The Way of Life of the Lay-Cistercians

      We strive for fidelity to a lifestyle that includes the following contemplative observances as a way to order our lives toward God. We see these observances as instruments for a life of contemplative discipline.
      Holy Eucharist. Daily reception of the Holy Eucharist is seen as an expression of our union with Christ and with one another.
      Liturgy of the Hours. Praying of one or more Hours of the Divine Office each day allows us to participate in the prayer of Christ for His Church.
      Lectio Divina. To encounter the Word of God we allow a period of at least 20 minutes a day for lectio divina and meditation.
      Silence and Solitude. As Lay-Cistercians we strive to develop a contemplative dimension within our lives by seeking opportunities for silence and solitude.
      Devotion to Mary, Our Blessed Mother. We pray the Rosary daily as a devotion to Our Blessed Mother and bring our day to a close by praying the Salve Regina.
      Special Devotions. Lay-Cistercians have a special devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament; the Holy Trinity; Our Lady of the Assumption, Patroness of the Cistercians; Saints of the Cistercian Order; as well as personal patrons.
      The Sacrament of Reconciliation. Lay-Cistercians are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a monthly basis, or more frequently if desired. This is consistent with living a life of continuous conversion.
      Community Gathering Days. Lay-Cistercians meet monthly for a day of prayer, study and community sharing. During this time we receive on-going formation from our Spiritual Father(s) which facilitates our endeavor to incorporate contemplative spirituality into our daily lives. Community members are encouraged to seek additional opportunities for prayer and sharing with one another as time and personal circumstance permit.
      Annual Retreat. The Lay-Cistercian Community spends one weekend each year in a retreat at the monastery. Members are encouraged to schedule additional retreat time throughout the year.
      Work, Material Goods and Supporting the Church. We strive to approach our work in the world with an attitude of reverence, balance, and thanksgiving. We care for all material goods entrusted to us as gifts from God. Lay-Cistercians are encouraged to contribute to the Church and the poor according to their means. When possible, we are associated with the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy of the monastery.

Note: The obligations of a Lay-Cistercian as set forth in the above observances may be modified at the discretion of the Spiritual Father(s) should a conflict arise within the individual’s personal life.

      As Lay-Cistercians of the Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit, we hold the Rule of St. Benedict as our guide for living the Gospel in our daily lives. By the practice of stability, obedience and continual conversion in our particular state of life, we join many generations of people living outside of monasteries who have been affiliated with monks and nuns of the Benedictine and Cistercian traditions. Our charism as Lay-Cistercians is a call for a greater emphasis on developing the elements of silence and solitude for interior prayer. The underlying spirituality of a Lay-Cistercian is the call to live each day in humble submission to the Holy Spirit.
      We understand stability in our lives as our commitment to our families, to our Lay Cistercian Community, and the Cistercian Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, our obedience is directed to our families, our work settings, our Lay-Cistercian Community and our Spiritual Father(s). Our striving for continual conversion is our response to the constant need for personal renewal in our on-going journey to God.

Profession Statement
      We, the Lay-Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit, form a community of Catholics living in the world, striving for a conversion of life as our free response to the love of God. We are committed to live in a spirit of contemplative prayer and sacrifice in obedience to God’s universal call to holiness. Guided by the Cistercian charism, we accept the Rule of St. Benedict as our guide for living the Gospel within our chosen vocations.