The Order of Saints Francis and Clare
 
The religious Order of Saints Francis and Clare is a national, canonically erected Order of the United American Catholic Church. Founded in 2003, the Order has been a faithful expression of the Franciscan charism, sharing with the Church and the world the Franciscan ideals of simplicity, purity, and obedience.
 
In 1205, after a tumultuous youth, Francis Bernadone of Assisi responded to the mystical call of Jesus to “Rebuild my Church” through the crucifix of San Damiano. Over time, men of Assisi began to join Francis and through the rebuilding of the church of San Damiano, he discovered his true calling: the serving of the poor and the founding of the Franciscan Order.
 
In 1211, after the Order had received formal recognition, Francis received Clare and formed the Order of the Poor Dames, later called the Poor Clares. Together, Francis and Clare became a powerhouse of spirituality and service in the thirteenth century and ever since, as what they set in motion continues to reverberate today.
 
… as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.
                                                                                                                                                                Matthew 25:40
 
This is an especially meaningful time to explore a Franciscan vocation as a friar, sister, deacon, or priest within the Order of Saints Francis and Clare. Bishop Anthony Hash has encouraged a time of renewal for the Order during which we have reviewed the Rule, Constitutions, and educational programs. The Order of Saints Francis and Clare is focused on the following three objectives: (1) the growth of community within the Order; (2) the strengthening of Franciscan Spirituality; and (3) the exploration of the charism of Dorothy Day as a modern echo of the lives of Francis and Clare.
 
Are you called to a life of simplicity and service, serving Christ as a Franciscan in the Order of Saints Francis and Clare?

Contact 
Bishop Don Pratt, OSFC
Acting Minister General
 

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The Contemporary Benedictines of Peace

The Contemporary Benedictines of Peace is a canonically erected religious Order of the United American Catholic Church, founded in 2005 by Bishop Tony Hash, OSB. The Order seeks to be a contemporary expression of Saint Benedict’s, “Ora et Labora,” in the world while upholding stability and conversion of life.
 
What little we know of Benedict comes to us from Pope Saint Gregory the Great, who is said to have received the knowledge from four of his disciples. Benedict is born in Italy, along with his twin sister Scholastica, to a wealthy family around the year 480. After being taught locally in Nursia, Benedict goes to Rome for further education. He enters a scene of crumbling empire and moral decay. Eventually, unable to live in the city, Benedict retreats to the small town of Enfide (modern Affile). He will later live as a hermit for three years in the hills.
 
The knowledge of his holiness spreads, and villagers begin to seek him out. A nearby monastery even begs him to become their Abbot. His zeal for the monastic life was too much for the monks, and eventually, they attempted to poison him. Through a miracle, this did not come to fruition. Benedict once again retires to the life of a hermit. Numerous monks and priests sought him out and eventually began to found monasteries around the region.
 
It is at one of these monasteries that Benedict writes his Rule for Monks. The Rule is not extreme but rather well-balanced and is in use to this day in monasteries and convents around the world. There are numerous miracles recounted in his life, the mending or broken objects, exorcisms, and even the raising of the dead. Still, it is his Regula is the one that has touched the most lives.
 
Our Order is non-residential by nature but based on community life. Jesus tells us, “The greatest among you will be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11) We hope, in some simple way to serve humanity.  We do so by praying the Divine Office and celebrating the mass and sacraments for all of God’s children. The Benedictines of Peace desire to be a force of God’s peace, mercy, and love in the world and do so by living the Rule and being active in the world.
 
“Therefore we intend to establish a school for the Lord’s service”          
                         From the Prologue (45), Rule of Saint Benedict
 
If you feel called to serve Christ in our brothers and sisters as a Benedictine, monastic Sister, Brother, Priest, or Deacon, please contact us!
 
 Bishop Carl Purvenas-Smith, OSB
Abbot
 

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