Life in Community

A DISPERSED COMMUNITY, A REAL BOND

Members of the Order of St David live dispersed throughout the world, each in their own home and circumstances. Yet they form a single community, united not by physical proximity but by shared consecration, common prayer, and mutual charity. The bond that joins them is deeper than geography: it is the bond of Christ who gathers his people into one.

Although dispersed, members maintain communion through regular communication, participation in gatherings (whether in person or online), prayer for one another by name, mutual support in times of difficulty, and shared commitment to the Rule of Life. The Order recognises the value of online gatherings as a legitimate means of maintaining fellowship, whilst also affirming that physical meetings remain important and should not be entirely replaced by virtual means.

GATHERINGS AND THE RHYTHM OF THE YEAR

The whole Order gathers at least once a year for a general assembly, which includes common prayer, the Liturgy of the Hours, Holy Mass, spiritual conferences, and fraternal fellowship. Regional Groups meet more frequently, ordinarily once a month, for prayer, study of Scripture or spiritual reading, discussion of the Rule, and mutual encouragement.

The feast of St David on 1 March is the principal celebration of the Order’s year. Members gather (or connect virtually) on or near this date for festive prayer, renewal of their commitment, and celebration of their patron’s memory. This annual feast serves as a powerful reminder of the shared identity and purpose that bind members together.

MUTUAL CHARITY AND SUPPORT

Members treat one another with the charity that flows from their common consecration to Christ. They bear one another’s burdens, rejoice with those who rejoice, and support one another through every season of life. Practical charity includes praying for fellow members by name, reaching out to those who are struggling, offering concrete help in times of need, celebrating the joys of others, and maintaining regular contact especially with isolated members.

When difficulties or disagreements arise, they are resolved through honest dialogue, following the Gospel pattern of speaking privately first, with charity and humility. The unity of the community is itself a witness to the world and a participation in Christ’s own prayer “that they may be one.”

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Each member has a spiritual director who accompanies them on their journey of faith, providing guidance, counsel, and help in discerning God’s will. Members meet with their spiritual director regularly, ordinarily at least once a month. In addition to spiritual direction, members maintain accountability to the community through communication with their Regional Coordinator, participation in the Order’s gatherings and programmes, and submission of an annual report on their observance of the Rule.

The Order supports its members in difficulty rather than abandoning them. Those who struggle with the obligations of the Rule are encouraged to seek help, and the community walks alongside them with patience and understanding.

The Threefold Mission

A PRAYER

The Foundation of Everything

Nothing is to be preferred to the love of Christ, and nothing is to be preferred to the Work of God, which is prayer. This principle, drawn from the Rule of St Benedict, lies at the heart of life in the Order of St David. Members dedicate themselves to prayer as the foundation and source of their consecrated life, committing to at least one hour of prayer daily, divided throughout the day according to the demands of their circumstances.