How to Become an Augustinian A Complete Guide for Spiritual SeekersExplore the journey to joining the Augustinian order, its values, formation, and how to live a life rooted in community and service.An Augustinian is a member of a religious order that follows the teachings and spiritual ideals of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Known for their dedication to community life, prayer, and service, Augustinians live according to the Rule of Saint Augustine, which emphasizes unity, charity, and the search for truth.
Becoming an Augustinian involves more than joining a religious group it is a way of life that centers on spiritual growth, humility, and living in harmony with others.
Understanding the Augustinian Way of Life
Before beginning the path, it’s important to understand the key principles of Augustinian spirituality
-
Community Life Living together in mutual love and respect is central.
-
Interior Conversion Personal growth and transformation through prayer and reflection.
-
Service to Others Commitment to helping the poor, the sick, and those in need.
-
Search for Truth A constant desire to understand God and oneself more deeply.
-
Obedience and Humility Letting go of personal desires to serve a greater mission.
These values shape everything an Augustinian does, whether in prayer, education, missionary work, or pastoral ministry.
Step 1 Discern Your Calling
The first step to becoming an Augustinian is discernment a personal process of asking whether this path is truly right for you. Spend time in prayer, talk to trusted spiritual advisors, and reflect on questions like
-
Am I called to live in a religious community?
-
Do I desire to serve others and deepen my faith?
-
Can I live a life of celibacy, simplicity, and obedience?
Joining a religious order is a lifelong commitment. It’s essential to be honest with yourself and open to guidance from God.
Step 2 Connect With the Augustinians
Reach out to an Augustinian vocation director or community. They can help you understand the process and answer your questions. You might be invited to visit a monastery or priory, attend retreats, or live with the community for a short period.
This exposure helps you get a feel for daily life as an Augustinian and allows the community to know you better as well.
Step 3 Begin the Initial Formation
If you decide to move forward, you’ll enter initial formation, which typically includes the following stages
Aspirancy
This is an informal period where you continue to explore your calling while staying connected to an Augustinian community. It may involve regular visits, prayer, and spiritual direction.
Pre-Novitiate
During this stage, you live with the community and participate in its life, prayer, and ministry while continuing your personal discernment.
Step 4 Enter the Novitiate
The novitiate is a formal one-year program that marks the beginning of your life as an Augustinian. During this time
-
You deepen your understanding of the Rule of Saint Augustine.
-
You live in full community life.
-
You engage in regular prayer, study, and spiritual formation.
-
You reflect deeply on the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.
This year is focused on personal and spiritual growth, helping you prepare for your future commitment.
Step 5 Take Temporary Vows
After completing the novitiate, you may take temporary vows, also called simple vows. These vows usually last for one to three years and include
-
Chastity A commitment to celibacy and love directed toward God and community.
-
Poverty Living simply and sharing resources with the community.
-
Obedience Listening to God’s will through the guidance of superiors.
During this period, you may continue studies in philosophy or theology and begin more active roles in ministry or service.
Step 6 Make Perpetual Vows
After several years of living under temporary vows, you may request to make perpetual (final) vows, a lifelong commitment to Augustinian religious life.
This decision is made with the support of the community and careful discernment. It signifies that you are ready to fully live out the Augustinian charism.
Step 7 Choose a Ministry or Path of Service
Augustinians serve in a variety of roles, depending on their talents and the needs of the community
-
Parish ministry
-
Teaching and education
-
Missionary work
-
Spiritual direction
-
Hospital chaplaincy
-
Justice and peace initiatives
Your superiors will work with you to find a path that aligns with your strengths and calling. Service is not just a task it is a way to express the love of God to others.
Living as an Augustinian
Daily life as an Augustinian is built around prayer, study, work, and community. The structure includes
-
Liturgy of the Hours and daily Mass
-
Shared meals and community meetings
-
Time for spiritual reading and personal prayer
-
Ministry or apostolic work
There’s a rhythm of contemplation and action that balances inward growth with outward service.
Can Lay People Be Augustinians?
Yes, there are Augustinian lay communities men and women who live in the world but follow the spirituality of Saint Augustine. They make commitments to prayer, community, and service while maintaining their jobs and family responsibilities.
This is a great option for those who feel connected to the Augustinian way but are not called to religious life.
The Importance of Ongoing Formation
Even after taking final vows, Augustinians continue to grow. Ongoing formation includes
-
Regular retreats
-
Continuing theological education
-
Spiritual direction
-
Workshops on ministry and community living
This lifelong learning helps members stay rooted in their mission and adapt to changing needs.
Becoming an Augustinian is a journey of faith, love, and deep commitment. It requires time, prayer, and an open heart. For those drawn to a life of community, service, and spiritual depth, it can be a deeply fulfilling path. Whether as a friar, priest, or layperson, embracing the Augustinian way means walking with others in love, truth, and devotion to God.