those who use them and earnestly strive to perform good works, be blessed by you with health of soul and body, the grace of a holy life, and remission of the temporal punishment due to sin. May they also, with the help of Your merciful love, strive to exercise true charity and justice toward all, so that one day they may appear sinless and holy in your sight. This we ask, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Presentation of the Cross/Ring

 

The officiant gives each a blessed cross/ring, saying:

 

Receive this cross and be reminded of the need to take up your cross daily and follow the High King of Heaven, Christ our Lord, and thus learn to share with patience in the sufferings of Christ that you may one day share in His heavenly Kingdom.

 

and/or

 

Receive this ring and be reminded that you are wedded to the High King of Heaven, Christ our Lord, and thus learn to share with patience in His sufferings and joys that you may one day share in His heavenly Kingdom.

 

 

The Scapular is then placed upon the new Brother/Secular Brother/Sister

 

 

Formal Acceptance of Full Members

 

The formal acceptance of the new Members is announced by the officiant:

 

As God's representative, I now accept your Vows and admit you into spiritual union and affiliation with the Order of St. Columba as a First Order Brother/ Secular Brother/Second Order Sister, and give you the privilege of sharing in the prayers and good works of the community. May God strengthen you in your faith.  May you persevere in your holy resolution to serve God and humanity in accord with the Holy Spirit and the Rule of Saint Columba. And may God reward you, according to His promises, with the vision of His glory for all eternity. Amen.

 

Concluding Prayers and Blessings

 

Officiant:  Lord, have mercy.

All:         Christ, have mercy.

Officiant:  Lord, have mercy.

 

Let us pray.

O God, Thou hast blessed St. Columba with the power of Thy Holy Spirit. Grant that this/these newly accepted Member(s) may be filled with the same Spirit and, with the help of Thy grace, may faithfully carry out what he/she/they has/have promised.

 

O God, Thou hast willed that the Blessed Virgin Mary, herself the dwelling place of your Holy Spirit, should be presented in your temple. Grant that, through her intercession, we too may become worthy to be presented in the temple of your heavenly glory. This we ask, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

May the peace and blessing of almighty God, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, come down upon you and remain with you forever.

Amen.