Introduction to the community
The Order of Julian of Norwich is a contemplative monastic order of the Episcopal Church, committed to intercession and conversion of life in the spirit of the teaching of Saint Julian of Norwich. The practices of detachment, simplicity, silence, respect, together with the vows, provide the framework for our transformation in Christ. Our monastic Rule is based in Benedictine practice and is balanced between liturgical and private prayer, study, and manual labor.
The nuns of the Order, both lay and ordained, live the monastic life together under Benedictine vows of stability, conversion of life, and obedience, while Oblates and Associates of the Order are dispersed throughout the world, observing the vows in ways suited to their particular vocations and life situations.
Contact details
Address: W704 Alft Rd, White Lake, WI 54491-9715, USA
Community information
Bishop Visitor: Rt Revd Wendell N. Gibbs, Jr., Bishop of Michigan
Publications
Teunisje Velthuizen, ObJN, One-ed into God: The first decade of the Order of St Julian of Norwich, The Julian Press, 1996.
Gregory Fruehwirth OJN, Words for Silence: A Year of Contemplative Meditations, Paraclete Press, Orleans, MA, 2008.
John-Julian Swanson OJN, The Complete Julian, Paraclete Press, Orleans, MA, 2009.
Third Order, Fellowship, Associates
Associates and Oblates of the Order are men, women, clergy and lay, partnered and single who respond to the Holy Spirit’s invitation to draw nearer to Jesus under the patronage of St Julian of Norwich, called to the contemplative life in the world. Their rules of life, adaptations of the monastic Rule, unite their lives of prayer to that of the monastery and commit them to a regular practice of silent prayer, worship and study, in the context of their own particular vocations. In varying degree, they bring this contemplative practice into their parishes and communities by their transformation of their lives through the deepening of their relationship with Christ.
Associates are committed to a simple form of the rule adaptable to many different walks of life.
Oblates, after a period of discernment and formation, profess vows requiring regular discipline and reflection in the Christian commitment, with a rule of life closely modelled on that of the Order’s monastics. A vow of celibacy is possible for Oblates within the Order.
Leadership
Guardian: The Revd Mother Hilary Crupi OJN
Assumed office 30 April 2010
Prior: Sister Therese Poli OJN
Membership
10 Feb 2018 – Brother Barnabas Leben, aged 72, life professed 14 years
15 Jul 2021 Revd Father John-Julian Swanson, aged 88, life professed 36 years,
Founder, Guardian 1985-1995
