Temporary Membership:
During the formation period, in pursuit of the missionary vocation, students take the oath of temporary membership or “aggregation” in the Missionary Society of St. Columban. They voluntarily submit themselves to live in accordance with its Constitutions and Directory, promising to remain celibate for the sake of the Kingdom and to participate responsibly in the Society’s formation program, while deepening their love for the Father and seeking the Spirit’s enlightenment as to God’s will for their lives.
The missionary vocation is a call from God to continue Christ’s mission in communion with His Church. It is a particular way of expressing the consecration which results from Baptism and Confirmation.
By his commitment, a Columban dedicates himself totally to God and unites himself to others in the Society in order to serve Christs’s kingdom among the peoples of the world.
A missionary remains personally responsible to God for the answer he gives to God’s call, with the help of his brethren.
Fidelity to one’s vocation is never to be taken for granted. It has to be deepened throughout life in order to become a genuine sign of the gift the Columban makes of himself.
The free and solemn promise to dedicate our lives to the work of the Society urges us to look upon our Constitutions, Directory and General Assembly regulations as the appropriate means of living out that dedication.
Permanent Membership:
Permanent membership in the Missionary Society of St. Columban is acquired by taking the oath of membership or “aggregation” prior to being ordained a Deacon. Students who have completed their formation program and are judged suitable by the Superior General, with the consent of his Council, are admitted to permanent membership.
By virtue of their oath, members give structure to their discipleship by placing their lives at the service of the Gospel; promising obedience to their superiors in all that concerns the mission of the Society; and by freely accepting celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom.