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Companions of the Solitaries of DeKoven are those persons who are committed to contemplative living and prayer and to the encouragement and promotion of the Solitary Religious (hermit) life, but who are not Solitary Religious themselves.
The Companions are integral affiliates to, and are in spiritual harmony with the Core and Extern members of the Solitaries of DeKoven, becoming the active arm, representing the life of contemplation and solitude in the world, and who make it possible for the Solitaries to live a life of solitary prayer and intercession.
Vowed Solitaries of DeKoven take the four fold vows of Voluntary Poverty, Celibate Chastity, Obedience, and Solitude. The Rule of Life for the Companions follows this same model scaled to suit the lifestyle of the individual. The central purpose of the Rule of Life is to maintain a bond of prayer and practice with the Solitaries of DeKoven and to enhance one's own path towards God. The Rule has been purposefully kept simple so as not to be a burden, but a vehicle of spiritual growth.
Companions follow a simple Rule of Life:
Poverty/Simplicity: The Companion commits to following a lifestyle that practices a healthy stewardship of time, talents, finances, and world resources. This includes financial giving to the Church and other charitable organizations, including the Solitaries of DeKoven.
Chastity: The Companion strives to love all people. He or she will follow the Church's practice regarding marriage or the single life.
Obedience: The Companion's obedience is to Jesus Christ and the Church; he or she upholds the Creeds of the Church; and accepts that Holy Scripture is the revelation of God to the world. The Companion joins with Christians worldwide in praying at least one Daily Office as well as prays for the Solitary of DeKoven and fellow Companions daily, including commemorating the feast day of Blessed James DeKoven March 22nd. with special prayer.
Solitude: The Companion seeks regular times of solitude and silence so as to present him or herself to God through prayer. It is hoped that every Companion will spend time in a contemplative retreat annually for a period of several days.
A Companion receives the following benefits:
Who can become a Companion?
Membership in the Companions of the Solitaries of DeKoven is open to all Christians of faith who share a belief in the Triune God, the Creeds of the Ancient Church, and the Sacraments.
For more information or to receive an application, please write to:
companions@solitariesofdekoven.org
or to the address listed below.
If e-mailing your request, please remember to include your postal mailing address as well.