Brother Tim Luken, Abbot General of the Company of Jesus, will be our guest speaker during the Sunday Forum on Sept. 29.

The Company of Jesus is a modern ‘Third-Order’ monastic community, and as such does not require its members to take a vow of celibacy. Many of the sisters and brothers in the Company of Jesus are married and participate fully in the order as professed members. While other members are solitary and have chosen that path, they are also free to pursue marriage if they so desire. Faithfulness in one’s current state of life is the standard.

The concept comes from St. Francis, who initially formed his First Order for men, Second Order for women, and Third Order for those in the world who had secular jobs and families, but wished to live according to a Rule of Life.

The Company of Jesus has applied the Third Order concept to Benedictine and Celtic spiritualities as well, yielding a “company membership of Professed Franciscans, Benedictines and Celts.

While the Company of Jesus holds to the teachings and worship forms of the Anglican Church, the Order is ecumenical, and membership is open to all baptized Christians, regardless of denomination. The Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes is the official diocesan home of the Order.

Please come out next Sunday and give Brother Tim a warm St. Andrew’s welcome!