The Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives – The Trinitarians
A Religious Order of the Roman Catholic Church Founded 1198
GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE!
Part of life’s journey is to "figure out” your life’s purpose. What difference will your life make in the world for the better, using the unique gifts given to you by God? Have you been wondering?
This process of discovery takes some intentional practice to become aware of how the Holy Spirit is leading you – one that can’t be done alone. Sometimes God works in very subtle ways that can be challenging to decipher, because our own doubts and fears can get in the way. The wisdom and insight from a mentor can help make the way clear.
We understand what you may be experiencing. We also know the process and skill of discerning God’s voice amid a hurried world. We’d like to help by accompanying you in this adventure of your life!
How will you impact the world?
A Purposeful Mission
More than 800 years ago, our founder, St. John de Matha heard God’s call to serve both those who were persecuted because of their faith and those who were suffering the hardships of the human condition.
A special dedication to the mystery of the Holy Trinity is an essential element of our life, with our beginnings deeply rooted in the Crusades. The founding intention of the Trinitarian Order was the ransom of Christians held captive by nonbelievers, a consequence of crusading and pirating along the Mediterranean coast of Europe. Since our founding, the Trinitarians allocate one-third of all their income for the purpose of redemption.
Today, we continue living this mission, committed to a way of life rooted in the Gospel and expressed in works of mercy and redemption. Today, Trinitarian priests and brothers live and pray in community and provide ministry in parishes, hospitals, schools, and missions throughout the world.
Coming to America
In 1912, Trinitarians arrived in the United States from Italy. The Order was entrusted with the care of Italian immigrants at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
More parish communities followed all over New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and various parts of the United States. St. John de Matha Monastery was established in Hyattsville, Maryland, in 1931 to serve as a house of formation.
Our Mission Today
With a vast history of more than 800 years of service, Trinitarian priests, brothers, cloistered nuns, sisters, and laity continue to reach out to the poor and suffering and evangelize in schools and parishes.
Offering Hope
In the spirit of solidarity, Trinitarians around the world offer hope and works of mercy to those persecuted and discriminated against, because of their faith, and collaborate with all who strive to relieve this suffering.
Serving the Poor
Trinitarians provide direct assistance to the poor, including food, housing, clothing, medical assistance, and other emergency needs. In 2018, the U.S. Province established a new foundation in the Philippines. The interaction between our priests, brothers, seminarians and those in need offers the opportunity to bring the Gospel to those who have had no previous contact with the Faith. Our charism also allows us to improve the lives of the poor by inviting them to participate in free educational programs offered at Trinitarian schools and tutoring centers.
Working for Justice & Human Dignity
Concern for human dignity and justice has been central to the Trinitarian community since its founding. We remain committed to responding to injustices and modern forms of human bondage and oppression.
In the United States, Trinitarian brothers are ministering to newly arrived immigrants seeking a better life for their families. We are dedicated to working with them to fulfill the mission of the Church of welcoming the stranger in our midst.
Educating & Ministering in Parishes
The Trinitarian Province in the United States provides education and ministry at DeMatha Catholic High School in Maryland, and in parish communities in Maryland, Florida, and New Jersey. In parish ministry, Trinitarian priests assist those seeking to deepen their relationship with the Triune God.
Our Life in Community
Called to follow Christ closely, our vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience form the foundational element that frees us to pursue our ministries and develop a deeper relationship with God.
As brothers and priests, we serve as heralds of hope in a world that cries for mercy and redemption.
Trinitarian priests and brothers live in community. Each house has a chapel in which the Eucharist is celebrated and reserved and serves as the very center of the community. Our common life is governed by the Order’s Rule and Constitutions that support community living for a true brotherhood.
The members of the community engage in ministry that is in keeping with the charism of the Order. Both our personal and communal prayer, and our reception of the sacraments, nourish and strengthen the foundation of our community life for healthy, fraternal relationships.
Together with God’s grace, it is in community that we receive the strength and support needed to face everyday challenges and reveal God’s presence to those we serve.
Our Local Ministry
Trinitarians of our Province can be found in parish ministry and in the ministry of education at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, founded by the Order in 1946.
DeMatha Catholic High School, our accredited four-year college preparatory high school, provides quality Catholic education for young men seeking to cultivate respect for others to become “faith-filled gentlemen and scholars.”
Twice named a “National School of Excellence” by the U.S. Department of Education, DeMatha’s reputation for excellence is rooted in its sound, forward-looking academic programs and accomplishments in academics, music, athletics, service to the community, and co-curricular activities.
What’s Your Calling?
While God is always initiating interaction with us, He awaits our response.
One of the most popular of Michelangelo’s works is his painting found on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. At the center of it lies the depiction of The Creation of Adam.
It’s a moving image of God the Father’s finger reaching out to the finger of Adam. While God is always initiating interaction with us, He awaits our response.
If you have been thinking about your future and how God is calling you to make a difference in the world, it may be time to consider and discern your vocational calling with someone who understands this part of the journey. Discernment is a process that cannot be navigated alone.
Like Adam, God’s finger is reaching out for yours and God is seeking partnership with you! How will you respond? It is only in God and through this relationship that we can come to know ourselves truly and honestly, to live our lives to the full.
If you’re wondering about your vocation, you can be sure God is calling you to something more - a unique way for you to impact the world with His love whether through religious life, priesthood, or sacramental marriage.
An incredible journey awaits you and the Lord will provide all you need to fulfill your calling. Go ahead, reach out. We’d like to help. Let’s talk!
Brave Faith Can Change the World! Join Us.
Invalid password
Enter