Becoming a member
A First Step
Your first step in exploring if OA is right for you is to register for a CDI or Shaping the Parish (or comparable program - check with us on that); after you have completed at least 5 days of CDI or Shaping the Parish you are welcome to begin our process.
Discernment Period
Applicants engage in a discernment period of at least 5 months during which they:
- Reflect on the Rule - PDF of the Rule
- Begin living with the Rule
- Develop an understanding of the relation between the Promise and their life.
- Have a least one long conversation with a sponsor from among the members about the Rule and Promise.
- Engage in a process of reflection on the effect of joining the Order -- Areas for your reflection
Admission
Applicants are admitted to the Order by a majority vote of all Professed Members
Membership is open to laity, bishops, priests and deacons; to baptized people of any Christian communion.
All members must receive a significant amount of training in congregational development. New members are expected to complete Shaping the Parish or the Church Development Institute (or a comparable program) within three years of beginning the membership process. People interested in membership are requested to complete at least five days of a CDI before formally submitting their application. Applicants are admitted and take the Promise at the first common life gathering following the completion of the five month discernment period and the first five days of CDI or Shaping the Parish. The full CDI or Shaping the Parish program must be completed to remain a Professed Member.
Members are dropped from membership if they miss two common life gatherings in a three year period and may be removed by a vote of two-thirds of professed members.
Additional information on the membership process is provided in the Rule and Constitution
If you are interested in membership and have completed at least the first five days of Shaping the Parish or CDI contact:
For information on OA. E-mail Father Lowell Grisham or call 479-442-7373