Spiritual Formation

Teachers of the Faith are drawn into an ever-deeper union with Jesus Christ by the habit of daily prayer, a habit that develops and is nurtured slowly over time. The life of habitual prayer transforms us so that we might become authentic witnesses for Our Lord. The following spiritual practices, which are an integral part of the prayer life of Consecrated Marian Catechists, are to be adopted gradually by Marian Catechists in formation:

  • Mass and Holy Communion (daily)
  • Holy Rosary (five decades daily)
  • Morning Offering of the Apostleship of Prayer (daily)
  • Angelus (twice daily)
  • Stations of the Cross (daily)
  • Spiritual reading (fifteen minutes daily)
  • Meditation (fifteen minutes daily – meditation on Scripture using Lectio Divina is recommended; a helpful guide is available from the National Office)
  • Examination of Conscience and Act of Contrition (daily, upon retiring)
  • Confession (every two weeks)
  • Thirty-Day Ignatian Retreat (made once, at home, through the National Office)*

*Prior to Consecration as a Marian Catechist, each Candidate is required to make an at-home 30-Day Retreat through the National Office. This retreat is designed specifically for members of the Apostolate according to guidelines established by Archbishop Raymond L. Burke. The National Office coordinates the 30-Day Retreat schedule, and assigns a priest to act as spiritual director for each retreatant. To effectively complete this retreat, some knowledge of the Catholic Faith is required; therefore, retreatants must have completed Father Hardon’s Basic Course.

The Importance of the Spiritual Practices

You cannot be teaching Christ, if you’re not spending time with Christ; if you are not with Him in prayer, everyday. If your apostolic work is so much, that you do not have time for prayer and meditation, then you have got to cut it back! As I said in my homily today, the primary textbook from which we teach, is our spiritual life; and if we don’t have a spiritual life, what kind of a textbook is that going to be?

It’s one of Satan’s oldest tricks. He does it with priests. He does it with bishops. He does it with all kinds of people. He convinces you, that you have so much to do, that you don’t have time to pray; or in your prayer, you’re so distracted, that you’re not even conscious that you are in the presence of God. So, be very attentive to that.

Archbishop Raymond L. Burke, Marian Catechist Day of Consecration, June 28, 2003