Annunciation Vita Dei House
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs Annunciation House?
Annunciation House is owned and operated by the Confraternity of Penitents (CFP), a worldwide, nonprofit, 501(c)3 private association of the faithful, commended by the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend (IN, USA).
Do I have to be member of the CFP or discerning a specific vocation to live at Annunciation House?
Not at all! Although the house is operated by a Franciscan organization, residents are encouraged to simply follow God's will, whatever it may be.
Can I have a job while staying in the house?
Yes! You will likely need a source of income to pay your fair share of household expenses, and for your own personal needs.
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Can Annunciation House help me pay off debt?
If you volunteer ten hours per week for the Confraternity of Penitents, you can stay at Annunciation House free of charge (meals excluded). After any other expenses, your income could then help pay off debt.
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Am I required to join in prayer and meal times?
If possible, please attend common prayer and meals at least twice a week to help you get to know your community.
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Will meals be provided?
You will be chiefly responsible for your own meals. However, some common meals will be provided using monthly house dues from each resident.
Does a priest assist the house?
Yes. Father Dan Koehl (pictured here) is the Spiritual Assistant for Annunciation House. He visits from time to time and offers Mass occasionally in the house chapel.
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Can I have a social life?
Yes. Friends and family are an important part of your life! However, please keep in mind that you will be part of a community here. Your time and responsibilities at Annunciation House should be a priority.
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Can I have a cell phone and computer?
Yes! However, sound must be confined as much as possible to your personal bedroom, especially during quiet hours.
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Do I have to be from the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese to live at Annunciation House?
Not at all! Former residents have come from Minnesota, Massachusetts, South Africa, New York, and Uganda, among other places.
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Can I have guests at the house?
Visitors are allowed in the parlor and house chapel outside of quiet hours. Overnight stays may be possible for family members or friends, if there is space available in the guest apartment. The house parent has the final say if an overnight guest is allowed, and if the guest will be required to volunteer or offer a stipend for time spent at the house. Typical stipend for an overnight stay in guest quarters is $25 a night.
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Can I have a pet?
Only if it's confined to a tank or cage. Roaming pets such as dogs and cats are not allowed. The Confraternity of Penitents has several cats and a dog nearby. You are welcome to play with and help care for all these pets.
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Do I have to participate in volunteer hours?
Your volunteer hours are mutually beneficial to you as a discerner, and to CFP ministry. Working in community is a fruitful way to discern, to discover new talents, and to build virtue. While you can elect not to participate in our volunteer ministry, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity. Volunteer hours help alleviate the cost of your program service fees.
Can I apply for residency if I am a pregnant and single?
Certainly, as long as you are willing to accept the Catholic nature of Annunciation House and abide by house rules. We are prolife and you will find much support here. God bless you for choosing life for your little one! We are happy to walk with you as you discern your future.
Can I apply for residency if I have transitioned into a man but want to return to my original female gender?
Yes, but you must come to Annunciation House in your original female gender and be willing to accept the Catholic focus of the house and abide by house rules. We believe that God assigns the gender He wishes to each person. We are here to affirm you in your God-given female gender and to help you affirm yourself and find your future path as a woman. That said, Annunciation House does not accept men who have "transgendered into women" as their male biological gender cannot be changed. We are a women's house, after all. If "transgendered women" wish to return to their original male gender, they are welcome to apply to Guadalupe Vita Dei Men's House for residency and support.
