Our Vows

Our Vows

SERVICE OVERVIEW

The vows are made to God, in the presence of witnesses, received by the Abbess/Abbot of the Fellowship. Accountability of each member is ultimately to that authority, to the Fellowship as a whole, and to the member’s personal Anamchara.  The vows of each member of the Anamchara Fellowship will be for the duration of three years.  Within the thirty (30) days prior to the third anniversary of the Brother’s/Sister’s vows, that Brother/Sister will write a letter of intent to the Fellowship, stating that they wish to remain in their vows.  At  the next  Annual Gathering, those who have made these intentions will renew their commitment before the Fellowship gathered at some appropriate time.  A recommitment to vows should be included in the annual letter to one’s ecclesial authority  (2008).

When a member desires to terminate his/her membership, a written request should be sent to the Fellowship and to the ecclesial authority under whom the member has been accountable.  It is recommended that the member endeavor to fulfill the term of their current commitment, if possible, before terminating membership in the Fellowship.

SIMPLICITY

Simplicity of Life: Having no financial recourse to the Fellowship, but within individual means helping to maintain its organizational needs. Seeking to live without a spirit of accumulation. Using all things with gentleness and respect, developing a sense of poverty of spirit, whereby we grasp with heart and mind that ALL belongs to God.
Becoming extravagant with our love and care toward others. “He should never refuse assistance to a person who calls with insistence for it. Let him share generously and without measure with the one who asks.” (Rule of Ailbe)

FIDELITY

Fidelity: Living with gentleness of manner toward everyone. Renouncing all physical and verbal control over others. Constancy toward the one with whom God has blessed us as mate or as Anamchara. Consciously striving after peace and mercy for all: “To do justice, to love peace and to walk humbly with God.”

OBEDIENCE

Obedience: Following the Gospel imperatives of love and forgiveness. Working within the context of the Church to which the member belongs, seeing the leadership and Councils of the Church as guides. Listening for the voice of God in those placed in authority over us.