We are a group of men and women under the Rule of Saint Benedict in Western Rite Orthodoxy, and include both religious Brothers and Sisters as well as Oblates and Associates as part of our membership.

Our purpose is to reach out to people in this hurting world. Works of love and mercy, such as our Lady  displayed on her visit to St. Elizabeth, are, with the time-honored traditions of Benedictine spirituality, the foundation of our community. Visiting, assisting and praying with the sick, elderly or homebound or those otherwise in need of a helping hand; serving in ministry in our Parishes and time spent in study and prayer bring the ora et labora (prayer and work) of Benedictine life into a world sorely in need of Christ's presence.

The Priory's purpose is not just ministry but is first a way of life that draws the Brother and Sister into a deeper union with Jesus through Mary. It is not a commitment to be made lightly, but is in fact a special call from God to a religious life lived in the world.

Oblates are also a part of our community, and while they are not religious, they are closely united to the Brothers and Sisters in spirit and purpose - that is, to glorify God through service to Him, His Church and His people.

Membership
Membership - as a Brother, Sister or Oblate - is open to all Baptized and Chrismated members of the Orthodox Church (both men and women), age 18 or older. Members may be either single or married (with or without children). If married, the member’s spouse must be in agreement with his or her acceptance of the Rule of Life, and be supportive of his or her spouse's call. It is strongly recommended that, if married, husband and wife daily share a time of daily common prayer (recitation of the Office, the Rosary, etc) to keep the marital bonds strong. Including the children in some family devotional activities is strongly encouraged, when they are of an age to participate. If so called, married spouses may both join the Order.

Men and women who join the Holy Family Priory follow a Rule of Life, whether they are religious or Oblate, and each member must have a period of probation before becoming a full member. The formation period is a minimum of two years of discernment and formation, consisting of postulancy of at least one year and of novitiate of at least one year, before application for Profession or Oblation may be made (see our FAQ's page)

The Holy Family Priory meets together on the first Saturday of every month, for Divine Liturgy, prayer, fellowship and instruction; we also gather on Wednesday evenings for a weekly time of community prayer. Additionally, we have regular retreats and special community days. Other days of instruction are sometimes added as needed for the formation and growth of the members.

If you feel you may be called by God and His holy Mother to a life as a Brother, Sister or Oblate in our Benedictine community of the Holy Family Priory, or wish to support us as an Associate, please contact Sister Prioress Mary Joseph, OSB, for more information.

The Benedictine House of the Holy Family Priory is under the pastoral care of Christ the King Orthodox Church in Tullytown, PA, which is a Parish of the Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church of America. You can visit their Parish web site at www.ctkalive.org; information about the Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church of America can be found on their web site, at: www.theorthodoxchurch.org

REVISED! Sr. Mary Joseph's book, "Inhabiting the Promises of God" is revised and now available! This short but inspirational little book can help you find and stand on God's promises to each one of us, especially when we struggle with things in life, or feel we have been abandoned by our Father. $4 per copy, plus $1 for postage. To order, go to our Contact Us page.