About the Brotherhood of Saint Gregory

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Called to serve

The Brotherhood of Saint Gregory is a Christian Community of the Episcopal Church, whose members follow a common rule and serve the church on parochial, diocesan, and national levels. Members--clergy and lay, without regard to marital status--live individually, in small groups, or with their families. They support themselves and the community through their secular or church-related work, making use of their God-given talents in the world while not being of the world. The trust that all labor and life can be sanctified is summed up in the community's motto: Soli Deo Gloria, To God Alone the Glory. The Brotherhood was founded on Holy Cross Day 1969, by Richard Thomas Biernacki, the present Minister General, after consultation with many Episcopal and Roman Catholic religious. Among the latter the Sisters of the Visitation were particularly helpful and encouraging. It was in their Riverdale, New York, monastery chapel that the first members made profession of vows to the Brotherhood's chaplain, the Rev Thomas F Pike. Later that year, Bishop Horace W B Donegan of New York recognized the Brotherhood as a Religious Community of the Episcopal Church. Upon his retirement, his successor, Bishop Paul Moore jr, became Visitor to the brothers, whom he came to call the "Flexible Friars." He was succeeded by Bishop Walter D. Dennis, Suffragan of New York. The present Visitor is Bishop Rodney R. Michel, Suffragan of Long Island. A Call to Service Flexibility is crucial in the ministry of the Brotherhood. Each member is encouraged to develop his gifts and talents under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the care and direction of the community. Brothers work in parishes as liturgists, musicians, librarians, artists, visitors to the poor and the sick, administrators, sextons, teachers, guild members, and clergy. On diocesan and national levels, brothers serve in a number of administrative and pastoral capacities. Many of those in secular employment continue the servant theme, and work as teachers, nurses and administrators. The aim is always to follow Saint Gregory the Great as "servants of the servants of God"--whether in church or society. The Brotherhood communicates with the church in part through The Servant, a quarterly publication of meditations, homilies, poetry, theological reflection, criticism, and news of the community. The Rule and Custom of the Community The Rule requires weekly participation--daily if possible--in celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, daily recitation of the fourfold office of The Book of Common Prayer, daily meditation, regular theological and biblical study, Embertide reports, and attendance at the annual convocation and General Chapter, when the community gathers from around the country for a time of prayer, counsel and fellowship. The traditional vows are adapted to an apostolic life: Poverty means devoting the fruit of one's labor to the service of God, and entails the tithe in support of the church and the Brotherhood. Chastity is living with all in love, without possessiveness or the desire to control, and entails either celibacy or fidelity. Obedience is setting aside self-will in following the requirements of the community and the church. This modern interpretation of the religious life is rooted in Saint Gregory's Pastoral Care, Saint Francis' Rule for All the Faithful, and Saint Francis de Sales' Introduction to the Devout Life. It embodies the integration of worship and work, contemplative prayer with active ministry. Answering the call Any adult male communicant in good standing in the Episcopal Church (or other church in communion with it) may apply for admission to the postulancy, provided he is at least eighteen years of age, and is convinced that he is called to this community. Each applicant is interviewed by the Brotherhood's Council. If accepted, a candidate is admitted to the postulancy--a course of study, counsel, self-examination and testing which lasts a minimum of one year. After completion of the postulancy, one begins a novitiate of at least two years. This is a time of further growth in self-discipline and training, at the end of which Council and the professed brothers of a novice's province determine his readiness to make profession of vows for a period of one year. Annual vows are renewed each year for five years, after which a brother is eligible to make life profession, given the approval of Council and the life-professed members of the community. The brothers shall be mothers. . . This line from Saint Francis' Rule for Hermitages describes an exciting development in the life of the Brotherhood, one that has now borne fruit. A 1987 resolution of Chapter authorized the development of a Christian Community-in-formation, the Companion Sisterhood of Saint Gregory, under the sponsorship of the Brotherhood. In 1999 this community became independent, taking the name The Sisters of Saint Gregory. This community affords women who are called to the Gregorian Way an opportunity to experience that life. Anyone desiring information on entering the postulancy of the Brotherhood may contact: The Director of Vocations The Brotherhood of Saint Gregory 6537 N Newgard Ave 2nd Fl Chicago IL 60626-5009 USA

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