Rule of Life

 

We who serve as Clergy and Vowed Religious within The Sanctuary Liberal Catholic Church commit ourselves to a shared way of life grounded in prayer, service, integrity, and love. This Rule is offered as a guide for faithful living, not as a burden, and is to be received in freedom of conscience and grace.

 

1. Vocation and Service
We understand our ministry as a calling to serve and to heal (Servire et Sanare). We seek to offer sanctuary rather than judgement, accompaniment rather than exclusion, and compassion rather than fear.

 

2. Prayer and Sacramental Life
We commit to a regular rhythm of prayer and spiritual practice appropriate to our circumstances. We honour the sacraments as sources of grace and renewal, and, where authorised, we place the Eucharist at the heart of our ministry.

 

3. Spiritual Growth
We commit to ongoing spiritual and theological formation, self-reflection, and openness to growth. We seek wisdom through prayer, study, and attentive listening to God, ourselves, and others.

 

4. Community and Relationships
We strive to live in relationships marked by respect, honesty, kindness, and healthy boundaries. We support one another in mutual care, accountability, and reconciliation.

 

5. Pastoral Ministry
We exercise ministry with humility, integrity, and inclusivity. We respect confidentiality, safeguard the vulnerable, and minister within the limits of our training and authorisation.

 

6. Simplicity and Stewardship
We seek simplicity of life appropriate to our circumstances, practicing responsible stewardship of resources, finances, and the environment, and living with personal and ministerial integrity.

 

7. Inclusion and Justice
We affirm the dignity and equality of all people and commit ourselves to inclusion, justice, and peace. We reject discrimination, abuse, and spiritual harm in all its forms.

 

8. Obedience and Conscience
We understand obedience as attentive listening and shared discernment. We honour conscience and commit to cooperation with the life and governance of the Church without coercion or fear.

 

9. Rest and Wellbeing
We recognise rest, balance, and care of self as essential to faithful ministry. We attend to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health and seek support when needed.

 

10. Renewal of Commitment
We receive this Rule prayerfully and review it regularly as part of our ongoing vocation, trusting in God’s grace to sustain us in our calling.