Membership Information
What is the LCG?
Lay Cistercians of Gethsemani Abbey (LCG) is an association of ordinary Christian women and men who are called to contemplative living and prayer according to the Cistercian way. Lay Cistercians are committed to integrating Cistercian spiritual values and practices in their lives as laypersons. More information
What is a MEMBER of LCG?
Members of the Lay Cistercians of Gethsemani seek to enrich their spiritual lives by adopting spiritual practices of a Cistercian tradition that are compatible with a non-monastic lifestyle. Members meet with their local communities on a regular basis.
LCG is one of several international Cistercian lay associate programs that have emerged in recent years. LCG has an informal relationship with the Cistercian Abbey of Gethsemani near Bardstown, Kentucky
"LCG members" are people from various Christian denominations who have chosen to deepen their relationship with God through Cistercian spirituality. To support them on their spiritual journey, members meet regularly to discuss specific aspects of Cistercian spirituality. They seek a deeper level of study of Cistercian life and spirituality through monthly discussions with other group members.
Initially, a inquiror may be invited to attend a local meeting. After prayer and discernment with the community, they may be invited to fill out the LCG application and become a candidate.
The candidate will be assigned a mentor. There is a minimum of a 2-year formation period involved during which the candidate will seek to deepen their relationship with God through Cistercian spirituality. Formation will cover aspects such as the importance of silence and prayer, lectio, Cistercian spirituality, and Cistercian history. During this time, the candidate and the community prayerfully discern the candidate's possible membership into the group. Once accepted, they will be invited to make their commitment during the LCG national retreat.
LCG members and candidates are expected to attend/work with/ and contribute toward a local group. This contribution could be in the form of contributing toward organizing monthly meetings, helping with mailings, or perhaps a small donation to cover mailing expenses, etc.
If you are interested in further information on becoming a member of LCG, please look at the information on the LCG Groups and contact the nearest local coordinator.
What is a FRIEND of LCG?
Friends of LCG include people interested and supportive of the LCG plan of life and the Cistercian contemplative charism but for one reason or another (e.g., geography, life and time conflicts) cannot commit to a two year formation journey and cannot fully participate as a member of an LCG Local Community. There is no commitment involved in the "Friends of LCG" group and there is no need to participate in a local community.
Friends are a cherished and integral part of our LCG family and provide essential support by their prayers and other contributions. Friends of LCG regularly receive most of the same correspondence via email as members. This includes:
LCG Newsletter;
Abbot talks;
News from the Abbey;
Updates of LCG activity;
Invitation to attend an annual LCG retreat at Gethsemani.
Friends are welcome at LCG activities and are encouraged to become LCG members. Please consider becoming a “Friend of LCG.” Together, our prayers and contemplative lives do make a difference! If you are interested in becoming a Friend of LCG, please send your name, address, phone number, and email address — with a note regarding your request to: info@laycisterciansofgethsemani.org
LCG Members and Friends of LCG are two expressions of the Lay Cistercian life. If you are interested in becoming an LCG member, please contact the group closest to your location for information on how to become a candidate for that local group.