WELCOME
The Pear Society is an ecumenical Christian devotional society. We have been meeting monthly since 2022 with the following aims:
To provide a space for discernment in a private and loving group setting.
Accountability in spiritual practice.
Promoting participation in the sacraments, Marian devotion, and intercessory prayer.
While our members are mostly from the Catholic, Anglican/Episcopal, and Orthodox traditions - so called "high church," we welcome all who sense a calling to direct their lives toward these aims.
The Pear Tree
The Pear Society has its very own newsletter called The Pear Tree, edited by our illustrious "Partridge," Nick. Click here to head over to the archive and see what we have been up to or subscribe to receive it in your email inbox.
ABOUT THE PEAR
The pear is a symbol of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom the members of the society are especially devoted. The pear represents her role in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the fruit of her womb. Our unofficial Latin slogan means, "Show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus," and it comes from the Ave Maria or Hail Mary prayer.
OUR RULE OF LIFE
As a devotional society, we abide by a common "rule of life" which each member adapts through their own spiritual discernment:
Sacrifice (Poverty or Simplicity): Members will choose one sacrifice (abstinence or mortification) to observe in daily life and will contribute regularly to the upkeep of their own parish through contributions of time and money, as appropriate.
Integrity (Chastity): Members will strive to treat all people as revelations of the Imago Dei and to be honest and faithful in all relationships.
Obedience: Members will, in their daily prayer: 1) recall their baptism, 2) contemplate the importance of the Eucharist, 3) include at least one Marian devotion, and 4) pray for the other members of the society and our collective ministry.
Regarding Daily Prayer: Members will maintain a daily prayer practice of some kind which is both personally meaningful and connected with a church tradition.
Regarding Baptism: Members will be Baptized Christians or actively preparing for baptism. Members who are preparing for baptism should use their daily obedience as a time for contemplating the significance of that rite and adjust the language of their prayers accordingly.
Regarding Holy Eucharist; Members will participate in the Eucharist as often as possible and appropriate, with guidance from a director or a clergy person in their tradition. Those not yet able to take the sacrament will adapt this practice accordingly.
Regarding Reconciliation: Members will make use of confession/reconciliation regularly, at least once during each of the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent.
Members will meet once monthly for prayer and check-in.
A rule is not meant to add significant burdens to one's life, but to serve as a tool for enhancing it. A rule should be life-giving, and an experienced spiritual director or clergy person will be able to assist you in crafting a personal adaptation of the rule that serves that function. The Pear Society also provides a private, online space for members to share their formation experiences.
APPLY TO JOIN
If you would like to learn more, we encourage you to apply and attend a meeting where we can welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Membership is not limited by gender or sexual orientation and there is not cost to participate, though you may need to pay for the services of a spiritual director or for your own devotional tools. We currently only accept members who are at least 18 years old or the majority age where they live, if that is higher. Currently, you must be a member of the Stella Maris online community (a Discord server) to participate, because that is where we host our meetings. You can join Stella Maris here. If your preliminary application is accepted, you will be sent all the information you need to attend your first meeting via email.
If you have read this entire page, you may now click here to apply.