Community of Jesus

Church of the Transfiguration at the Community of Jesus

The 'Community of Jesus is a Christian community located near Rock Harbor, in Orleans, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod.

History

It began with the meeting of two Episcopal women, Judy Sorensen and Cay Andersen, in 1958. The women, both heavily influenced by the Charismatic movement of the time, began attracting followers in the early 1960s. In 1971, many families began to move to the area, forming a community of houses mainly within a mile radius of the original home of founders Cay and Bill.

As the group grew, Cay and Judy -- referred to internally as "The Founders" or as "Mother Cay and Mother Judy" -- continued to speak God's prophecy to the group, as well as teach the charisms of healing and Glossolalia (or "speaking in tongues").

In 1988, Mother Cay died, and Mother Judy retired shortly thereafter. Betty Pugsley, the community choir director, was elected to be the next prioress of the Community. Mother Judy Sorensen died in January 2009.

Community life

Today, the community looks much different than it did in early days. It presently consists of about 275 members, and 50 or so children and young adults, all of whom live within a one-mile radius in Orleans. The community is governed by a "Rule of Life," patterned in the Benedictine spirit. Householders take monastic vows of stability, conversion, and obedience, and Brothers and Sisters take additional vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. About a dozen ordained clergy from a variety of denominations serve the community.

Non-residents can also join the community as oblates. The community observes the daily office (psalms, hymns, and scripture readings sung in Gregorian chant), gathering for lauds, mid-day, vespers, and compline. Retreatants stay in Bethany Guesthouse and are offered the opportunity to meet with a spiritual director.

The community has several other ministries including Gloriae Dei Artes Foundation, Gloriae Dei Cantores Choir and Paraclete Press.

Oblates

There are many Christians who may feel attracted or even called by God to such an intense expression of faith, but for whom actually living in community may be impossible. They see in a monastic community a place both to offer their gifts and from which they receive support and spiritual nourishment.

Oblates of the Community of Jesus, therefore, are those who choose to closely and formally associate themselves with the community. By doing so, they are included within a family of faith, and the Community of Jesus becomes their community. There are about 130 Oblate members of the Community of Jesus.

External links

http://www.communityofjesus.org/ - Community of Jesus official website

http://www.paracletepress.com - Paraclete Press

http://www.gdcchoir.org/ - Gloriae Dei Cantores

http://www.gdaf.org/ - Gloriae Dei Artes Foundation

http://www.osb.org/aba/news/3002/monast.html/ - Order of St. Benedict website