The Orders of EMMI are dispersed, ecumenical Catholic (Roman, Orthodox, Anglican) communities, similar to the older Third Order model, under which most members live their everyday lives in the world. You may be male or female, married, partnered or single, clergy or lay. There is no discrimination of any sort, except for the requirement of being at least 18 years of age.
Its purpose is to provide a canonical structure for those who wish to follow a Franciscan or Benedictine lifestyle without requiring them to travel great distances to become members. Everything can be done at a local level by one’s own pastor or another delegated person. We do not live with other members.
The life style is founded on a common rule at the heart of which is the promise to live in the spirit of poverty chastity and obedience and to strive for and seek to foster and uphold Peace, Justice, Ecology, absence of discrimination, care for those less privileged, loyalty to one’s own denomination or expression of Christianity, simplicity of living, personal conversion, prayerfulness, devotion and discipleship to the Incarnate Christ, Minority, Community, love peace and joy. Such is the promise of the Order. Members must formulate a personal interpretation of the common Rule that is harmonious with and fitting to their Christian tradition and life situation.
The Rule provides a structured daily routine. Many elements are based on the legacy of earlier Franciscan or Benedictine communities, which were Roman Catholic or Anglican/Episcopalian. We are ecumenical Catholics, and there is ample scope to adapt practices to the specific needs of individuals by substituting those that are in harmony with their Faith. Membership costs nothing, though you have to pay for your own necessities. These may include books, a cross, and an approved habit.
We do not use the Inquiry and Candidacy novitiate; instead, you make temporary vows for a set period, which are renewed annually. This is a time to integrate into the community and prepare for a more permanent commitment. Permanent Vows: After the period of temporary vows, you can make your permanent vows, which are a lifetime commitment to live the gospel life according to the Order’s Rule. The Orders of EMMI consist of diverse ecumenical Catholic communities, including Roman, Orthodox, and Anglican members, resembling the traditional Third Order model. Members lead their everyday lives in the world and can be male or female, single, married, or partnered, and include both clergy and laypeople. The only requirement for membership is that individuals must be at least 18 years old.
The primary purpose of the Orders is to offer a structured framework for those wishing to embrace a Franciscan or Benedictine way of life without the necessity of travelling long distances for membership. All activities can be conducted locally with the support of one’s pastor or another appointed representative. Living arrangements do not require members to live together.
The lifestyle is built upon a common rule that emphasizes a commitment to the virtues of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Members are encouraged to promote and embody Peace, Justice, Ecological stewardship, non-discrimination, support for those less advantaged, loyalty to their own Christian denomination, simplicity, personal growth in Faith, devotion, and discipleship to Christ. Each member is expected to interpret the common Rule in a way that aligns harmoniously with their individual Christian tradition and life circumstances.
The Rule provides a structured daily routine, drawing on earlier Franciscan and Benedictine communities that were predominantly Roman Catholic or Anglican/Episcopalian. As ecumenical Catholics, we promote adaptability to fit individuals’ specific needs while ensuring adherence to their Faith. Membership is without cost, although individuals are responsible for their own necessities, such as books, a cross, or an approved habit.
Our community does not follow the traditional phases of Inquiry, Candidacy, or Novitiate. Instead, members make temporary vows for a designated period, which may be renewed annually. This time is meant for integration into the community and preparation for a more enduring commitment. After fulfilling the temporary vows, members can take permanent vows, which signify a lifelong dedication to living according to the Order’s Rule.
The vows essential to the Order of EMMI were recently published on our website, outlining the commitments all friars must undertake. The process leading to permanent vows spans 18 months to 2 years, followed by at least 3 years of temporary vows before taking final vows. This journey involves several stages, allowing members to fully adapt to the Order’s way of life.
Is this an official Order? Yes, it operates under the protection of an autocephalous Chaplaincy Ministry within the historic apostolic succession.
Once individuals are fully informed of the Order’s obligations, they are formally invested with the Habit. They may choose new names in honour of Saints or other significant aspects of their Faith. The Metropolitan Archbishop is known within the community as Brother Michel of Notre Dame or Brother Michel. During the clothing ceremony, novices receive the EMMI habit, which signifies their commitment, including the Tau or a Cross, along with a suitable version of the Greater Habit as per their chosen Order.
The Rule and Constitution of the Orders of EMMI serve as foundational documents that guide our community’s life and mission. The Rule outlines the collective Christian life we strive to embody, while the Constitution delineates our communal fellowship. These documents provide a comprehensive overview of our identity and the principles through which we engage with the Catholic tradition. For any inquiries or further information, please feel free to reach out to us.
The seven vows were published on our website yesterday, and all friars need to take them. The time it takes to make permanent vows in our Third Order timeline involves a minimum of 18 months and up to two years, followed by temporary vows for at least three years before making final vows. The overall process is lengthy, involving multiple stages of formation.
The time it takes to make permanent vows in our Third Order timeline involves a minimum of 18 months and up to two years, followed by temporary vows for at least three years before making final vows. The overall process is long, involving multiple stages of adaptation to our Third Order way.
Is it an official Order?
It is established under the protection of an autocephalous Chaplaincy Ministry in the historic apostolic succession.
After being fully advised concerning the duties of the Order, they are clothed, i.e., invested with the Habit, and may ask to be given new names by which they are to be known in the Order (selected in honour of the Saints or some mystery of the Faith). The Metropolitan Archbishop is called Brother Michel of Notre Dame or Brother Michel in the community. At clothing, the novice will be invested in the EMMI habit, which is the Tau or a Cross, and be invested in a preferred variation of the Greater Habit according to the Order of choice.
The Rule and Constitution of the Orders of EMMI serve as the guiding documents for our community’s life and mission. The Rule outlines how we, as brothers and sisters, strive to live out the Christian life, and the Constitution guides how we, as a community, will live out our fellowship with one another. These documents will provide a very detailed look at who we are and how we live out the Catholic tradition. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
