The Information below, along with other Tertiary information may be downloaded from the Public Downloads page of the site.
What is a Tertiary?
Tertiaries are ordinary women and men called to live out their Christian lives in their own homes and communities, but who have a deep connection to an established religious community and who follow that community’s Rule of Life. Traditionally, Tertiaries are members of a Third Order of a religious community.
What is the Order of the Holy Paraclete?
The Order of the Holy Paraclete is a female Anglican religious community. Called into being by the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete) over 100 years ago, the Sisters are based at St Hilda’s Priory in Whitby, North Yorkshire. Inspired by the Benedictine tradition, St Hilda, and the Northern Saints, the Sisters live and work together, both at the Priory and in community settings in the UK and in Africa.
Tertiaries of the Order of the Holy Paraclete
Tertiaries of the Order of the Holy Paraclete are called by the Holy Spirit to follow a Rule of Life based on that of the Sisters. We are encouraged to develop a regular rhythm of prayer, following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We are a very diverse group, but we have in common our calling to this way of living according to our individual circumstances and our connection with the Sisters of the Order.
Who can join the Tertiary Order?
The Order is open to anyone, regardless of gender, orientation, or location who feels they may have a calling to this way of life. Our members come from the UK and across the world and from many different Christian traditions.
What happens if I want to enquire about the Tertiary Order?
The first step is to contact the Tertiary Order Warden, who will talk to you about the Order and your sense of calling to this way of life and provide you with some information to consider.
There is no pressure and we will walk with you as you discern your way forward, however long that may take. It can be helpful at this stage to visit the Priory in Whitby.
How do I become a Tertiary?
If you do feel called into the Tertiary Order, there are three stages towards full membership:
Postulant:
This taster stage lasts from 3 months up to a year. An experienced Tertiary (Link Tertiary) will be your companion on the way, helping you to begin to put your Rule of Life together and exploring any questions you have.
Novice:
If you decide to make a commitment to the Tertiary Order, you will make some simple promises and be presented with your Novice cross. You will continue to meet with your Link Tertiary and develop your Rule of Life. You will be a Novice for at least 2 years.
Full Member:
At the end of your Novitiate, and if you still feel called into the Order, you will be presented with your Full Members cross and make your life promises. These are renewed every three years.
What might I expect to be involved with?
Tertiaries meet together regularly in local groups, either in person or by Zoom. There are 9 groups, but where Tertiaries live at some distance from a group or are physically unable to get to a group, they can join the Lone Tertiaries network.
Local groups arrange a varied programme of activities, including quiet days, talks, joint worship, and study days.
Tertiaries meet once a year at the Priory in Whitby for the annual Chapter meeting. This is a business meeting and a chance to worship together as well as meet in person. Many people become Novices or Full Members at Chapter.
We hold a regular conference and a separate retreat once every three years. Both of these are held at the Priory, but can be available on Zoom.
We encourage all Tertiaries to take an annual retreat, and, where possible, to visit the Priory regularly.
What else might I expect?
At various stages in your journey, you will be presented with a copy of the Rule of Life, commentary on the Rule and Midday Prayer and Compline booklet.
You will receive a mailing three times a year. This includes a daily prayer diary for you to use, the Warden’s letter and Tertiary news.
Who do I contact?
Any initial enquiries should
be directed to the Warden:
Stephen Hoy
4, Gordon Avenue
Chichester
PO19 8QY
0794 371 5279
01243 786374
And if I want to contact the Priory?
The Prioress is Sr Jocelyn
Order of the Holy Paraclete
St Hilda’s Priory
Castle Road
Whitby
North Yorkshire YO21 3SL
01947 899560
THE PRAYER OF THE ORDER OF THE HOLY PARACLETE
Great God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom every family in heaven and earth is named; grant us, that according to the riches of your glory, we may be strengthened with might by your Spirit in the depths of our being, that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith, that we being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that we may be filled with all the fullness of God. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the same Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.