Formation in the spiritual life is an integral part of our faith journey of union with God. It is the Holy Spirit who calls us and forms us on this journey. We must be open to and listen to the Spirit's direction in our lives. Our Christian faith formation is grounded in the Sacred Scriptures and especially in the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels. Participation in the sacramental and community life of Church enhances our formation and supports our response to the call to holiness.
For those who are called to follow the Cistercian path to holiness as Lay Cistercians, formation in the values and practices of Cistercian life for laypersons is essential. We must realize that formation is a life long process. It begins with our discerning the Spirit's call in our lives.
Membership in the community of Lay Cistercians of Gethsemani Abbey (LCG) requires a two-year period of discernment and initial formation in the Cistercian tradition. The Plan of Life for LCG members is the basic formation document that serves as a guide or rule for our lay Cistercian community.
More detailed information may be obtained by reading the LCG Formation Guide.