History

For many years, in response to the grace of God and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, the men and women who have now become members of Marian Community were seeking to grow closer to God and to serve others.

We participated in prayer groups and retreats in addition to the spiritual activities of their local parishes. We traveled in pilgrimage and attended conferences. We prayed the rosary and the daily Liturgy of the Hours. We studied the Bible. We worshiped Christ through Eucharistic adoration.

We were involved in our parishes by teaching in religious education programs and serving on pastoral councils. We were part of parish evangelization efforts and hospital visitation. We were extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist and lectors. We were engaged in prison ministry and ministry to married couples.

On January 6, 1993 Sr. Margaret Catherine Sims, a Sister of St. Joseph, received direction from God in prayer to start a lay community built around a spiritual life center. As she shared this call with others, many were attracted by the "vision" that the Lord gave to her.

Such a community of lay persons, we believed, would help us respond more completely to the Lord's call to live a life of holiness and service. By being in such a community there would be ongoing support, encouragement and challenge, vital relationships and models for living a life for God and others.

People began to meet weekly and, over time, saw the fruits of coming together. As a community we gathered regularly for retreats and other spiritual programs. We were inspired to engage in a 40-hour fast.

So that our spiritual growth and apostolic service could increase we saw the wisdom of seeking the discernment and approval of our archbishop. We began to work on a constitution that would give greater definition to the life that we would share together.

The completed statutes were submitted to the local archbishop and Marian Community, in a more formal sense, began its life. The first members, after a process of formation, made a commitment to Marian Community in May, 1997.

Since them, while maintaining a good and obedient relationship with our local archbishop, new members have continued to be been received into Marian Community until today there are 151 members, with six condidates in formation. There are also 12 associate members (women religious, priests, a permanent deacon) and 13 honorary members.

While living a more intensive life together and serving in a variety of apostolic initiatives both in the community and in parishes, Marian Community is awaiting the final canonical approval of its status as a Private Association of the Christian Faithful.