Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament

The Blessed Constance Ward of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament plays an important part in the prayer life of the St. George’s. The associates form an intercessory prayer group, praying for those whose names parishioners have written in the Parish Intercessions list, and lifting up before God other concerns, local and worldwide. Each day, an associate comes to St. George’s Chapel and makes these intercessory prayers in the presence of the reserved Sacrament.

The Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament (CBS) was founded in 1862 as part of the catholic revival in the Church of England.  Its aim was to be, first of all, a confraternity of men and women praying and working for a greater devotion to Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. The society has since spread throughout the Anglican Communion. The American branch is governed by a superior-general and a council of regional representatives. Wherever possible, members of CBS meet together in local wards for prayer, worship and mutual support under the guidance of a priest as Ward Superior.

The Daily Confraternity Prayer

Almighty God, look, we pray, on the face of your beloved Son, and for the sake of his merits mercifully hear the prayers which throughout our Confraternity we continually offer to you; and grant us unity, a true faith, and a life agreeable to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

How can I get involved with the Confraternity?

Anyone interested in joining with us in this powerful ministry of prayer should contact Donna DiPaulo.

CBS associates agree to uphold a common rule of life which consists of three simple parts:

  • receiving communion on all Sundays and greater holy days unless prevented by illness or travel;
  • practicing some degree of fasting before receiving communion; and,
  • offering the Eucharistic sacrifice as an act of intercession for anyone the associate desires to lift up to God in this special and powerful way.

In addition, the Feast of Corpus Christi is regarded as a day of obligation. Each year, St. George’s celebrates a special Mass on that day, which is 60 days after Easter. 

Confraternity dues are $5.00 per year. A lifetime membership is obtained through a one-time contribution of $100, which secures the privilege of “perpetual remembrance.” Medals bearing the Confraternity emblem are worn by associates. 

Intercessions

The intercessory prayer list is on a clipboard next to the tract rack, where the procession enters the church. All are invited to write their prayer requests on the pages for each week. These intercessions also are included in the Prayers of the People at the Sunday Eucharists.

Who was Sister Constance?

Sister Constance was a nun of the Community of St. Mary who, with her fellow sisters, ministered to those stricken with the Yellow Fever epidemic in Memphis, Tennessee, in August 1878. While 30,000 citizens fled in terror, a few brave men and women remained at their posts to assist, in spite of the terrible risk. More than 5,000 people died of the disease, including Constance and other members of the Community of St. Mary.

The Episcopal Church commemorates Constance and her Companions on September 9, the date of her death.