LIVING STONES

Men’s Household

Living Stones Covenant

Recognizing that we are, in virtue of our baptism and confirmation, already members of the royal priesthood of Christ (1 Pet. 2:9), we are making a covenant within this household to enter into serious spiritual formation and discernment. We embrace this agreement as an important step toward our participation in the ministerial priesthood of Jesus Christ or life as a consecrated brother in the Catholic Church.

Prayer Life

Developing good habits with regard to daily prayer is the first and perhaps the most important task of a man called to the Living Stones Household. We acknowledge that our basic Christian formation as men committed to Jesus Christ abides in the conviction that we bear integrity as sons of the Father (John 5:19; 15:11). Therefore, we are committed each day to a time of personal prayer, reading of sacred Scripture, and praise and adoration of God, along with intercession for the Church and for each other. Through this we come to know the Lord God whom we serve, and to love each other as he commanded. As members of a Church continually at prayer, and with a desire to join with her in this sacrifice, we commit ourselves to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, the “prayer of the Church,” communally and privately, as is befitting the way of life of one called to priesthood or consecrated life. We commit ourselves to participate in the Mass as a household each week and individually on the remaining days of the week.

Our Brotherhood

  • We agree to live together in the bond of charity to strengthen each other by our personal witness to Christ.
  • We agree to be faithful to household life and agreements as established among us, and to hold one another accountable to them.
  • We agree to love and support one another as brothers in Christ: respectful, loyal, and affirmative in our speech (Rom. 12:17-20; Eph. 4:25-32).
  • We agree to observe a no-dating policy and to avoid relationships with women that are exclusive in nature.
  • We agree to limit our use of technological distractions (excessive use of TV, computer, cell phone, social media, etc.) and will refrain from all use of video games.

 

We agree to participate in the following household activities:

  • Mass (minimum 4 times a week)
  • Communal Liturgy of the Hours (Thursday & Saturday vespers, plus two other times/wk minimum)
  • Regular participation in the sacrament of penance and reconciliation.
  • Marian devotions (minimum 4 times a week)
  • Holy half Hour (minimum) daily of Eucharistic Adoration
  • Thursday formation evenings (weekly)
  • Communal Lord’s Day celebration each Saturday
  • Brotherhood time on Saturday evenings.
  • One PDP retreat each semester.
  • Meeting regularly with the PDP director and a Spiritual Director
  • Participation in a liturgical ministry at Christ the King Chapel
  • Participation in small sharing group
  • Weekly “Works of Mercy” ministry

“…and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood,
to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:5

Docility to the Holy Spirit and humble obedience to the program are essential in formation. As men set apart individually and together to serve God and the Church, we will strive to be exemplary among the student body in: prayer, academics, service and brotherhood.

Men in the Living Stones Household should give priority to their relationships to one another as their primary support in their daily activities. While they are encouraged (and should) foster other Christ-centered friendships with students on campus, aiming to be well integrated in campus life, members recognized that brotherhood hold supreme value above all else.

“Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and
precious in the sight of God”
1 Peter 2:4

Covenant Prayer for Living Stones

With tender compassion and transforming power you come among us, Lord God, making us members of your household, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. Strengthen us in faith, expand our vision, and fill us with the hope of your Spirit that together we may build up your dwelling place and truly become Living Stones.

Apply to the Priestly Discernment Program

Acceptance to Franciscan University is a pre-requisite for admission to the PDP, although you can complete this application anytime during your admissions process.

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CONTACT

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 740-283-6495