I have finally requested acceptance into the Lay Cistercian formation at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, GA. I don’t know if or when the good brothers and Fathers will review, consider and decide on my candidacy. I have considered this an important step in my alignment with the Rule of Benedict, as it has been a very good influence on my core beliefs, and part of my ongoing spiritual formation.
As I reviewed the observances of the Lay Cistercian, I realized that I am in the midst of doing or have been doing the following (by no means on a strict basis, but mindfully as possible) for the past few years. I like having the form or definition of the observances as a standard against which I can strive to achieve:We strive for fidelity to a lifestyle that includes the following contemplative observances as a way to order our lives toward God. We see these observances as instruments for a life of contemplative discipline.
Holy Eucharist. Daily reception of the Holy Eucharist is seen as an expression of our union with Christ and with one another.
Liturgy of the Hours. Praying of one or more Hours of the Divine Office each day allows us to participate in the prayer of Christ for His Church.
Lectio Divina. To encounter the Word of God we allow a period of at least 20 minutes a day for lectio divina and meditation.
Silence and Solitude. As Lay-Cistercians we strive to develop a contemplative dimension within our lives by seeking opportunities for silence and solitude.
Devotion to Mary, Our Blessed Mother. We pray the Rosary daily as a devotion to Our Blessed Mother and bring our day to a close by praying the Salve Regina.
Special Devotions. Lay-Cistercians have a special devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament; the Holy Trinity; Our Lady of the Assumption, Patroness of the Cistercians; Saints of the Cistercian Order; as well as personal patrons.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation. Lay-Cistercians are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a monthly basis, or more frequently if desired. This is consistent with living a life of continuous conversion.
Community Gathering Days. Lay-Cistercians meet monthly for a day of prayer, study and community sharing. During this time we receive on-going formation from our Spiritual Father(s) which facilitates our endeavor to incorporate contemplative spirituality into our daily lives. Community members are encouraged to seek additional opportunities for prayer and sharing with one another as time and personal circumstance permit.
Annual Retreat. The Lay-Cistercian Community spends one weekend each year in a retreat at the monastery. Members are encouraged to schedule additional retreat time throughout the year.
Work, Material Goods and Supporting the Church. We strive to approach our work in the world with an attitude of reverence, balance, and thanksgiving. We care for all material goods entrusted to us as gifts from God.
Lay-Cistercians are encouraged to contribute to the Church and the poor according to their means. When possible, we are associated with the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy of the monastery.
My family is in support of it, and perhaps, one day they will decide it is a good way of life. Not that they don’t already, but as a committed state, time will tell. I hope that by my choices and example, I can learn, and by my consistency and practice I can inspire.
Bill
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