Associates of the Order of the Ascension
Our hope is that in becoming an Associate of the Order of the Ascension you will find growth in holiness of life and strengthen your own vocation.
Our hope is that you will join us in seeking the presence of Jesus Christ in the people, things and circumstances of life through stability, obedience and conversion of life.
Our hope is that you will love and pray for your parish church. And that you will live in the parish community in a way that best fulfills your vocation and gifts.
In the 1980s and early '90s we had around 80 Associates. They came from all over the United States and a couple of other countries. We rejoice in being able to re-establish the Associates group. We hope you'll consider joining us.
Rule for AssociatesThe Prayer Book Pattern
The pattern has also been called the Benedictine Triangle and the catholic threefold Rule.
Our life in community, our reflection, and our service are nurtured from the soil of Office and Eucharist. The daily connection with Scripture and common prayer and the weekly receiving of Body and Blood orient us to the ways of eternity and feed us for faithfulness in our life at work, with friends and family and in civic life.
1. Participate in the Holy Eucharist on Sundays, the feasts of the Ascension, and of St Benedict. Other Major Feasts as possible in your region.
2. Regular use of some form of the Daily Office.
3. A pattern of reflection and personal devotions that fits your temperament and circumstances. To include regular intercession for the Order and the Associate's parish church, its priest and lay leadership. Intercession for the Order on January 8 and January 30 (commitment to the formation of the Order in 1983 and the First Taking of the Promise in 1988).
Learning
In your first year, read any two in-print Ascension Press books. If you've read such books in the past few years you may count those to fulfill the requirement. Thereafter, read two books each year in the field of Ascetical/pastoral theology and/or organization development. At least one is to come from the reading list provided on the website for Associates. Some years the Order may suggest a specific book and may establish a forum for conversation among Associates.
Our life in community, our reflection, and our service are nurtured from the soil of Office and Eucharist. The daily connection with Scripture and common prayer and the weekly receiving of Body and Blood orient us to the ways of eternity and feed us for faithfulness in our life at work, with friends and family and in civic life.
1. Participate in the Holy Eucharist on Sundays, the feasts of the Ascension, and of St Benedict. Other Major Feasts as possible in your region.
2. Regular use of some form of the Daily Office.
3. A pattern of reflection and personal devotions that fits your temperament and circumstances. To include regular intercession for the Order and the Associate's parish church, its priest and lay leadership. Intercession for the Order on January 8 and January 30 (commitment to the formation of the Order in 1983 and the First Taking of the Promise in 1988).
Learning
In your first year, read any two in-print Ascension Press books. If you've read such books in the past few years you may count those to fulfill the requirement. Thereafter, read two books each year in the field of Ascetical/pastoral theology and/or organization development. At least one is to come from the reading list provided on the website for Associates. Some years the Order may suggest a specific book and may establish a forum for conversation among Associates.
Consider participation in the Associates-only offers each year and the public formation programs offered from time to time.
Associate Reading List
Action
According to their vocation and gifts, Associates engage in appropriate forms of service, evangelization and stewardship in their daily life (work, civic life, family and friendships, the parish). Make a yearly financial contribution to the Order.
How to become an Associate
1. Notify one of the Coordinators for Associates that you are entering a time of exploration and discernment about becoming an Associate. Use the Rule for Associates for four months. Read the material on the Order's web site as a way of understanding our life and charism. Make your own discernment regarding whether being part of the Order's life as an Associate is something you are called to. Read (or re-read) Esther deWaal's Seeking God: The Way of Saint Benedict
2. You may find yourself needing guidance to navigate between being too rigorous and demanding of yourself versus too lax and not expecting enough of yourself. For example if you already have a practice of doing the daily office you'll probably want to stay with what you’ve been doing. However if that is new to you, engaging it can be a struggle for some people. And part of the struggle is finding your way between looking for some kind of imagined perfection on your part versus ignoring the challenge and joy of the office. Contact one of the Coordinators for Associates if you want to talk and pray something through about being an Associate
3. Notify one of the Coordinators for Associates that you have completed the discernment period and want to be an Associate. Send your name, diocese, email address, and preferred phone number. We will not post your email address or phone number on the Associate list, but will post your name, along with that of your diocese. If you are not in an Episcopal diocese because you are from another church community, please share that and we'll list that. For example, The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia or the Lutheran Synod of Chicago. If you'd like to share a bit more, please do.
Coordinators - Sister Susan Latimer, OA and Brother David Andrews, OA
We will send you the Associate Medal and liturgy for reception. Your name, along with that of your diocese, will be posted on the web site.
4. If you later decide that you no longer want to be an Associate, please let one of the Coordinators of Associates know of your desire. Your name will be removed from the Associate list.
Questions? Take a look at the FAQ page.
Intercession for you
Members of the Order intercess for the Associates. From time to time the order may sponsor an Associates retreat that you'll be invited to participate in.
