Sample Plan of Life

SAMPLE PLAN OF LIFE

Of an Eremitic of St. Augustine



  • Purpose. In order to assist priests in their parish ministries, as the Holy Spirit and priests in authority over the Eremite instruct and allow, enabling them to devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word; in further withdrawal from the world in a life devoted to the praise of God and the salvation of the world through the silence of solitude and through constant prayer and penance; guided by the Rule and Spirituality of St. Augustine of Hippo.
  • Way of Life.
  • To the Triune God. The Eremite will strive to be a living Augustinian presence to God as our all loving Creator and Father, as His Son Our Lord Jesus Christ, as their Holy Spirit, and to live a Contemplative way of life, freely allowing one's spirit to be nourished on the following:
    • Creation Gen. 1.31; Ps. 19.2
    • Urban Eremitic Life sought in the Silence and Solitude of a place of greater separation from the world while still being in or near an urban settlement; Jn. 17.11; Hos. 2.16, 22; Is. 45.3; Pr. 4.23; Ps. 46.10; Ps. 64.1; Hab. 2.20; Lam. 3.26, 28; Is 30.15, 18; Jer. 1.5; Ps. 139.1-2, 4-5, 13; 2 Cor. 5.17; Acts 17.28; Ps. 131.2; Mt. 5.8; Mk. 1.12, 12.30; Ps. 24.3-4; Lu. 12.31; 1 Jn. 3.14; Mt. 16.24; 1 Pet. 2.21; Mt. 11.28.
    • Prayer and Contemplation found in communion with God throughout the day and night in accordance with the Sacrament of the Eucharist and the Divine Office [according to the four volume breviary and its rubrics], and coming together with the Christian community for:
      • If available nearby, daily Mass;
      • If available in a parish or religious house nearby: chanting Lauds and Vespers during the week;
      • If available in a religious house nearby, otherwise in a parish nearby: Solemn Vespers on Saturday and the vigil of Solemnities, and Lauds and Mass on Sundays and Solemnities;
      • If available, a common meal, a love feast, on Sundays and Solemnities; Mt. 12.25; Lu. 10.21, 11.1, 6.12; Mk. 1.35; Dt. 12.28; Ps. 40.8-9; Mk. 14.36; Ro. 8.15; Mt. 6.11; 1 Thes. 5.17; Mt. 6.7; Mk. 12.30; Col. 3.2-4;
      • The Bread of the Word. Jn. 1.1, 14; Mt. 4.4; Col. 3.16; Jer. 15.16; Dei verbum #21; Is. 55.10-11; He. 4.12; Jn. 8.31-32; Dei Verbum #23; Pr. 4.20-22; Ja. 1.22;
      • The Bread of the Eucharist-Sacrifice of the Mass. Sacrosanctum concilium #10; Jn. 6.33; Mt. 16.24-25; Ro. 8.17; Jn. 12.24; Col. 1.24; Jn. 6.54-56; Col. 2.7; John Paul II, Encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia;
      • Eucharistic Adoration. Mt. 2.2; Jn. 4.23, 6.35, 15.4; John Paul II Eucharistic Adoration;
      • Penance. Jn. 20.22-23; He. 12.1b-2; Lu. 7.6; Mt. 4.1, 26.41b; Mk. 15.32; 1 Pet. 2.24; Lu. 18.13, 15.7, 7.4, 15.11-31; Gal. 5.22-25; Eph. 2.4-6; Ps. 51.12, 19; John Paul II, Reconciliatio et Paenitentia;
      • Liturgy of the Hours. Ps. 145.1-5; Rev. 22.20; Ps. 5.4, 33.1, 150.1, 113.3, 141.2, 4.9; and the Second Cycle of Readings and Responsories from the Spanish translation of the Divine Office, Liturgia de las Horas;
    • The Immaculate Conception. Mary, Mother of the Incarnate Word and our Mother; Lu. 1.38, Is. 50.4; Lu. 2.10, 10.39; Jn. 17.20; Acts 1.14; Jn. 2.5; Acts 2.46; Lu. 4.17, 18; Jn. 15.23; Mk. 3.35; Ps. 62.1-5; Mt. 11.29; Col. 3.3; Lu. 1.47; Lu. 2.34-35; Jn. 19.26-27; Acts 1.14; Lu. 1.48; Col. 1.27-28; John Paul II, "Letter to Women," Mulieris dignitatem, and Redemptionis donum;
  • In Integration of Body, Mind and Spirit. The Eremite will strive to be a living Augustinian presence to God in oneself as beloved of the Father, in integrated wholeness of body, mind and spirit. Mk. 12.28; Jn. 12.25; Jn. 15.9; Ge. 1.31; Gal. 5.22;
    • The Body. 1 Cor. 6.19-20; Ro. 12.1; John Paul II Theology of the Body, pp. 262-303;
    • Work. Co. 3.17; 2 Thes. 3.10; 1 Cor. 10.31; Mk. 10.45; Mk. 6.3;
    • Leisure. Mk. 6.31; Phlp. 4.4, 5;
    • Meals. Rev. 3.20; Lu. 12.35-37;
    • Fast and Abstinence. Lu. 2.37; Mt. 4.1-3, 17.21; Joel 2.12-13; Mt. 6.16-18; Mt. 9.15;
    • The Mind. Phlp. 2.5; Ro. 12.2; Acts 17.27-28;
    • The Spirit. Gal. 5.13-14; Jn. 12.24; 1 Jn. 4.8; Ps. 62.1, 87.7; He. 13.20-21; 1 Thes. 5.23;
  • To the People of God. The Eremite will strive to be a living Augustinian presence to God in others as the People of God, in charity, work and desert hospitality. Mk. 12.22, 21.28, 24.46; Lu. 3.23, 12.43, 13.14; Jn. 6.27, 6.29, 7.21, 9.4, 13.34-35; Ro. 14.20, 16.3, Eph. 4.32, 5.2; 1 Cor. 13.1-13, 16.9; Col. 3.12-25; Gal. 6.10, 1 Thes. 4.11, 2 Thes. 3.10, 3.12; Ti. 3.1; Ja. 4.11-12, 2.1-15; Mt. 20.25-28; Jn. 13.34-35; Ro. 15.5-7;
    • The Fruit of Charity is the Bread of Hospitality. Jn. 13.1, 21.15-17; Lu. 2.15-17; Mt. 2.10-11; Lu. 2.20.

III. Eremitical Profession of Evangelical Counsels. The Eremite will live according to the profession of the evangelical counsels, living in the Mysteries of Christ, imitating the pattern of His Life. Mk. 1.12; Jn. 14.6, 8.32; Mt. 18.1-4, 11.29-30; Ja. 4.6; Phlp. 2.5-11; Jn. 1.16; Mt. 12.25-27; Gal. 2.20; Lumen Gentium # 43-47; Catechism 914-21, 925-27, 931-33, 944-45. Following Christ in obedience to one's spiritual father and one's lawful superior, in poverty and chastity; John Paul II, Vita consecrata, Redemptionis donum, and Redemptoris custos.;

  • Obedience. Jn. 4.34; Mt. 12.50; Lu. 10.16; Perfectae caritatis #14; Phlp. 2.8; Christus Dominus 33, 35; Lumen Gentium 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29;
    • Spiritual Direction. Eph. 4.6, 3.15; 2 Cor. 10.5; Ro. 14.17-19; Phlp. 4.7-9;
  • Poverty. Mt. 5.3, 6.19-34, 19.21, 25.40; Mk. 10.21, 12.42; Lu. 6.20, 9.62, 12.32-33, 14.13, 18.22, 21.2; Jn. 12.25; Ac. 2.45; Ro. 15.26; 1 Cor. 4.11; 2 Cor. 8.9; Phlp. 4.12-23; Jas. 2.5; Perfectae caritatis #13; Catechism 915, 944, 1805, 2411, 2443-50, 2462-63, 2544-47;
  • Celibate Love, Chastity. 1 Cor. 7.32-34; Perfectae caritatis #12; Catechism 1832; Col. 3.23-24; Eph. 2.19; He. 13.17; 1 Cor. 12.4, 7; John Paul II, The Theology of the Body, pp. 262-303;

IV. Formation. The Eremite will strive, will cooperate with the Holy Spirit expressed in dialogue with one's spiritual director and spiritual father, and will cooperate with the priest or bishop in authority over one, to be made more perfect and to be transformed into the Image of Christ, as God wills, particularly through:

  • Fidelity.
    • Teaching Authority of the Church. Mt. 16.13-19; Lumen gentium #20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29;
    • Spiritual Formation and Growth. Phlp. 1.6, 3.12-24; virtus stat in medio;
    • Sacramental Life of the Church. Catechism 1134;
  • Horarium of the Eremite.
    • Praying and Singing. Mk. 1.35; 1 Cor. 11.25; Ps. 5.11, 7.17, 9.2, 11, 13.6, 21.13, 23.2-3, 27.6, 30.4, 33.2-3, 47.6-7, 51.17, 57.7-9, 55.17, 59.16-17, 61.8, 63.7, 66.2, 67.4, 68.4, 68.32, 71.22, 75.9, 81.1-2, 89.1, 92.1, 95.1, 96.1-2, 98.1, 4-5, 101.1, 104.33, 105.2, 108.1-3, 113.3, 119.164, 119.172, 135.3, 138.1, 141.2, 144.9, 146.2, 147.1, 7, 149.1; Pr. 29.6; Is. 5.1, 12.5, 26.9a, 42.10, 65.14; Jer. 20.13; Jdg. 5.3; Ro. 15.9; 1 Chr. 16.7, 9, 23, 25.7; 2 Chr. 20.21; 1 Cor. 14.15; Eph. 5.19; Col. 3.16; Ja. 5.13; Rev. 4.8, 5.9, 7.12, 11.17, 14.3, 15.3; Sacrosanctum concilium #43-47, 83-101; Perfectae caritatis #1-25, as they apply to the Eremite;
    • Mass. 1 Cor. 11.25; Jn. 6.56; Col. 3.17; Lumen gentium #3, 5, 7; Sacrosanctum concilium #6, 26-32, 47-58, 112-118;
    • Day of Reclusion. Mk. 1.12;
    • Sundays, Solemnities, Feast Days. Ps. 113.24; Sacrosanctum concilium #102-111;
    • Penance. Mt. 4.17; Mk. 1.15; Lk. 5.32, 13.5; Ac. 2.38; Sacrosanctum concilium #102-111;

C. Habit.

    • First provisional eremitic state black suite, white blouse or shirt; over the blouse or shirt a cross on a chain or string in the style of John Paul II's crozier; on the suit jacket, a distinctive pin showing: a circle representing the Blessed Sacrament, a chalice filling most of the circle, a French cross on the chalice, a lamb lying in front of the chalice and looking toward the chalice; in the suit pocket a rosary; dark Marian blue sweater; black coat; black sandals, socks in inclement weather; work habit of white blouse or shirt, black skirt, white apron.
    • Following eremitic states the habit the same as above with the addition of scapular of Immaculate Conception blue; over the scapular the cross as above; for women a black veil and white coif; work habit of white blouse or shirt, scapular, black skirt, white apron, and for women a white cap: an appropriate habit for an Augustinian consecrated person of one's sex and status. Ge. 24.65, 38.14; Ex. 34.33; Ru. 3.15; Is. 3.17, 23; 1 Cor. 11.6, 10-12; Perfectae caritatis #17; John Paul II, Vita Consecrata;

D. Name. Upon the second profession of the evangelical counsels, the Eremite's signature on all documents will be followed by "E.S.A.," an abbreviation of "Eremitic of St. Augustine;"

 

E. Provisional Eremite. Upon profession of the evangelical counsels pursuant to this Plan of Life for two years, received by a priest, with his rescript to live the eremitic life as a provisional Eremite; renewable for additional periods of three years;

F. Perpetual Eremite. Upon perpetual profession of the evangelical counsels pursuant to this Plan of Life, received by an Ordinary, with his rescript to live the eremitic life as a professed Eremite;

G. Renewal of Vows. After two years, and every three years until perpetual profession, on the anniversary of the date Vows were given and received, or on a convenient date prior to the anniversary date;

V. Administration.

  • Finances. The Eremite will attend to one's own administrative needs and will be entirely self-supporting. The direction of legitimate Superiors in financial matters will be carefully considered, and the Eremite will be accountable to the Ordinary or his appointed representative regarding release of financial information. The Eremite is not by reason of this Plan of Life an agent of the Ordinary or any legitimate Superior, nor is any agency intended by reason of this Plan of Life. The Eremite will be responsible for one's own medical bills and insurance, and will maintain adequate levels of insurance.
  • Work. The Eremite may work in public, preferably in a Church environment or charitable institution, freeing a priest for parish ministry.
  • Departure. The Eremite, if one seeks to be released from one's profession of the evangelical counsels, must make a request to the Ordinary. A detailed reason for one's desire for departure must be submitted in writing to the Eremite's spiritual director, pastor, and to the Ordinary. In the event of departure for any reason, the Eremite is not owed anything for work in the Church, other than as determined by contract.

____________________________________

Eremite/Anchorite’s signature   "the Eremite"

Sister [religious name and designation]

First Provisional Vows. Upon the request of Eremite/Anchorite, I, ________________

____________________ received her private provisional profession of the evangelical counsels pursuant to the preceding Plan of Life of an Eremitic of St. Augustine, tax-free, on the ____ day of ____________________________, and granted her the privilege of living as an Eremitic of St. Augustine.



_____________________________________

 

 

Second Provisional Vows.   Upon the request of Eremite/Anchorite, I, ________________

____________________ received her private provisional profession of the evangelical counsels pursuant to the preceding Plan of Life of an Eremitic of St. Augustine, tax-free, on the ____ day of ____________________________, and granted her the privilege of living as an Eremitic of St. Augustine.



_____________________________________

Third Provisional Vows. Upon the request of Eremite/Anchorite, I, ________________

____________________ received her private provisional profession of the evangelical counsels pursuant to the preceding Plan of Life of an Eremitic of St. Augustine, tax-free, on the ____ day of ____________________________, and granted her the privilege of living as an Eremitic of St. Augustine.



_____________________________________



Perpetual Profession of Vows. Upon the request of Eremite/Anchorite, I, _______________

_______________________________________________________________, of the ________________________________ of ___________________________________, publicly received her perpetual profession of the evangelical counsels pursuant to the preceding Plan of Life of an Eremitic of St. Augustine, tax-free, on the _____ day of _________________________, and grant her the perpetual privilege of living as an Eremitic of St. Augustine.



_____________________________________

 

Comments