Requirements of Membership
Members of the Third Order of the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary are ordinarily lay people, men or women, married or single, who consecrate their lives and make a promise of obedience to the leadership of the Crusade of Saint Benedict Center. This promise is binding only in matters pertaining to the conduct of the Crusade. The third order is also open to clergy and religious, who meet the terms of membership stated below.
Every member of the third order must:
1. Be a confirmed, practicing Catholic, age 15 or over, in union with the Holy See.
2. Have made the “Consecration to Jesus Christ through Holy Slavery to the Immaculate Heart of Mary according to the method of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort,” and renew it annually on the feast of Pentecost.
3. Practice true devotion to Mary, in the spirit of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort.
4. Observe three devotional practices:
- Wear the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
- Wear the Miraculous Medal.
- Recite five decades of the Holy Rosary each day. Also, carry the rosary at all times.
5. Make a simple promise of obedience to the superior of the order in all matters directly affecting the Crusade.
6. Follow the rules, precepts, and practices as specified on this Web site.
7. Acknowledge the right of the superior to terminate membership whenever, in his opinion, sound and grave reasons exist.
Becoming a third order member of the Crusade does not imply a financial commitment. There are no dues or other economic obligations. Our greatest concern by far, and our greatest desire, is that we be able to inspire every Catholic we can possibly reach to join us in this epic Crusade. Ability to support us financially is of absolutely no consideration.
If you would like to know more about the Third Order, contact Br. Michael Maria, M.I.C.M., Tert., Membership Director at thirdorder@catholicism.org for an Information Packet.
