Membership

MEMBERSHIP AT SAINT VALENTINE'S 

Becoming a member of the meditation society is the culmination of a long process that begins and ends with meditation. Those who have proven themselves capable of meditation and its required discipline and who are called to a deeper relationship with the society are eligible. 

Membership has its co-requisites. A member must have a formal meditation practice at home and must commit themselves to daily meditation. Members may be called upon to teach meditation to newcomers, to give words of encouragement during retreats, and other duties. Annual dues are required for the maintenance of the society. 

As a recognition of a member's commitment, the Robe of Saint Valentine is offered to the new member and is worn as both an outward sign to others and an inward sign to the member themselves. The robe is a simple cloak made of plain red fabric with a monastic-style hood. It is a symbol of the contemplative life to which members are called. 

Member Wearing the Robe of St. Valentine

BECOMING A MEMBER

Membership at Saint Valentine's is a sacred and serious commitment. As such it is only reserved for those who have proved their interest in the society by frequently attending meditations, retreats, and other events. Membership is by request only and is granted on a case-by-case basis after a thorough review process.

General Guidelines

  A prospective member should:'

• Have attended regular events at the society for at least a year. 
• Begin to practice meditation at home at least once a week. 
• Be familiar with the theology and praxis of Hesychasm and the Jesus Prayer. 
• Be open to Old Catholic pedagogy and methodology. 

Non-Negotiables

At the time of application, a potential member must: 

• Be a baptized Christian who accepts the three Ancient Creeds of the Church 
• Be open to Old Catholicism in principle, even if one is not a practicing Old Catholic 
• Reject all anti-Catholic prejudice. 
• Must allow for the veneration of saints, prayer for the dead, repetition of prayers, the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and the Apostolic hierarchy of the Church of Bishop, Priest, and Deacon. 

*Protestant applicants are acceptable so long as they accept Catholic practices with an open mind and a tolerant attitude. No member is required to be a practicing Catholic. However, a protestant must be content with meditation and the repetition of the Jesus Prayer.

 

If you believe membership is right for you, please reach out to Valentine via our contact form (in the drop-down menu on the upper left-hand corner of the website). 

*A formal application will be offered only when the society has approved your initial inquiry.