What is Raven’s
Bread Ministries?
Raven’s Bread Ministries is a service offered to hermits and lovers of solitude around the world, no matter what their spiritual affiliation. Those who have embraced eremitical life full-time; those who are discerning this particular call from God, and those who cherish whatever solitude they can work into their daily lives will find encouragement and support through Raven’s Bread Ministries.
The quarterly newsletter, Raven’s Bread, Food for Those in Solitude, connects over 1100 readers around the world through either the paper format of the newsletter or via email. It is published by Paul & Karen Fredette who compile the contributions of the hermit readers . Thus the material published has the authenticity arising from lived experience. Questions, problems, reflections and personal stories are shared among the readers. Occasionally, readers are asked to respond to a survey which updates information about the growing hermit movement. Drawing upon the material contributed to Raven’s Bread, the Fredette’s have written the most complete guide for eremitical living currently available. See the Book Page – “Consider the Ravens, On Contemporary Hermit Life”. Donations for the Newsletter are appreciated but not required. All names on the mailing list are kept confidential.
Why Be a Hermit?
The reasons for choosing a life of solitude are as diverse as those who seek it. A resurgence in eremitical living which began in the 1950’s shows no sign of abating as more and more people world-wide seek personal balance and also a way to care spiritually for the world around them by going into solitude. Most hermits seek solitude for spiritual reasons, which for some, is distinct from “religious” motivation. No particular denomination or religion has a special claim on producing authentic hermits – solitaries are found among all cultures and beliefs. However, some religious denominations offer more support to hermits than others. The Roman Catholic Church has recognized hermits as living a valid form of religious life when it promulgated a new canon law in 1986. The Canon (#603) defines hermit life as one ”by which the Christian faithful devote their life to the praise of God and salvation of the world through a stricter separation from the world, the silence of solitude, and assiduous prayer and penance.” Christian hermits first appeared in the Fourth Century CE with the Desert Fathers and Mothers, men and women who sought a form of “white martyrdom” in the desert after Constantine declared Christianity the religion of the Empire and outlawed “red martyrdom.” Over the centuries, there have been various revivals of eremitical life, often as a by-product of a major cultural shift, such as we are experiencing today.
Definition of a Hermit
The simplest definition of a hermit is someone who lives alone by choice for spiritual reasons. This is a broad description of a hermit but separates the “people-haters” and una-bombers from the deeply spiritual individuals who are seeking a life of transparency to the divine. A Raven’s Bread reader offered this description: “Solitaries are those who have been called to step aside. That call is so imperative one has little hope of ignoring it. But once embraced, there is true joy (after many inner battles) as one finds their true center and heart’s desire. I love people – but my call to be a hermit has opened that love out into a different form of self-giving. My call has been to be a religious solitary, living a life of thanksgiving and adoration, self-sacrifice and renunciation, praying for souls I will never meet, offering myself for love of others.” Many have emphasized that hermits are not selfish individualists who seek their own comfort and dislike human society. Rather they are passionate lovers who seek to bring balance to our world which, without a strong Center of spiritual individuals, threatens to fly apart.
Radio Interview
On August 16, 2010, Karen Fredette was interviewed on a blog radio program regarding her ministry to hermits which she and Paul Fredette offer. It was hosted by Kathryn Bonner and is still available at this URL: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2010/08/16/women-of-passionate-purpose
NEW BLOG LAUNCHED! "Where God is Found" Find it at this URL: http://www.karenkarperfredette.simplesite.com
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Raven’s Bread,
Food for Those in Solitude is a
newsletter
designed to meet the needs of hermits, especially their desire
to connect with others who share their values. Simply knowing
that others are “out there” provides heart-warming assurance
that they are not alone in their life-choice. We offer the
option of connection without joining; of companionship without
intrusion; of guidance without judgment.
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Now Available - Check Books page
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More Books >
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Take Note!
There is an excerpt from a book in the Raven’s Bread
Library, published bi-weekly on the Lending Library Page for
your reflection.
Learn More > |
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