The Holy Family Priory is a House of the Order of St. Benedict in the Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church of America.

Our purpose is to reach out to people in this sinful, hurting and broken world. Works of love and mercy, such as our Lady displayed on her visit to St. Elizabeth, are, with the time-honored traditions of Benedictine spirituality, the foundation of our community. Visiting, assisting and praying with the sick, elderly or homebound or those otherwise in need of a helping hand; serving in ministry in our Parishes and time spent in study and prayer bring the ora et labora (prayer and work) of Benedictine life into a world sorely in need of Christ's presence.

The Order is a group of committed men and women whose purpose is not just ministry but is first a way of life that draws the Brother and Sister into a deeper union with Jesus Christ. It is not a commitment to be made lightly, but is in fact a special call from God to the Religious Life lived in the world.

Oblates are also a part of our community, and while they are not monks and nuns, they are closely united to us in spirit and purpose - that is, to glorify God through service to Him, His Church and His people.

Membership
Membership - as a Brother, Sister or Oblate in our community - is open to all Baptized and Chrismated members of the Orthodox Church (both men and women), age 18 or older. Members may be either single or married (with or without children). If married, the member’s spouse must be in agreement with his or her acceptance of the Rule of Life, and be supportive of his or her spouse's call. It is strongly recommended that, if married, husband and wife share a time of daily common prayer (recitation of the Office, the Rosary, etc) to keep the marital bonds strong. Including the children in some family devotional activities is strongly encouraged, when they are of an age to participate. If so called, married spouses may both join the Order.

Men and women who join, whether they are Religious or Oblate, follow a Rule of Life and must have a provisional membership period before becoming a full member. The formation period of discernment and formation consists of a postulancy of at least six months and a novitiate of at least one year, before application for Profession or Oblation may be made.

The Holy Family Priory meets together on the first Saturday of every month for Divine Liturgy, prayer, fellowship and instruction; we also gather every Wednesday evening for a weekly time of community prayer. Additionally, we have regular retreats and special community days. Other days of instruction are sometimes added as needed for the formation and growth of the members.

If you feel you may be called by God and His holy Mother to a life as a Brother, Sister or Oblate in our Benedictine community,  please go to our Contact page for more information.