What is the difference between a priest, brother, and deacon for the Augustinian Recollects?
Our principal commitment as Augustinian Recollects is to live the religious life as described in the Rule and other writings of St. Augustine. All Augustinian Recollects (whether destined to become priests, brothers, or deacons) share the same initial formation (training) in the postulancy and the novitiate. They study about the nature of religious life, the Rule and spiritual teachings of St. Augustine, and the Constitutions and history of the Order. Studies after the novitiate would orient and prepare the Augustinian Recollect for his future role as priest, brother, or deacon through specialized training. For Augustinian Recollects the terms “priest”, “brother”, and “deacon” refer more to what we do rather than who we are.
