Constitution

Article I – Identity and Mission
Article II – Membership
Article III – Stages of Formation
Article IV – Fraternities
Article V – Leadership
Article VI – Fraternity Gatherings
Article VII – Works of Mercy
Article VIII – Spiritual Discipline
Article IX – Retreats and Gatherings
Article X – Expanison of the Community
Article XI – Fidelity to the Church
Closing Statement

Article I – Identity and Mission

The Community of Warrior Penitents is a Catholic lay fraternity composed primarily of military veterans who seek to live the Gospel through prayer, fraternity, and service.

Inspired by the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, members strive to unite disciplined prayer with active charity, transforming the warrior spirit into a life of repentance, humility, and mercy.

The mission of the community is to:

  • Deepen members’ relationship with Christ
  • Foster fraternity among veterans and their families
  • Serve others through the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
  • Bring the light of the Gospel into local communities
  • Share the love and light of Christ with those most in need

Article II – Membership

Membership in the Community of Warrior Penitents is open to:

  • Military veterans
  • Active-duty, National Guard, and Reserves service members
  • Eligible family members who desire to live the rule

All members must be committed to living the Rule of Life participating in the life of the fraternity and service to their community.

The structural model of the Community of Warrior Penitents mimick mendicant orders of the past with three branches

First Order: Warrior Brothers and Sisters

The core missionary brotherhood. Members are veterans or active service members who live a disciplined rule of life. This is the action arm of the community.

Second Order: Contemplative Support

A branch dedicated to prayer and spiritual intercession for the mission. Members include: spouses, widows, elderly veterans, religious brothers and sisters who wish to support the mission.

The role is prayer, spiritual support, and retreat ministry.

Third Order: Lay Associates

A wider circle of supporters who live the spirit of the order while remaining fully in the secular life, not necessarily following the rule to the letter. Members might include: families, supporters, non-veterans, and volunteers. They live a simplified version of the rule.

Article III – Stages of Formation

Formation occurs gradually to allow discernment and spiritual growth.

1. Inquiry

Individuals exploring the community participate in fraternity gatherings and learn about the rule of life. This stage of formation is rooted in prayer and fellowship as an individuals get to know their local fraternity while discerning their own calling.

This period typically lasts three to six months.

2. Postulancy

During postulancy, individuals begin practicing the rule in daily life while receiving spiritual formation. This stage in formation is about developing the daily pattern of life founded in prayer and community.

This period typically lasts six to twelve months.

3. Novitiate

Novices undergo deeper spiritual formation, studying Sacred Scripture, Church teaching, and the spirituality of the community. This stage of formation sees the major shift in life. The Novitiate should be more involved in the fraternity during this period.

This stage normally lasts one year.

4. Temporary Commitment

Members make a temporary promise to live the Rule of Life for a period of one year and can be repeated up to three times for a total of three years.

5. Final Commitment

After sufficient formation and discernment, members may make a lifelong commitment to live the Rule of Life within the Community of Warrior Penitents.

Article IV – Fraternities

The community is organized into local fraternities, which serve as the primary setting for prayer, formation, and service.

Each fraternity typically consists of six to twelve members.

Fraternities meet regularly for:

  • Prayer
  • Spiritual discussion
  • Shared meals
  • Planning works of mercy
  • Skill development for service

Article V – Leadership

Each fraternity is led by members who serve the community through humility and responsibility.

Least Brother

The Least Brother serves as the leader of the fraternity. The title Least Brother highlights their purpose of service to their fraternity and should be highlighted by humility and a desire to pursue God first before all things.

Responsibilities include:

  • Organizing gatherings
  • Guiding discussions
  • Encouraging fidelity to the rule
  • Coordinating mission efforts
  • Remaining contact with the other Fraternities

Formation Guide

The Formation Guide assists in the spiritual formation of postulants and novices.

Mission Coordinator

The Mission Coordinator organizes works of mercy and service initiatives.

Spiritual Advisor

A Catholic priest or deacon may serve as spiritual advisor to provide guidance and sacramental support. It is recommended that each Fraternity has a Spiritual Advisors who agrees to take part in the formation from the beginning.

Article VI – Fraternity Gatherings

Fraternities gather at least once per month.

A typical gathering includes:

  • Communal prayer
  • A shared meal
  • Reflection on Sacred Scripture
  • Discussion of the Rule
  • Planning service activities

These gatherings strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and encourage members in their spiritual lives.

Article VII – Works of Mercy

Members actively participate in the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

Fraternities are encouraged to engage in service projects such as:

  • Assisting the poor and homeless
  • Visiting the sick or imprisoned
  • Mentoring veterans and youth
  • Supporting parish charitable efforts
  • Conduct short term missions trips to areas where schools and churches most likely will not go, but a veteran might be comfortable with

Service should be regular and visible within the local community.

Article VIII – Spiritual Discipline

Members will strive to live the daily spiritual practices described in the Rule of Life, including:

  • Morning Prayer (Lauds)**
  • Evening Prayer (Vespers)**
  • Daily Scripture reading
  • A daily Rosary
  • A regular examination of conscience
  • At least a monthly confession

Members are encouraged to participate frequently in the Sacraments of the Church, particularly the Eucharist and Confession.

**A Fraternity can choose which Divine Office they wish to pray but all members of the Fraternity must use the same one (e.g., Liturgy of the Hours, Monastic Diurnal, Anthologion (Byzantine), Prayer of the Faithful (Maronite). The Book of Before and After (Chaldean). If you have a fraternity primarily from an Eastern Catholic Rite you can gain permission to use their Divine Office by request.**

Article IX – Retreats and Gatherings

Each fraternity should hold at least one annual retreat dedicated to prayer, reflection, and fraternity. This retreat should be led by a Priest and include daily Mass/Liturgy.

Regional or national gatherings may be organized as the community grows.

Article X – Expansion of the Community

New fraternities may be established when sufficient members are present in a new area and experienced members are available to assist with formation. Individuals who have taken their final commitment or individuals who have taken their temporary commitment, with permission, can start a new Fraternity.

The growth of the community should always prioritize spiritual depth and fidelity to the rule over rapid expansion. While there can be an online community, there will not be an online Fraternity.

Article XI – Fidelity to the Church

The Community of Warrior Penitents remains fully faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church and operates in communion with local ecclesiastical authority.

Members strive to live as faithful witnesses to the Gospel in both private and public life.

Closing Statement

The Constitutions exist to support the Rule of Life and to help members live their vocation with clarity and unity.

Through prayer, fraternity, and service, members of the Community of Warrior Penitents seek to grow in holiness and to bring the mercy of Christ into the world.

Amen