And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and man (Luke 2:52).
This we solemnly affirm: the majority of those who are condemned to eternal punishment fall into this everlasting misfortune through ignorance of the Mysteries of the Faith which must necessarily be known and believed by all who belong to the Elect (Pope St. Pius X).
Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ (St. Jerome)
During their basic training, soldiers learn about their weapons and practice using them. Our weapon is the truth. We must learn about it in order to use it. To learn it we must study. Study informs the intellect and strengthens the will for our interior life and our apostolic life. Nemo dat quod non habet, “No man can give what he does not have”; therefore, study of the Faith is essential for spreading the Faith.
Saint Augustine Institute of Catholic Studies
The Saint Augustine Institute of Catholic Studies is the educational program of the Crusade of Saint Benedict Center. Its purpose is to provide a well-rounded and conveniently structured course of instruction in the Catholic Faith. The course of instruction is essentially the same as that offered at Saint Benedict Center since 1942. Our teachers are the Popes, the Councils, the Saints, and the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, who teach us the true interpretation of Holy Scripture and Catholic Tradition.
Circles of Study
The course has the aspect of continued adult education. Where practicable, small groups of Catholic men and women, each comprising no more than twelve members, form a Circle of Study which meets weekly to study and learn the Faith. The topics of study are specified in the Syllabus of the Saint Augustine Institute, available from our bookstore. Circles of Study are the dynamic training grounds of the whole Crusade. Every third order member should be in a circle or in the process of starting one.
Activities of Third Order Members
Third Order members are called, by virtue of their holy Baptism, to participate in bringing the Faith to the world. Since we are a missionary congregation seeking to convert our country, our Tertiaries are called to participate in this apostolate. Particular activities in which Tertiaries may participate – listed in no particular order – include:
1. being circle founders/moderators/members;
2. volunteering as Web site monitors/proofers;
3. distributing From the Housetops magazine (buying quantities at a discount to hand out), as well as our other books, tracts and tape products;
4. participating in the Saint Photina Project (international and prison ministries);
5. conducting or teaching catechism classes;
6. transcribing audio tapes/CDs for future publication;
7. making rosaries or scapulars for the missionary work of the First and Second Orders;
8. encouraging vocations to the First and Second Order and recruiting new members for the Third Order
9. joining Saint Philomena’s Perpetual Rosary (information will be sent to those who request Third Order information);
10. doing any of the spiritual or corporal works of mercy, employing every means.
