Society of the Christian Life, S.C.L.
Not I, but Christ within me
Structure
1 – Those who desire to live a particularly dedicated life in response to an inner vocation, who most ardently desire to grow in the knowledge and love of Christ and to live in and for him, are welcomed to the 'Society of the Christian Life' of the Nicene Catholic Apostolic Church (Autocephalous Catholic Church of Antioch).
2 – The motto of the society is Not I, but Christ within me, a statement which reflects the intention of the members of the society to bring their lives into greater harmony with the light and wisdom of Christ.
3 - All members of the society affirm and proclaim their intention to abide by the principles of holy and righteous living in and for Christ Jesus.
4 – The Superior-General, the spiritual director of the society in all its parts, is the Presiding Bishop of the Nicene Catholic Apostolic Church. The Superior-General is assisted by Regional Superiors.
5 – The society, in the fullness of its being, comprises two levels.
6 –The first level of the society is formed of lay or ordained persons who have taken the Simple Vow of the society as free, or individual, members, and who, insofar as they are able, follow in their daily lives the religious rule associated with the Simple Vow. The members of the first level are known as Oblates. Non-members of the Nicene Catholic Apostolic Church can be received as Oblates, for the society is, in this measure, ecumenical.
7 – The second level of the society is composed specifically of priests of the Nicene Catholic Apostolic Church (Autocephalous Catholic Church of Antioch), who have taken the Solemn Vow. These members of the second level of the society are known as Canons Regular (in the sense of being ‘those who live according to a rule’.) They are not monastics, but are clergy with specific pastoral and spiritual obligations.
8 – In every instance, members are admitted to the society by assent of the Superior-General, and upon reception they make the Simple Vow.
9 – Ordained members of the first level of the society who are not members of the Nicene Catholic Apostolic Church make only the Simple Vow.
10 – Priests of the Church of Antioch who are members of the first level of the society may choose to make only the Simple Vow, but if their intention and perceived vocation so direct, and if they are found to be ready, they may proceed to the second level of the society, and to the making of the Solemn Vow.
11 – The Simple Vow always precedes the Solemn Vow, and between the Vows there is an interstice, the duration and the works and relevant studies of which are at the discretion of the Superior-General.
12 – Those individuals who have taken the Simple Vow and who are officially recorded as Oblates of the Society of the Christian Life may add the initials O.C.L. (signifying Oblate of the Christian Life) as suffix to their name.
13 – Priests of the church who have taken the Solemn Vow and who are officially recorded as Canons of the Society of the Christian Life retain their usual ecclesiastical titles and may append the initials S.C.L. (signifying Society of the Christian Life) as suffix to their name.
The Rule followed by those who have made the Simple Vow
14 – Those who have taken the Simple Vow are encouraged to nurture and to manifest in their lives and works the principles of holiness and righteousness set forth in the Gospels, daily endeavoring to follow in the footsteps of Christ’s most holy life.
15 – They are recommended to read or to attend celebration of the daily offices of Prime and Compline; and beyond this they are urged to fill their lives and to nourish their souls with the living presence and power of God through prayer.
16 – Their inspiration is to be the Word of God, whose precepts they will dutifully and continually search.
17 – They shall seek to serve people, of whatever religion or race, through charitable works, whenever opportunity for such service presents itself, or whenever circumstance requires, or whenever they are so inspired by the Holy Spirit; and this shall be done always in the name of Christ, in a spirit of love, compassion and understanding, and for the greater glory of God.
18 – They may choose to accept the guidance of a Superior of the Society, to receive recommendations for readings and to share their ideas, their inspirations, their hopes and their concerns.
The Rule followed by those who have made the Solemn Vow
19 – Those who have taken the Solemn Vow are under the particular guidance of a Regional Superior of the society. They are committed to the nurturing and manifestation in their lives and works of the principles of holiness and righteousness set forth in the Gospels, daily following in the footsteps of Christ, and inwardly seeking to become more closely conformed to Christ’s image.
20 – They are required to read, to celebrate or to attend the daily offices of Prime, Vespers and Compline, and weekly, in addition to their normal round of service, they will celebrate a Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit. They are urged to fill their lives and to nourish their souls with the living presence and power of God through prayer and meditation; and they are bidden to perform the Spiritual Works of Mercy as they are able.
21 – The Life of Christ shall be their continual meditation. Particular readings or studies are to be undertaken by them as may be proposed by the Superior-General or by their Regionary Superior.
22 – They shall seek to serve people, of whatever religion or race, through charitable works, whenever opportunity for such service presents itself, or whenever circumstance requires, or whenever they are so inspired by the Holy Spirit; and this shall be done always in the name of Christ, in a spirit of love, compassion and understanding, and for the greater glory of God.
23 – They shall gather together at specified times for fellowship, prayer, encouragement and formation, to celebrate Holy Mass, and to share their ideas, their inspirations, their hopes and their concerns.
Becoming an Oblate of S.C.L.
24 – To become a member of the first, ecumenical level of the Society of the Christian Life, an aspirant must feel that the Rule associated with the Simple Vow accords with a perceived inner prompting, and that it can be harmoniously and faithfully followed in daily life.
25 – Aspirants to the first level of the society should write to the Director of Vocations, S.C.L requesting membership. They should include a statement of why they seek entrance to the Society of the Christian Life, and why they feel that it is right for them to take the Simple Vow and to live according to the Rule associated therewith.
26 – Aspirants who are accepted for membership of the society are instructed in the procedure attendant upon making the Simple Vow. When they are officially confirmed as Oblates of the society, they are issued with a certificate of association.
Becoming a Canon Regular of the S.C.L.
27 – An Oblate of S.C.L. who is a priest of the Nicene Catholic Apostolic Church (Autocephalous Catholic Church of Antioch) and who wishes to become a member of the second level of the society should make his or her desire known to the Regional Superior or to the Superior-General of the society.
