Fullerton Society for Founders

Founder's Personal Prayer Rule

Fullerton Society for Founders
About Us
Founder's Personal Prayer Rule
Canon Law & Lay Associations
Statutes
Vetting Aspirants
The "Seven Pillars"
The Major Rules
Preparatory Associations
Private Associations
Public Associations
Diocesan Right
Pontifical Right
Discerning Emerging Charisms
Listserv
Founder's Resources from Sr. Amy, CSJ
Contact Us

"I feel called to found a new order..."

We have heard this many times, and we always respond, "Make it your Personal Prayer Rule (PPR) first," and "Do your research--make sure there's not something already out there that matches what you feel called to do."
 
The call to found a charism could also be the call to be part of a new community, which we define as a religious institute younger than 25 years.
 
Other founders have told us that they were advised to live the life, even if they were on their own.  This takes the form of the Personal Prayer Rule, and should be discussed with a spiritual director.
 
The PPR is similar to "taking one's oxygen first."
 
If a spiritual director is not available, we suggest the Liturgy of the Hours.  Dominicans recommend the directee to the spiritual classics, then check in with a priest if there's a problem.  

Begin with the horarium, and situate everything around your remunerative work.  There are times for:
 
Rising and retiring
Meals
Remunerative work
Prayers
Recreation
 
One should also write in yearly vacation and/or retreat.

Next will be the living of the PPR for the sake of discerning the spirit of the community.  How are they to live interiorly?  How will this lead to the external observances, which are to nourish the interior?
 
One will also keep journals.  These journals will assist those who come after you to live the charism as faithfully to your inspirations as possible.
 
What days of the liturgical year are of greatest importance?  This will form your Kalendar.
 
There is no rush.  Former members of emerging charisms have told us that going fast will require 10 years to correct.

Please click here for a list of new communities not associated with either the Fullerton Society or the CCMM Ministry of Our Lady of the Cloister.