The Apostolate of the Returning King
Apostolate Prayers
Allegiance Prayer
Dear God in Heaven, I pledge my allegiance to you. I give you my life, my work, and my heart. In turn, give me the grace of obeying your every direction to the fullest possible extent. Amen.
Vocation Prayer
Oh Mary, mother of Jesus and Queen of the Church, I ask you to bless me with fidelity to my vocation. Assist me in seeing that my service, however humble and hidden, is important to the universal Church. Strengthen me in times of trial and watch over my family and loved ones. Help me, beloved mother, to remain faithful to Jesus Christ, your son, the Returning King. Amen.
The Apostolate of the Returning King (ARK), is canonically recognized in the Catholic Church.
ARK, an Association of the Lay Faithful, is a dynamic and growing movement within the Catholic Church, born from a profound spiritual calling and guided by ecclesial authority from its inception.
In 2003, Kathryn Anne Clarke began receiving and writing deeply mystical, spiritual insights. Advised to remain anonymous, she wrote under the pen name Anne, a lay apostle, and submitted her writings to her bishop, the Most Reverend Leo O’Reilly of the Diocese of Kilmore, Ireland. Recognizing the spiritual richness and potential impact of these writings, Bishop O’Reilly gave permission for their printing for public distribution.
Seeing the extraordinary nature of Kathryn’s experiences, Bishop O’Reilly also assembled two formal Diocesan Commissions to rigorously examine both the content and context of her experiences and writings. This multi-year investigation culminated in 2013 with the granting of a formal imprimatur on the writings, which is an official declaration of doctrinal soundness.
Additionally, in 2018, through an ecclesial decree, the Apostolate of the Returning King was granted canonical recognition as an association of the faithful with Juridical Personality—a significant acknowledgment affirming its place in the life of the Church. With official Church recognition and a growing international presence, the Apostolate of the Returning King (ARK) now stands at the threshold of a new chapter. As ARK prepares to launch a capital campaign to increase the global impact of the Apostolate, we invite supporters and benefactors to join us in advancing this mission of hope.
Our Mission and Purpose
Rooted in Church authority and inspired by Anne’s leadership, the Apostolate of the Returning King offers a clear spiritual path for everyone. We invite all who want to share God’s love in the world to participate. Guided by inspired messages, the Apostolate welcomes anyone—no matter their personal struggles or life circumstance—who wants to join Christ’s Rescue Mission of mercy and compassion.
Across the globe, the Apostolate ignites small efforts, resulting in powerful spiritual blessings. Its members do not aim to set themselves apart, elevate their status, or form exclusive groups. Instead, they live humbly and prayerfully, seeking God’s will each day and playing their parts locally, in their parishes. apostles of the Returning King embrace the wounded, weary, and searching—because they, too, have experienced those struggles. Following Christ’s example, they choose to serve with nonjudgemental love, supporting those in need, and sharing the supernatural hope they have received.
This is a movement not of exclusivity, but of invitation—an open door to grace and transformation. As ARK moves forward with their capital campaign, they extend that same invitation to their partners and benefactors.
Our Vision
The aim is to renew the Catholic Church by forming apostles. This invitation is rooted in Contemplative Prayer, psychological health, and an active sacramental life. The goal is to empower lay people worldwide to share Christ’s healing presence in today’s culture.
Based in Ireland, ARK serves with a global network of spiritually maturing and emotionally ready disciples of Christ who lead others back to faith, transforming families, communities, and the Church from within.
Apostolate Guidelines
Three Charisms of The Apostolate of the Returning King
1. Compassionate Listening
2. Learning and Teaching the Catechism
3. Promoting Unity in the Church
We strive to develop a better ability to offer God’s infinite love to others, hence our commitment to compassionate listening. We hope to develop knowledge of our religion, hence our commitment to learning and teaching the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We desire to be a voice against division in our Catholic Church, thus our commitment to promoting unity.
Additionally, as Apostles of the Returning King (ARK), we adopt the following practices, as best we can:
The Five Spiritual Practices
1. Allegiance Prayer and Vocation Prayer, plus a brief prayer for the Holy Father daily
2. Eucharistic Adoration, one hour per week, when possible
3. Prayer Group participation, monthly, at which we pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary and read the Monthly Message
4. Monthly Confession, when possible
5. Further, we will follow the example of Jesus Christ as set out in Holy Scripture, treating all others with his patience and kindness
Promise to Apostles of the Returning King
On May 12, 2005, Anne recorded the following promise from Jesus to all Apostles of the Returning King:
“Your message to people remains constant. Welcome each person to the Rescue Mission. You may assure each apostle that just as they concern themselves with my interests, I will concern myself with theirs. They will be placed in my Sacred Heart and I will defend and protect them. I will also pursue complete conversion of each of their loved ones. You see, the people who serve in this Rescue Mission as my beloved apostles will know peace. The world cannot make this promise as only Heaven can bestow peace on a soul. This is truly Heaven’s mission and I call every one of Heaven’s children to assist me. You will be well rewarded, my dear ones.”
Apostolate Prayers
Allegiance Prayer
Dear God in Heaven, I pledge my allegiance to you. I give you my life, my work, and my heart. In turn, give me the grace of obeying your every direction to the fullest possible extent. Amen.
Vocation Prayer
Oh Mary, mother of Jesus and Queen of the Church, I ask you to bless me with fidelity to my vocation. Assist me in seeing that my service, however humble and hidden, is important to the universal Church. Strengthen me in times of trial and watch over my family and loved ones. Help me, beloved mother, to remain faithful to Jesus Christ, your son, the Returning King. Amen.