Lay Cistercians of Gethsemani Abbey

Formation for an individual who desires membership in the community of Lay Cistercians of Gethsemani Abbey (LCG) is a two-year discernment process. A recommended course of study and reflection for candidates who participate in this process is presented below. Individuals who contact us with an interest in our community of Lay Cistercians may have varying experiences with contemplative living and spirituality and an understanding of the Cistercian tradition. While some have developed a disciplined routine of contemplative spiritual practices, others are less experienced and need more structure from a formation program. Still others may have some formation in the contemplative tradition, but require more focus on the Cistercian tradition and with its characteristic values and spiritual practices.

These guidelines are flexible and complement the guidelines for mentors who will provide the support and guidance for candidates for membership. The process begins with the review of the application to determine suitability of the person for beginning the formation period. If accepted for candidacy the person is assigned a mentor. The individual is then directed to begin the integration of the practices outlined in the Plan of Life in one's daily routine and proceed on an individual plan of formation with which both the candidate and mentor agree.

Formation Topics

The following outline of topics suggests the minimum expectation for the candidate's study and reflection during the two-year period of discernment and formation. Each topic or focus has a brief description and is listed in a recommended sequence. The candidate's mentor will advise regarding appropriate use of resources for the individual candidate. All resources are referenced on the LCG website.

1.	Evaluation of one's Christian formation It is appropriate as one begins a discernment in the lay contemplative life to first evaluate one's Christian life commitment and participation in the communal and liturgical life of one's primary faith community/parish. The candidate also evaluates his or her knowledge of Sacred Scriptures and considers a course of Bible/Scripture study if needed.
2.	Formation in the lay contemplative life A review of basic elements of a lay contemplative spirituality will allow the candidate to explore the journey inward in the context of the reality of his or her life situation. If one is called to this lifestyle, what demands does it call for and how is a contemplative life authentically lived as a layperson. How is one's prayer life shaped in the context of the demands of one's active life?
3.	Overview of the Rule of St. Benedict and its adaptation to lay life The Rule of St. Benedict is the foundation for Benedictine/Cistercian life. As a Lay Cistercian an adaptation of the Rule will address its characteristic values that can easily be applied within the context of the lay lifestyle, such as, hospitality, conversion, humility, a balanced life, stability, and community.
4.	Cistercian Studies A review of Cistercian history, fundamentals of Cistercian spirituality, and the Cistercian foundation documents, such as, the Charter of Charity, will acquaint the candidate with the Cistercian tradition. An introduction to the writings of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Aelred of Rievaulx, and William of St. Thierry is also recommended.
5.	LCG Plan of Life and "Towards the Formation of CLC/LCG Members" An in-depth review and reflection of these two documents will complete the course of study for the candidate. Both documents can be accessed on the Formation Page of the LCG website.
6.	Expectations for Lay Cistercians A discussion of the expectations of Lay Cistercians in terms of commitment to the community life of one's local Lay Cistercian group, plus support of the monastic community of the Abbey of Gethsemani is recommended between the candidate and mentor.
As the discernment process concludes the candidate and mentor will evaluate the candidates discernment process. If accepted for entrance into the Lay Cistercian community they will prepare for the candidate's act of commitment at either the annual LCG retreat at Gethsemani or in one's locale.