Setting up a virtual women’s religious order is possible today because many spiritual communities meet and organize online. The key for us is to treat it like both a spiritual community and an organization. Here’s a step-by-step outline we can use to start with.
This is a living document which will change over time and growth so feel free to comment.
How to Set Up a Virtual Women’s Religious Order
1. Define the Purpose and Spiritual Path
Start with the foundation:
What spiritual tradition or values will guide the order?
Interfaith
Mystical / contemplative
Social justice focused
Decide your mission statement.
Example:
Mentoring and strengthening women for spiritual and personal growth
2. Create a Rule of Life without adding burdens; we can come to recognize how much women already do.
Most religious orders have a Rule of Life (guidelines for members).
Include:
Daily or weekly spiritual practices (prayer, meditation, rituals)
Community commitments
Ethical principles
Service or outreach
Monthly, or twice a year meetings
optional gatherings
Study and formation
3. Define Membership (these are typical examples, this will be a group decision)
Decide how people join.
Possible structure:
Aspirant (exploring)
Novice (training period)
Professed member
Leadership roles (abbess / coordinator / spiritual guide)
Also decide:
Age requirements
If it is women-only or inclusive of gender minorities
4. Choose Online Platforms
You need a virtual monastery space.
This section I have already established for the early formation of this order. We of St Marguerite already have a google non profit account which includes google classroom which I can and have begun to create a virtual monastery. It is secure and safe. It has a google meet link that we can use and ways to have topic message boards platforms. The best part is it will not cost us anything.
Website explaining the order - I hope we can have each of our “church” websites put a small “ad” on about our order.
Create areas for:
Prayer or meditation sessions
Study groups
Announcements
Private spiritual direction
5. Establish Rituals and Gatherings
A religious order becomes real through shared practice.
Examples:
Weekly virtual prayer or meditation
Monthly ceremony
Online retreats
Seasonal observances
Study circles
Create a digital chapel space
Use shared readings or chants
6. Leadership Structure
Decide how the order is governed.
Common models:
Abbess / Prioress (leader)
Council of elders
Democratic leadership
Rotating leadership roles
And define:
How leaders are chosen
Term limits
Decision-making process
Many virtual orders start informally at first, but these are other future considerations
7. Legal and Organizational Considerations (Optional)
If you want it to grow:
You might:
Register a nonprofit
Create a charter or constitution
Set community guidelines
Protect member safety and privacy
8. Create Identity and Symbolism
This helps members feel connected.
Examples:
Name of the order
Symbol or seal
Digital habit or insignia (optional)
Motto
Spiritual themes (wisdom, compassion, sacred feminine)
Example Concept
A virtual order might look like:
Order of the Sacred Path
Women-led spiritual community
Daily meditation
Weekly online gathering
Mentorship and service projects
Members around the world
✅ The most important things are:
1. Clear spiritual purpose
2. A shared rule of life
3. Consistent gatherings
4. Safe, respectful community
