An Ecumenical and Inclusive Benedictine Order

The Grey Robe Benedictines

Charter and Rule

The Charter and Rule

for the

Grey Robe Monks

Saint Benedict

APPROVED FOR USE

Most Rev. TERRY M. BOYER, OSB

Abbot visitor & FOUNDER

The Charter and Rule for the Grey Robe Monks of Saint Benedict

The congregation called The Grey Robe Monks of St. Benedict is a registered monastic community with the International Confederation of Benedictine Congregations. The Congregation is an ecumenical and inclusive ministry of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. The Rule of Benedict shall be the primary rule of this monastic community. This congregation of the Benedictine Order is also known as the Grey Robe Benedictines or Grey Robes.

The Grey Robe Benedictines shall serve all God’s people. This congregation of Benedictines will respond to the needs of the local church and all the people of God by providing services for a variety of needs in both church and secular communities. The Grey Robe Benedictines accomplish this through a wide variety of loving works of mercy. The monastics and oblates are encouraged to discern their individual vocation when deciding upon the works of mercy they will perform. The members of this congregation will also develop and implement special programs in prayer, spirituality, and human development, all of which encourage a deeper relationship with God. In consideration of these works, the Grey Robe Benedictines will be formed as a “monastery without walls.”

III

The Habit: The Grey Robe Benedictines have adopted religious garb to be worn by professed members and novices at such times as designated by the community leader. Habits are regarded as a visible designation of our commitment and community. The habit also serves as a visible sign to the community at large. The habit shall be worn for special times such as the celebration of Eucharist, communal prayer, and community gatherings. There is no distinction between the habits worn by male and female monastics.

The habit worn by professed monastics of the order consists of the following:
A grey tunic or alb.
A black, straight-cut, full-length scapular with hood (or a hoodless black scapular with a cowl neck). The medal of St. Benedict may be embroidered on the scapular for solemn professed members.
A black belt.

One of the following, as appropriate:

Ø A Benedictine crucifix pendant for solemnly professed monastics.

Ø A wooden cross/crucifix with the medal of St. Benedict for novices, simple professed, and oblates.

Any member of the Christian faithful may apply for membership with the Grey Robe Benedictines. Persons shall obtain an application from the local community leader, the Director of Inquirers for the Province, or the Provincial, and shall return the application to the Director of Inquirers. Membership in the Grey Robe Benedictines is open to all regardless of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or denominational affiliation. (Note: Ordained clergy, of any denomination, shall obtain the permission of their bishop [or person of equivalent rank within the denomination] prior to submitting an application. This requirement shall be met by submitting a letter of consent from the applicant’s jurisdictional leader.)

A. Postulancy and Novitiate

1. Application Applicants must be at least 18 years of age when applying for professed membership as a Grey Robe Benedictine. Persons who have submitted a completed application to the Director of Inquirers shall be considered postulants and encouraged to attend all meetings of the community. Postulants have no voting rights and may not hold any administrative position in the community. The postulancy shall last during the application and acceptance process. Postulants shall be assigned to a professed member of the priory or abbey who will serve as an advisor. The postulant should maintain regular contact with his/her advisor. The advisor should observe and work with the postulant for several weeks before submitting a vocational recommendation to the Director of Inquirers. Postulants may withdraw from the postulancy at any time by submitting a letter in writing to the Director of Inquirers.

2. Acceptance After receiving a favorable application, the local community superior shall invite the applicant to enter the novitiate during a special celebration of the next profession feast. With the approval of the Province Superior another date of admission to the novitiate may be arranged. A novice shall be assigned to the Director of Novices for the Province. However, a professed member of the local priory/abbey may be requested to assist the Novice Director in the formation of the novice. A novice takes no vows and may leave the Grey Robe Benedictines at any time by giving written notice to his/her local community leader and the Novice Director.

3. Novitiate. It is the goal of novices to make profession after completing their studies and discernment. A novice is a monastic and shall participate in designated activities of the community. A novice may be addressed as "Brother" (Br.) or “Sister" (Sr.). The initials NOSB follow a novice's name, since he/she is not yet a professed monastic. The novitiate shall last for a minimum of six months but may be extended by the novice, the Novice Director, or the local community leader. If a novice has not been accepted for simple profession after a period of two years and one day, the novice shall leave the novitiate and may join the Grey Robes as an oblate. During the novitiate, the novice shall complete the following:

· Engage in daily study of the Rule of Benedict

· Engage in study of the early monastic fathers and mothers of the church.

· Engage in the work of the church and community at large as directed

· by the Novice Director and/or local community superior.

· Hold faithfully to Morning and Evening Prayer and the practice of

· Lectio Divina.

4. The habit for novices will be the grey tunic, with the black belt, and the wooden Benedictine cross/crucifix with medal of St. Benedict.

5. A novice may formally request in writing to the Novice Director for the use of a religious name.

B. Oblate

1. Application. An applicant must be at least 18 years of age when applying to become an oblate of the Grey Robe Benedictines. Persons who have submitted a completed application to the Province’s Director of Inquirers shall be considered candidates and are encouraged to attend all meetings of the local community.
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2. Definition. Oblates do not intend to make profession but desire to be associated with the Congregation. Following a three to six month period of introductory training by the Director of Inquirers and/or a monastic of the local community, the oblate candidate may commit himself/herself to the Grey Robe Monks of St. Benedict in an oblation ceremony.

3. Participation. Oblates may participate in all activities of the community but may not hold any administrative position. Oblates do not wear the habit, but may wear the wooden Benedictine cross/crucifix with medal of St. Benedict. Oblates live a non-professed life influenced by the rule, and each needs to discern his/her individual vocation and commitment.

4. Community Assignment. Oblates are assigned to the local priory/abbey. (Oblates not living near a priory/abbey shall remain directly under the Provincial.) All oblates shall maintain regular contact with the Provincial or local community leader. They shall attend priory or abbey functions whenever feasible.

5. Address. Oblates may be addressed as “Brother” or “Sister” and may use the initials “Obl. OSB” after their name.

6. Withdrawal or Removal. Oblates may withdraw from the oblation at any time bysubmitting a letter in writing to the Provincial. An oblate who allows four weeks to pass without contacting the assigned superior may be dropped as an oblate.

7. An oblate may seek profession as a monastic after completing a period of discernment under the guidance of the Novice Director and/or local community leader.

C. Simple Profession

1. Request. After the required time has passed, and the novice has completed therequired studies, the novice may request in writing to make simple profession. Monasticsin simple profession who wish to renew vows shall do the same. This letter shall include a summary of his/her experiences with the Grey Robe Benedictines and shall be sent to the Director of Novices, the local community leader, and the Provincial.

2. Profession Feasts. Ordinarily monastic professions should be held on the feast day of one of the following: St. Scholastica (February 10), the passing of our Holy Father Benedict (March 21), St. Hugh the Great, Abbot (April 29), St. Benedict (July 11), or St. Vincent Madelgarus, (September 20). Exceptions may be granted by the Provincial.

3. Acceptance. Novices accepted into simple vows shall make vows for a period of between one and three years. As professed monastics of the Congregation, they are allowed to participate in designated activities of the community. Once professed, members may follow their name with the initials “OSB” as a sign of their profession in the Grey Robe Benedictines. Simple vows may be renewed for as long as the monastic desires. Simple professed monastics may wear the complete habit including the wooden Benedictine cross/crucifix with medal of St. Benedict.

D. Solemn Profession

1. Request. After two consecutive years in simple vows, a simple professed monastic may request to make solemn profession, in writing, to the local community leader and area Provincial. This letter shall include a summary of his/her experiences as a member of the Grey Robe Benedictines.

2. Rejection. If the local community leader or area Provincial decides not to proceed with solemn vows, the monastic shall be provided with due cause. The member may renew simple vows and work to improve the needed areas of religious discipline. The monastic may reapply for solemn profession in one year.

3. Acceptance. Simple professed members accepted into solemn vows shall make vows for life and receive the Benedictine crucifix pendant. The solemnly professed monastic shall participate in all activities of the Congregation to the degree specified in this Charter and Rule.

E. Religious Profession and Ordained Ministry

Historically, there have been separate views regarding religious profession and ordained ministry. For the sake of clarity, the Grey Robe Monks of St. Benedict will hold that they are distinct entities. The Congregation recommends that those who aspire to both ordained ministry and religious profession approach them separately.

1. A monastic who wishes to pursue ordination will complete the process as outlined in the canons of his/her denominational jurisdiction.

2. Clergy who seek the religious life as Grey Robe Monks of St. Benedict shall complete the process as outlined in this Charter and Rule.

Vows: The vows for the Grey Robe Monks of St. Benedict shall be: Stability in the Community; Conversion through a monastic way of life; and Obedience to the Rule of our Holy Father Benedict and the Law proper to our congregation.

A. Vow of Stability in the community

By the Vow of Stability each professed Grey Robe Benedictine makes a commitment to our particular congregation, our religious family. This commitment of stability to the other members of the Grey Robe Benedictines provides us a united opportunity for sharing in our search for God through active and contemplative prayer, as well as service in Christ’s name to our brothers and sisters both within and beyond our monastic community.

B. Vow of Conversion through a monastic way of life

By the Vow of Conversion each professed Grey Robe Benedictine makes a commitment to daily growth with God and with his/her neighbors. This can be achieved in a variety of ways.

1. The monastic daily rekindles his/her desire to be united with God through an established prayer routine.

2. The monastic practices poverty. Poverty means that we live a simple life, where we do not obsess about internal or external possessions and cravings. A monastic acquires goods only because they are necessary for life. Poverty also requires that we not seek power or domination over others; rather, the monastic is to see himself/herself as being one among many.

3. The Vow of Conversion through a monastic way of life also requires each monastic to be involved in Holy Work, whereby each fulfills Christ’s command to love one’s neighbors. Each Grey Robe Benedictine will exercise Holy Work in accordance with his/her individual discernment and the specific calling made by the leadership of the Congregation. Involvement in the Spiritual and/or Corporal Works of Mercy, doing random acts of kindness, or thinking positively about self and others are ways to fulfill the monastic’s requirement to do Holy Work.

4. The Grey Robe Benedictines are to provide for themselves. By working in the secular community, the monastic becomes a living witness for Christ and therefore fulfills His command to love and care for our neighbors. Also, whenever possible, the members shall financially contribute to the community so the Congregation is able to carry out the work of the Grey Robe Benedictines.

C. Vow of Obedience to the Rule of Father Benedict and the Law proper to our congregation

By the Vow of Obedience each professed Grey Robe Benedictine commits to accept the decisions made by the leaders of the local community, the Province, and the Congregation with regards to the spiritual and community life of the Congregation. It also so indicates our obedience to God and the needs of our brothers and sisters.

Discipline: Whenever a monastic of the Grey Robe Monks of St. Benedict disrupts the peace and harmony within the Congregation, the method and procedures used to enable this monastic to receive proper perspective and renewal of purpose will be from the Rule of Benedict.

VII

Celebration of the Eucharist and The Liturgy of the Hours: The Grey Robe Benedictines shall participate in the celebration of the Eucharist weekly, preferably on Sunday, and on major Benedictine liturgical feast days. The members will maintain the ancient practice of praying the Liturgy of the Hours, particularly Morning and Evening Prayer each day. Either before or after the weekly Eucharistic celebration, the monastics and oblates are encouraged to pray either Morning or Evening Prayer in common.

VIII

Administrative and Spiritual Leadership of the Congregation: As outlined by our Holy Father St. Benedict, the community must have “order”. To accomplish this, the Rule outlines administrative and spiritual leadership positions for the good of the community. The Grey Robe Monks of St. Benedict establish the following administrative and leadership positions for this congregation:

A. The Congregation Abbot/Abbess Visitor

The Congregation Superior must be an ordained clergy person and shall have the title of Father Abbot if a male, or Mother Abbess if a female. The founding Congregation Superior shall hold this position until retirement. The successor Congregation Visitor shall be elected for a period of six years. He/she may be elected for an additional four years but may serve no longer than ten years. The Congregation Visitor will be ordained to the episcopacy if not currently ordained to that order. At the completion of the six year term, the Congregation Superior shall gather the communities for an election. A unanimous vote is required for the election of a new Congregation Superior. If a unanimous vote cannot be obtained, the retiring Congregation Superior will continue to serve until a unanimous vote can be obtained. Only ordained members in solemn profession are eligible to be elected as the Congregation Superior.

1. The Congregation Superior shall exercise complete governance of the Grey Robe Monks of St. Benedict.

a. The Congregation Visitor has full authority to pass decisions upon all current affairs and difficulties.

b. The Congregation Visitor will be addressed as Abbot or Abbess Visitor.

c. The governance of the Congregation Superior shall not supersede, or in any way interfere with, the authority of any denominational jurisdictional leader. Likewise, a jurisdictional leader shall not supersede, or in any way interfere with the authority of the Congregation Superior.

d. The governance of the Congregation shall not supersede or conflict with the Rule of St. Benedict.

2. The Congregation Visitor, in consultation with the Grey Robe Benedictine community, will establish the Liturgical Rites for the Congregation.

B. The Province Leader

Each Province shall be governed by a province leader known as the Provincial. The initial Provinces and Provincials for the Grey Robe Monks of St. Benedict will be determined and appointed by the current Congregation Visitor. Those appointed Provincials shall serve a five year term. Successor Provincials shall be elected by the members of the Province to a five year term. Future provinces shall be determined by the serving Congregation Visitor in consultation and agreement with both the Provincials and local leaders of the Congregation. The Provincial for the new Province shall be elected by members of the new Province. The candidates for Provincial are to come from the solemnly professed members of the Grey Robe Benedictines. Selection as Provincial will be celebrated by the Congregation Visitor during the Liturgy of Eucharist in which the Provincial shall be blessed as an abbot/abbess.

1.The Provincial has full authority to pass decisions upon all current affairs within the Province only.

2. The Provincial will be addressed as Abbot/Abbess Provincial.

C. Local Community Superiors

Each local Priory/Abbey shall have a community leader (Prior /Prioress -Abbot/Abbess), who will act in the name of the Provincial to govern the local monastic house. The local community leader will be addressed as Mother Prioress or Father Prior (Mother Abbess or Father Abbot if they are ordained clergy); and Sister Prioress or Brother Prior (Sister Abbess or Brother Abbot if they are not ordained clergy).

1. During the initial formation of a Priory, the Provincial will appoint a Prior/Prioress to serve as community leader for a period of one year. After one year, the Priory members will elect a Prior/Prioress for a term of three years with the approval and blessing of the Provincial. Each subsequent election of a Prior/Prioress shall be for three year terms. If for any reason the Prior/Prioress is unable to complete the term of three years, an interim community leader will be appointed by the Provincial until an election can be held.

2. When a Priory is elevated to an Abbey, the Provincial will appoint the current Prior/Prioress as the new Abbot/Abbess for a term of six years. Elections for a new Abbot/Abbess will then be held every six years. Candidates for Abbot/Abbess must have the approval and blessing of the Provincial and the Congregation Visitor. If for any reason the Abbot/Abbess is unable to complete the term of six years, an interim community leader will be appointed by the Provincial until an election can be held.

3. Local community leaders shall show no preference to the monastics and oblates under their authority. They will lead by example. They shall instruct and admonish with consistent compassion. The community superiors must understand that Christ will ask for a full accounting of those entrusted to their care.

4. The local community superior may admit novices into simple profession of vows, and oblate candidates into the Benedictine Oblation. Solemn profession is reserved to the Provincial or Congregation Visitor. (If the local community is an abbey, the Abbot may receive members into solemn profession.)

D. Director of Inquirers

Each province of the Grey Robe Benedictines shall have a Director of Inquirers who shall have the commission to help aspirants to discern their vocation to religious life. To assist the Director of Inquirers, each local community shall select a professed member to act as an advisor to a postulant.

1. The Provincial shall select a monastic from the Province who is at least in solemn profession to serve as the Director of Inquirers.

2. The Director of Inquirers shall serve at the will of the Provincial until replaced.

E. Director of Novices

Each province of the Grey Robe Benedictines shall have a Director of Novices who shall monitor the studies and works of the novices during their formation. In consultation with the local community, the Novice Director shall make recommendations to the Provincial on the appropriateness of a candidate’s progress and readiness for monastic profession.

1. The Provincial shall select a monastic of the Province community who is at least in solemn profession to serve as the Novice Director.

2. The Novice Director shall serve at the will of the Provincial until replaced.

Gathering of the Congregation: The Congregation shall meet in common once every three years with the Congregation Visitor in a General Chapter. These meetings will be required of all simple and solemn professed monastics. Only those monastics whose attendance will create a hardship shall be excused. Oblates are welcome to attend General Chapters. The Congregation Superior may call an extraordinary General Chapter as needed.

A. Province Gatherings

Each province will meet in common as needs arise. One of these gatherings may be held during the General Chapter. The Provincial may call a gathering of the local superiors as needed to attend to special needs and/or business. The Congregation Visitor shall be invited to attend and advise at any of these gatherings.

B. Local Gatherings

Each local priory/abbey community shall meet in common at least twice monthly to celebrate the Eucharist and pray the Liturgy of the Hours together. Other local gatherings may be called as needed to attend to local business.

Finances: All financial matters of the Congregation at the international and national levels are under the control of the Congregation Visitor in counsel with the area Provincials. Province finances are under the control of the Provincials in council with the community leaders of all local communities. Local finances are under the control of the local community superiors and ultimately the Provincial.

A. Distribution of Funds

The Congregation Visitor in counsel with the area Provincials and all local community leaders shall develop a plan for the distribution of the Congregation’s funds to international, national, regional, and local functions and activities of the Congregation.

B. Property of the Congregation

The Congregation of the Grey Robe Monks of St. Benedict is a separate legal and inancial entity, with all property associated with the Congregation or any monastic entity being in its title.

Canonicity: The Congregation of the Grey Robe Monks of St. Benedict is under the protection of the Congregation Visitor.

A. Any jurisdictional leader may dissolve the relationship between the Grey Robe Monks of St. Benedict and their denominational jurisdiction with or without cause.

B. The Congregation Visitor or the Grey Robe Monks of St. Benedict in General Chapter may dissolve the relationship with a denominational jurisdiction with or without cause.

Submission

I, the undersigned founder and present Abbot Visitor of the Grey Robe Monks of St. Benedict, ratify this Charter and Rule, being a revised version. The original version dated December 13, 2003.

Most Rev. Terry M. Boyer, OSB

Abbot Visitor

Dated:- August 31, 2010