1. Initial Enquiry
A person discerning membership should first read the Rule of the Fraternity of Saint Isidore the Farmer and pray for light before the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Those who feel called to live by the Rule—whether clergy or lay, married or single, healthy or infirm—may send a written enquiry to the Fraternity.
Contact for Enquiries:
Office of the Patriarchal Custos
Fraternity of Saint Isidore the Farmer (S.I.A.)
If you are member of the Church, contact your local priest or bishop. Otherwise, use the contact page with details about your inquiry.
The Custos will acknowledge the enquiry and may request brief biographical information and a spiritual reference (for clergy, from their bishop or superior; for laity, from a parish priest or confessor).
2. Postulancy
After correspondence and prayerful discernment, the applicant may be received as a Postulant for a period of not less than three months. During this time the postulant:
- Reads the Rule carefully.
- Begins to live its daily rhythm in a moderated way.
- Corresponds monthly with the Custos.
- Attends online or written formation lessons on prayer and the spirituality of Saint Isidore.
- Postulancy concludes with a brief written profession of intent to continue.
3. Noviciate
Upon acceptance, the postulant is clothed with the sign of the Fraternity (a small Sacred Heart badge or pin) and begins a Noviciate lasting six to twelve months.
The novice is guided by the Custos or another appointed Frater Instructor.
Duties include:
- Daily recitation of the Little Office of the Sacred Heart (or reduced form if necessary).
- Regular confession and Communion.
- Study of the Fraternity’s devotional life and discipline.
- Monthly report or spiritual reflection submitted to the Custos.
4. Public Vows and Profession
When the novice is found prepared, he or she may make public vows of
Obedience (to the Patriarch through the Rule),
Chastity according to state, and
Poverty of spirit
before the Patriarch or his lawful delegate.
After profession, the member may append the post-nominal S.I.A. (Sancti Isidori Agricolae).
An official certificate of profession is entered in the Patriarchal Register and the member’s name is inscribed in the Liber Fraternitatis.
5. Life as a Professed Member
Members live the Rule privately within their own homes, parishes, or hermitages.
They remain in regular correspondence with their Custos and unite spiritually on
First Fridays (for reparation to the Sacred Heart),
The Feast of Saint Isidore (15 May), and
The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart (for annual renewal of vows).
Members are encouraged to take part in the Annual Chapter, either in person or by written report, and to share prayer intentions and works of mercy.
6. Clergy and Hieromonks
Clergy and religious wishing to join retain their canonical faculties and obediences. Married clergy may join in accordance with the discipline of their rite. Hieromonks and bishops may be received by the Patriarch directly and profess the Rule sub voto stabilitatis cordis (“under the vow of stability of heart”).
