Membership in the Order
The Novitiate of the Order is open to all baptized, confirmed or received members of the Apostolic Johannite Church regardless of gender.
A postulancy of one year of active membership and the recommendation of a priest of the Apostolic Johannite Church is required to embark upon the process for being received as a Novice.
Postulancy commences when an individual submits their declaration of intent to the local Superior for the Oblates of St. John. While there are no strict requirements about practice during the Postulancy period, we highly recommend completion of the Apostolic Johannite Church’s Introduction to Johannite Concepts and Theology and Introduction to Johannite Practice courses via Johannite School
Upon entering the Novitiate, novices take religious vows for one year as a part of the discernment process.
The Oblates are expected to serve and assist with minor parish duties at a local Johannite Parish if one is nearby.
Should it be determined that the Novice is spiritually mature, stable and committed to their own path and public service, and with the concurrence of their local priest and the appropriate Superior, they will be admitted to Religious Profession.
Those Novices who are eligible for Solemn Vows are required to submit a national-level criminal background check prior to being allowed to take Solemn Profession.
The Order of the Temple and St. John is a Religious Order of the Apostolic Johannite Church that is rooted in the Johannite tradition and expressed in service. Open to both women and men, it is a sanctuary for Johannites seeking a richer engagement and commitment through acts of service and contemplation.
The Order is expressed in two complementary but distinct elements, the public Oblates of the Temple and St. John (ObTSJ) and the private Knights of the Temple and St. John (KTSJ), each being committed to assisting and growing the local Johannite community, through regular service and participation as well as spiritual work among those also called to this way of life.