History of the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Order Today

Since its embracing of the Independent Sacramental Movement, the Order has seen growth and many fruitful ministerial opportunities. The Order is both ecumenical and canonical under the protection of Bishop Timothy Cravens, AIHM, Obl. in the Independent Catholic Christian Church. The Order is guided by one of its founders, Fr. Joseph Augustine Menna, AIHM, who has served as its Prior General since its conception. The Order currently serves in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Its ministries include St. Mary of Grace Parish, internet prayer groups, pastoral music ministry, LGBT outreach, HIV/AIDS advocacy and charity, justice minstry, medical research, teaching, ecumenical outreach, and more!

We give God thanks for the Grace of our lives and the chance to share it with you!

Further Information on the Independent Catholic Christian Church

The Early Years

On August 15, 1993, Friars Joseph Augustine Menna and C. Christopher Tobin, established a de facto Augustinian Association of the Christian Faithful in the Roman Church to pray, minister, and build spiritual friendship together. Seeking to live the Rule of Augustine in new and inclusive ways, the new vision could not be recognized in the Roman denomination. Thus, on March 18, 2004, after years of trial and prayer, the AIHM Community embraced the Independent Catholic/Sacramental Movement and finally became a Canonical Order.

On August 26, 2007 Friar Joseph Augustine, Prior General of the Order, received the First Profession of Friar John Bartholomew, who became the first non-founding professed member of the AIHM. The next year, on August 24, 2008, Friar Joseph Augustine received the First Profession of Friars Shari Marie and Lyngine Dominique-Marie, who became the first female members of the AIHM.