The Old Catholic Church of America
In Diocese of New Jersey

Consecrated Rules for Women Religious
(Known as Tertiary)

Authorization:

The consecrated women not in the ordained ministry are authorized to use the abbreviation Sr. before their name and the letters MDM or DSP, Missionaries of Divine Mercy and Daughters of St. Paul after their name, and to use the term of Sister or domestic- Religious when referring to themselves in conversation.

This Apostolate, The Missionary of Divine Mercy and Daughters of St. Paul are an independent domestic –Religious Confraternity living their lives in the world but not of the world, in moderation, simplicity, and temperance. This Confraternity is in no way associated with any other group or order. It is open to Old Catholic women; married and single. They are these Christians who have dedicated themselves to a strong devotion and fidelity to God, prayer, holiness, the family of God, spreading the word of God through teaching and proclamation (evangelization), good works of mercy.

The Daughters of St. Paul’s Apostolate will be the spreading of the Gospel, through Proclamation, Evangelism, Street Witnessing, Teaching Catechism at all levels, Visiting prisons, Nursing homes, Mental Institutions and most of all to support the ministry of our priests, Bishop, and Clergy.

The Missionaries of Divine Mercy Apostolate is ministerial in teaching the Good News of Christ, a devotion to the heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament to make reparation for the sins committed against our Lord in His Church. Devotions to the Divine Mercy, to support member churches in the Old Catholic Church of America through Corporal works of mercy, social services, to support our works in city, state, national, ad international levels through prayer, finances, food, clothes, etc.

Consecrated Women

One who has been consecrated to the life of the consecrated rule for the rest of ones life.

The Purpose of this Order of Consecrated Women

The purpose of this order is to live the Gospel in a more radical and consecrated way for Modern Times, with the goal of personal sanctity and eternal life in heaven (holiness).

Consecrated Prayer

These times are Morning Prayer, Afternoon Prayers, Mid-afternoon, Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00 p.m. Praying the Rosary everyday, studying of the word of God, reading spiritual books for growth and development, spending time before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, Private Prayer, Intercessory Prayer, and Fasting.

Holiness

Christ calls all Christians to holiness, The Daughters of St. Paul, and the Missionaries of Divine Mercy put forth increased efforts in answering that call to the formation of greater Holiness, as they travel the road of discipline with fellow travelers.

Dress

A distinct moderation in dress should be evident in the lifestyle of the consecrated women. Modest hemlines, just a little lower then current trends, and closed necklines is the goal. Movement toward plainer makeup, less and non-ostentations jewelry is encouraged when in lay clothes. A dispensation is given, when to do so may endanger the consecrated women’s life or impede the consecrated women’s manner of earning a living.

Habit

The Daughters of St. Paul will wear a black Robe, black color shirt (not a clerics collar) but a closed collar, with cross on chain, black stockings, black shoes, and black belt. When in the sanctuary, a Chapel Veil is worn.

Missionaries of Divine Mercy will wear a black wrap robe with a red cord, black shoes and stockings, Blessed Sacrament Pin. When in the sanctuary, a Mantilla is worn.

Vows/Commitments

Each consecrated woman, if married must be faithful to her husband and to the Church. If single with no intentions for marriage must take a Vow of Celibacy. If desiring marriage, must take temporary Vows of Celibacy. For virgins who are not called to marriage, a vow of perpetual Virginity. Commitment to God, the local Bishop, and to the Metropolitan Archbishop through his Synod of Bishops as the teaching office.

For More Information, please contact:

Reverend Father Layne Jackson, Ph. D., D. Min., Vicar of Religious, at:

520 East Mount Airy Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19119
(215) 242-3399

c/o The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
Old Catholic Church
927 North Main Street Unit A-2
Pleasantville, NJ 08232
(609) 646-6440