Tertiaries of OHP
What is a Tertiary?
A tertiary is someone who has responded to a call from the Holy Spirit to live life according to a "rule".
The Order of the Holy Paraclete Tertiary Rule of Life is based on the vows taken by the order of Sisters with whom we share our name.
The Sisters are based in Whitby at Sneaton Castle and this for many Tertiaries feels like our spiritual home.
The Tertiaries come from many diverse geographical areas in the United Kingdom and overseas, and we also represent many different parts of the Church.
Although we are so diverse we have something in common and this is our calling to a specific way of living our lives – Our Rule, and our connection with the Sisters of the Order.
The Rule is based on the vows taken by the Sisters but each Tertiary personalizes their individual rule taking into account their particular circumstances of life.
What do we do?
As Tertiaries we meet together in local groups, on retreat and at Chapter.
In our local groups, the activities are decided by the members. Activities can include worship, bible study, talks, quiet days and socialising.
Our retreats are usually silent, led by a retreat conductor with plenty of time to reflect and meet with God and one another.
From time to time we gather for our conference which provides an opportunity to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere, to learn together, and to have lots of fun and laughter.
These "gatherings" mostly take place in Whitby at Sneaton Castle, as this gives us the opportunity to meet with the Sisters and strengthen our bonds.
Chapter is our business meeting where we decide on a yearly basis the activities and shape of our Tertiary Order. This meets in York, usually in September and begins with a Eucharist.
Whenever we meet together we aim to strengthen our bonds, to get to know one another better and offer and receive support on our life’s journey.
