Fraternities of common life
to promote the dynamism of the mission
The Priest’s Foyer
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“In order that priests may find mutual assistance in the development of their spiritual and intellectual life, that they may be able to cooperate more effectively in their ministry and be saved from the dangers of loneliness which may arise, it is necessary that some kind of common life or some sharing of common life be encouraged among priests.”
Vatican II
PRACTICAL MEANS FOR LIVING THE PRIESTHOOD
The SJMV offers to its members the practical means to live the grace of their priesthood at the service of the Diocesan Church. In order to achieve a greater fruitfulness in their ministry, the priests build their lives on appropriate requirements to respond to the call of the Lord, day by day.
In this spirit, wherever possible, the Society establishes fraternities of common life to promote the dynamism of the mission.
Those in the fraternity openly welcome the oversight of their brother priests, in order to walk the path of conversion, inspired by the Curé of Ars.
Several times a year, the members of the SJMV gather together for a time of fraternity and refreshment.
Respond to
the Lord’s call
daily
For diocesan priests
We warmly welcome diocesan priests who feel a call to accompany us in our fraternity of priests. The pathway begins with a time of probation lasting at least two years, followed by a commitment of three years which may be renewed again, until a member of the Society makes their permanent commitment, which is possible from diaconate onwards. Our seminary allows young men a way of finding out about the Society.
Since 29th June 2008, the SJMV has been able to incardinate some members and to call men to Holy Orders.
OUR FRATERNITIES
The SJMV offers to its members the practical means to live the grace of their priesthood at the service of the Diocesan Church. In order to achieve a greater fruitfulness in their ministry, the priests build their lives on appropriate requirements to respond to the call of the Lord, day by day.
In this spirit, wherever possible, the Society establishes fraternities of common life to promote the dynamism of the mission.
Those in the fraternity openly welcome the oversight of their brother priests, in order to walk the path of conversion, inspired by the Curé of Ars.
Several times a year, the members of the SJMV gather together for a time of fraternity and refreshment.
We warmly welcome diocesan priests who feel a call to accompany us in our fraternity of priests. The pathway begins with a time of probation lasting at least two years, followed by a commitment of three years which may be renewed again, until a member of the Society makes their permanent commitment, which is possible from diaconate onwards. Our seminary allows young men a way of finding out about the Society.
Since 29th June 2008, the SJMV has been able to incardinate some members and to call men to Holy Orders.
FRATERNITIES OF COMMON LIFE
The majority of our brother priests live in a fraternity of common life of two or three priests. All the members meet at least once a month in a local fraternity of three to six priests. These meetings include the celebration of the Eucharist and a time of Adoration, the sharing of the Word of God linking it to the ministry of each priest, doctrinal study, and spending time together.
THE PILLARS OF A FRUITFUL PRIESTLY LIFE
The fraternities of the Society of John-Mary Vianney are placed under the patronage of the Curé of Ars, whose spirit models the daily life and ministry of each of the priests: the importance of the Sacraments (especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation), the burden of the mission, the place of the Virgin Mary, fraternal relationships with other priests. To enable the development of a fruitful priestly life, the fraternal life of the SJMV rests on three pillars:

Shared Prayer

Shared Life
This takes shape in the choice to live under the same roof with brothers in the ministry and to share daily life: sharing a meal each day, having a time of sharing and relaxation, providing a source of equilibrium and fraternal care.

Shared Mission
This is founded on the desire to live out a shared mission received from the Bishop of the Diocese. The parish is the best place for this. Each member has his own ministry, and his own responsibilities, but the common life makes it possible to carry out the mission together.
FRATERNITIES OF COMMON LIFE
Fraternities of common life…
The majority of our brother priests live in a fraternity of common life of two or three priests. All the members meet at least once a month in a local fraternity of three to six priests. These meetings include the celebration of the Eucharist and a time of Adoration, the sharing of the Word of God linking it to the ministry of each priest, doctrinal study, and spending time together.
… at the service of the mission.
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THE PILLARS OF A FRUITFUL PRIESTLY LIFE

Shared Prayer

Shared Life
This takes shape in the choice to live under the same roof with brothers in the ministry and to share daily life: sharing a meal each day, having a time of sharing and relaxation, providing a source of equilibrium and fraternal care.

Shared Mission
This is founded on the desire to live out a shared mission received from the Bishop of the Diocese. The parish is the best place for this. Each member has his own ministry, and his own responsibilities, but the common life makes it possible to carry out the mission together.
OUR 21 FRATERNITIES
France :
Diocese of Arras : Boulogne-sur-Mer
Diocese of Bayeux-Lisieux : Cabourg, Lisieux
Diocese of Beauvais : Méru-Chambly, Compiègne
Diocese of Belley-Ars : Ars-Seminary, Ars-Foyer, Ars-Chaplains, Ars-Youth Pastoral, Pays de Gex, Saint Genis Pouilly
Diocese of Évreux : Pont-Audemer
Diocese of Limoges : Limoges
Diocese of Puy-en-Velay : Brioude
Diocese of Toulouse : Toulouse-Seminary
Germany :
Diocese of Essen : Gelsen Kirchen
Diocese of Trier : Trier
Congo :
Diocese of Pointe-Noire : N.-D. of Loango Seminary
Benin :
Diocese of Djougou : Djougou
Diocese of Porto Novo : Porto Novo
Diocese of Cotonou : Cotonou-Abomey
OUR 21 FRATERNITIES
France :
Diocese of Arras : Boulogne-sur-Mer
Diocese of Bayeux-Lisieux : Cabourg, Lisieux
Diocese of Beauvais : Méru-Chambly, Compiègne
Diocese of Belley-Ars : Ars-Seminary, Ars-Foyer, Ars-Chaplains, Ars-Youth Pastoral, Pays de Gex, Saint Genis Pouilly
Diocese of Évreux : Pont-Audemer
Diocese of Limoges : Limoges
Diocese of Puy-en-Velay : Brioude
Diocese of Toulouse : Toulouse-Seminary
Germany :
Diocese of Essen : Gelsen Kirchen
Diocese of Trier : Trier
Congo :
Diocese of Pointe-Noire : N.-D. of Loango Seminary
Benin :
Diocese of Djougou : Djougou
Diocese of Porto Novo : Porto Novo
Diocese of Cotonou : Cotonou-Abomey
LAY ASSOCIATES
In general, two recollections a year allow for a regular time of renewal. Each year, they renew the offering of themselves to the Church and particularly for priests. In response to a particular calling from the Lord and to provide for the needs of the mission, some may be drawn to consecrate themselves totally to the Lord, and making themselves available for the service of the SJMV.
“The Holy Spirit is making the laity ever more conscious of their own responsibility and encouraging them to serve Christ and the Church in all circumstances” (Vatican II, Apostolicam Actuositatem 1)
LAY ASSOCIATES
The renewal of the priesthood and of vocations requires a spiritual offering and prayer on the part of all. Therefore, the SJMV welcomes lay people who wish to live their baptismal priesthood as part of the Society. They make a commitment to pray for the priests and support them in their ministry. They have a heart for vocations and the formation of future priests. As associated members, they participate in the life of the Society according to their own appropriate ways.
In general, two recollections a year allow for a regular time of renewal. Each year, they renew the offering of themselves to the Church and particularly for priests. In response to a particular calling from the Lord and to provide for the needs of the mission, some may be drawn to consecrate themselves totally to the Lord, and making themselves available for the service of the SJMV.
“The Holy Spirit is making the laity ever more conscious of their own responsibility and encouraging them to serve Christ and the Church in all circumstances” (Vatican II, Apostolicam Actuositatem 1)