The Order of Saint Patrick of Armagh is a Catholic community of faith responding to the call of Jesus Christ. Empowered by the Holy Spirit our goal is to offer a lifelong opportunity of worship, education, and service to others. We commit ourselves to provide safe harbor and care to those who seek us. We are committed to care for the Christ in all who see refuge with us unconditionally.
We offer a program for the development of the life of a religious to those who feel His call. We personally reach out and share faith-filled lives with all other human beings knowing full well Christ is disguised in all whom we meet. We reflect Gods saving love by promoting strong ministries that enrich every aspect of religious life.
A Rule of Life, or religious rule such as that of Saint Benedict or Saint Columban, is an interesting concept. It is not a mission statement. And, despite the word "Rule" in its name, it is not a legalistic or pharisaical document. It is more like a written version of wedding vows than these other concepts. Yet, there is an element of a mission statement or a legal code bound inside the idea of the Rule of Life that various monastic communities have adopted.
Our mission statement is then found in the Rule of Saint Columban in both the form observed some 1400 years ago and the modern English version now in use. Therefore, our “Mission Statement” would be found more succinctly in the Rule of our community. A Rule which is essentially a marriage vow between each member and his/her bridegroom, Jesus Christ. As we see each person whom we meet to be Christ in disguise the very people we serve are, in fact, our bridegrooms.
Through life-giving Brotherhood and prayer, we strive for a union of hearts and minds which will transform us and lead us to witness and service. We set ourselves firmly against whatever may cause injustice. We tend to the marginalized and in so doing, glorify our Creator-God.
We resolve to carry forward the enduring educational initiatives of our forebears and the newer ministries of our apostolate. But we will test them all, for their benefit to the poor and for justice' sake. Wherever we are, we will promote wholeness, welcome and self-worth.
As the future unfolds, our hope remains secure. Because our call is for service, we are ready to venture, risk, even fail, that some good might take hold, that some hope might be shared and that the poor might have their voices heard.
Traditional Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind always be at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of
His hand.
Please make your prayer requests known to us here. We observe the Office of the Hours each day of the week in addition to our
daily mass.
Send your prayer requests to us at:
prayerequests@saintpatricksmonastery.com