lcg discernment process
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Following an inquiry for LCG membership into a
local group, an assessment will be made (by that local group) of the
suitability for an individual for entrance to that group and
charism. If accepted, a candidate will begin a two-year period of
discernment and initial formation. A candidate for LCG membership
will begin a process of discerning a call to live a contemplative
life as a layperson according to the Cistercian charism and of
initial formation to become a Lay Cistercian of Gethsemani Abbey. At
the completion of the "candidacy" period, acceptance into the LCG
community will be determined.
The central question for a candidate for LCG membership is to
discern if he or she is invited by the Holy Spirit to live a lay
Cistercian life. In other words is the individual receptive to
restructuring ones life according to Cistercian values and practices
that can be lived authentically as a layperson. One will be
challenged during the discernment period to determine what
commitments are needed to live a Cistercian lay contemplative life.
During the discernment period the individual is expected to make a
reasonable effort to begin integrating the spiritual practices of
the LCG PLAN OF LIFE into their
daily/weekly routine. The Plan is the guide or rule for Lay
Cistercians of Gethsemani Abbey.
We desire our association to be a community of persons who take
their personal commitment to live the Plan of Life seriously and to
deepen their spiritual life as laypersons according to the
Cistercian tradition. Individuals are free to disassociate
themselves from LCG at any time during the candidacy period or after
making a commitment to LCG membership. There are not any
canonical or legal obligations of any kind.
As the candidate begins the discernment process, an attempt will be
made to assign a mentor to the candidate. The mentor is a LCG member
who has been a member of the LCG community for at least one year and
is experienced with living the Plan of Life. The mentor will follow
established guidelines for providing guidance and support for the
candidate during the discernment process. A formation curriculum for
beginners will be utilized that provides specific topics for study
and reflection. The mentor and candidate will together develop an
individual plan of initial formation for the candidate based on the
specific needs and previous experiences of the candidate. The
candidate will also meet with a local LCG group in his or her
location, for additional support and mentoring.
The primary responsibility for initial and ongoing formation in
Cistercian spirituality and tradition is with the individual
candidate. What is required? Personal commitment to adapting the
elements of the Plan of Life, seeking spiritual direction and/or
spiritual companioning, and spiritual reading. One is expected to
reflect especially on Fr. Michael's paper,
"Toward the Formation of LCG Members"
(August 2001, revised April 2005). This document supplements the
Plan of Life and provides specific suggestions for ongoing formation
as Lay Cistercians.
Prior to the completion of the two-year period of discernment and
formation, the candidate and mentor will mutually evaluate the
candidate's suitability for membership in the community of Lay
Cistercian of Gethsemani Abbey. If accepted for membership, the new
LCG member will be expected to affirm their commitment to the Lay
Cistercian way of life during the annual LCG retreat at Gethsemani.
If unable to attend the retreat, alternate arrangements will be made
by the mentor and/or state regional coordinator.
The commitment that the new LCG member makes is:
Contact information:
E-mail: info@laycisterciansofgethsemani.org
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