Lay Cistercian Formation Program
What are the requirements for becoming a Lay Cistercian?
When Fr. Anthony asked a man, “Why don’t you become a Lay Cistercian?” the man replied that he wasn’t holy enough. In his gruff voice, Fr. Anthony said, “What do you mean? All you need to be is a sinner!” The man responded with a smile, saying he was pretty sure he had that covered.
Formation Education and Process
Formation to Cistercian life has for its purpose the restoration of the Divine likeness in the Brothers and Sisters through the workings of the Holy Spirit aided by the maternal care of the Mother of God. The Brothers and Sisters so advance in the monastic life that they progressively attain the full measure of the stature of Christ. (C.C. 45 #1).
A. FORMATION/EDUCATION PROGRAM
1. The South Florida Lay Cistercians follow the five-year Education Program formulated by Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery Cistercian Affiliates.
2. We follow the Rule’s directive to “arrange everything so that the strong have something to yearn for and the weak nothing to run from” (RB C 64:19).
B. FORMATION/EDUCATION PROCESS
1. Observership
Each Observer will be interviewed by the Council and attend about five meetings in addition to the monthly community meeting. Observers will also attend the yearly retreat at Holy Spirit Monastery.
The Sessions Cover the Following Topics:
- The founding of Cîteaux and its founders: Robert, Alberic, and Stephen
- The Cistercian Evangelists: Bernard, William of St. Thierry, Guerric, Aelred
- The Rule of St. Benedict
- Cistercian values (e.g., Lectio Divina, Liturgy) drawn from the Constitutions, Guidelines, and Rule of St. Benedict
- History of the Lay Cistercians
Observer classes aim to teach Cistercian spirituality, foster a contemplative life, and provide foundational knowledge. This helps individuals, in collaboration with the observer coordinator, discern if they are called to this spiritual path. Observers are encouraged to meet privately with Council members throughout the process. If approved by the Council, an observer may then enter the Formation Program. This entry is marked by a brief ceremony where the new novice receives the life of Saint Benedict and the Rule of Saint Benedict.
1. Year I/Year II Formation – A two-year program requiring monthly attendance.
a. First Year Novice: “The Cistercian Way” by Andre Louf
b. Second Year Novice: “The Rule of St. Benedict”
Regular attendance is essential, as it demonstrates a commitment to formation in the Cistercian charism and stability within the community. If a novice misses a meeting, they must contact the Formation Director to receive a makeup assignment.
2. Juniorate – A three-year, non-sequential program.
Junior 1: “Monastic Practices” By Fr. Charles Cummings
Junior 2: Foundational Texts of the Order: The Charter of Charity, Exordium Parvum, Exordium Cisterii
Junior 3: Cistercians Fathers and Mothers
Following the two-year Novice formation, Lay Cistercians make a Promise, binding for one year and renewable annually. After three one-year renewals, they may seek Council approval for a lifetime commitment, the ultimate goal of the process. All promises are made at the Monastery.
3. Seniors
These members have made Lifetime Promises. They participate in ongoing educational study groups, with discussion topics and books chosen by the Professed community.
4. Inactive members
Inactive members have completed the Observership program and some Formation meetings but cannot attend monthly meetings for various reasons. They remain part of the group and may attend morning meetings, but they lose the right to vote or hold positions of responsibility. They cannot make Promises until they resume regular attendance at formation meetings.
5. Auxiliary members
Auxiliary members include those who have made three annual Promises or a Lifetime Promise but cannot attend monthly meetings due to illness, relocation, or similar reasons. We maintain contact through our monthly minutes, newsletters, website, and Facebook. Keeping these members connected is a priority, and they are always welcome to attend meetings.
From So. Florida Lay Cistercian Statutes 2018