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STATUTES
Historical Background1
      The Lay-Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit were founded in 1987 with the coming together of five people under the spiritual direction of two Cistercian monks of the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia, Dom Augustine Moore and Father Anthony DeLisi. These five, Jacqueline Rychlicki, Linda Boland, Brenda Griffin, Patricia Burke, and William Knouse are considered the founders of this Lay-Cistercian Community. The group chose the name Associate Oblates of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit.
      This small community spent two and one-half years in formation and on March 25, 1990 made their public Promises in the Abbey Church. The abbot of the monastery, Dom Armand Veilleux accepted the promises. The Community developed an initial set of Statutes which were compiled with much prayer and sharing.
      During the first writing of the Statutes, the Community was guided by the Code of Canon Law (sections 298-329); the charism of the Cistercian Order; the practices of other secular contemplative communities and the vision of the founders.
      In the year 2000, by unanimous vote, the Community elected to change its name to the Lay-Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit. The following year, 2001, the Community extensively reviewed and revised these statutes incorporating aspects of the “Bond of Charity for Lay-Cistercian Groups” which was compiled by the Lay-Cistercians gathered from around the United States at a meeting held the Abbey of Our Lady of the Genesee on October 17, 1999.
      Lay-Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit engage in ongoing dialogue and hold a great deal in common with the many Lay Cistercians communities throughout the world.
      In 1998, Our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II acknowledged the existence of Lay Cistercians in the context of a letter written to the Cistercian Order commemorating the 900th Anniversary year of the founding of Cîteaux.
      We are deeply grateful for the prayers, spiritual guidance and hospitality that we receive from the monastic community of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit. We pray that someday the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance will officially recognize us as part of the Cistercian family.

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.2 We are committed to live in a spirit of contemplative prayer and sacrifice in obedience to God’s universal call to holiness.3 We accept the Rule of St. Benedict as our guide for living the Gospel within our chosen vocations.4
Nature and Purpose
      Lay-Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit are Catholics who accept the overall purpose of the Community, which is to strive for personal sanctification by living in the world according to the ideals of the Cistercian charism.5 We endeavor to pray for the spiritual and temporal needs of priests and religious, especially for those of the Cistercian Order, and in particular for the monastic community of the Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit. We seek to encourage the growth of contemplative prayer in the world by striving to be a leaven within the contemporary world through our living of the Cistercian charism.6
      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.[vii] 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 Director(s). Our striving for continual conversion is our response to the constant need for personal renewal in our on-going journey to God.8

The Way of Life
      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.[ix]
      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.10
      Lectio Divina.11 To encounter the Word of God we allow a period of at least 20 minutes a day for lectio divina and meditation.12
      Silence and Solitude. As Lay-Cistercians we strive to develop a contemplative dimension within our lives by seeking opportunities for silence and solitude.13
      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.14
      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; and the Holy Family 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 Director(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 contemplative style retreat. Individual members are encouraged to schedule additional retreat time throughout the year as their personal time permits.15
      Work, Material Goods and Supporting the Church. We strive to approach our work in the world with anattitude of reverence, balance, and thanksgiving.16 We care for all material goods entrusted to us as gifts from God.[xvii] 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 Director(s) should a conflict arise within the individual’s personal life.

Interaction of the Lay-Cistercians with the Monastery
      In consultation with the Lay-Cistercians, the abbot assigns at least one priest of the monastery as the Spiritual Director of the Community. The Lay-Cistercian Community welcomes the opportunity to participate in the spiritual life of the monastery, if invited to do so. Lay-Cistercians are not involved in the internal structure of the monastic community. Through the governance body of the Lay-Cistercians, known as the Council, input may be given to the abbot on matters that may have an impact on the Lay-Cistercians.

Interaction Among Members of the Lay-Cistercian Community
      Individual members are encouraged to give freely of their talents and gifts by participating in the life of the Lay-Cistercian Community according to their availability. The command of Jesus to love one another is the primary focus of the relationship of individual Lay-Cistercians with one another. Each person is to be reverenced for the desire to love and serve God more deeply. Close friendships with one or more members are encouraged in order to assist one another in spiritual growth.[xviii]

Interaction with Family Members
      Family members should be as informed as possible about the Lay-Cistercian commitment. Spouses who do not wish to be Lay-Cistercians may be invited to participate in gatherings of the Community. While the Lay-Cistercian strives to sacrifice time and energy to be free for increased prayer, great care must be taken not to overlook the needs of family members. As the Lay-Cistercian comes with the blessing of his/her primary family member(s), it is hoped that the family will have a spirit of generosity in helping the Lay-Cistercian to find time for the gatherings, prayer and retreats. In the case of unexpected stress within the family concerning his/her involvement with the Community and its commitments, the Lay-Cistercian is encouraged to seek guidance from the Spiritual Director(s) and/or fellow Community members.

Death of a Lay-Cistercian
      Immediately following the death of a Lay-Cistercian, or a member of his/her family each Community member should strive to maintain a constant prayer vigil until the funeral Mass. If possible, a Lay-Cistercian’s funeral should be as simple as possible following the example of the Monastic Community. Primary consideration, however, should always be given to the desires of the members of the family. If possible, the abbot or Spiritual Director(s) may be invited to officiate at the Funeral Mass. It is hoped that a common plot or burial ground on the monastic grounds be set aside for the burial of a Lay-Cistercian.

Appendix One: Leadership and Governance

      The Council. The leadership and governance of the Lay-Cistercian Community is a service rendered by three Professed Lay-Cistercians, who are elected by the Professed members of the Community and the Spiritual Director(s). They are referred to as the Council. Their charge is to facilitate internal matters and to coordinate with the monastic community. The Council may delegate its responsibilities, thereby utilizing the skills and gifts of individual Community members, as it chooses. The Council will seek on-going Community input with regard to major decisions.
      The Council appoints the Novice Director and the Formation Director.
      The Council or its appointed designee shall also serve as liaison with other Lay-Cistercian communities.
      Term of Service. In order to foster and reinforce continuity of leadership and governance, the terms of service for Council members will overlap. Two members of the Council will serve a one-year term, respectively, and the third member will serve a two-year term. Council members may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.
      Election. Council members will be elected by a simple majority vote taken from the Professed members of the Lay-Cistercian Community and its Spiritual Director(s) that are in attendance at the election meeting. There will be neither nominations nor vote by proxy. A majority vote will consist of 50% plus one, of all Professed Community members present. Voting will take place by means of a secret ballot. Novices, Juniors, and Auxiliary members do not qualify for the simple majority count, have no voting status, and may not be elected to a Council position.
      Voting Process. Each Professed Community member submits a handwritten ballot listing two candidates of his or her choice. The candidate with the highest number of votes, over and above the required majority vote, will be selected to serve a two-year term. The other candidate will be selected to serve a one-year term. In the event of a tie for the two-year term another vote will be taken. An individual may choose to decline the position.
      Standing Committees. A number of standing committees exist for the purpose of accomplishing a variety of tasks for the Community. Members of the Lay-Cistercian Community are encouraged to share their talents and skills, as their time permits, by participating in one of these committees. The current standing committees are: Retreat, Communication, Outreach, Format, and Library.

Appendix Two: Formation
      Inquiry Process. The Lay-Cistercian Community is concerned with preserving our identity in this particular vocation and way of life rather than growing in numbers. The Community is open to receive, without discrimination, all who are drawn to contemplative spirituality in relationship to the Cistercian charism.
      A Professed Lay-Cistercian may refer anyone interested in becoming a member of the Community to the Spiritual Director(s). After an introductory discernment meeting with the Spiritual Director, the Spiritual Director(s) will submit the name, address and telephone number to the Inquiry Session Chairperson recommending that the individual be invited to attend the Inquiry Sessions. The Chairperson will send an invitation to the Inquiry Sessions to those candidates who have been referred by the Spiritual Director(s) prior to the first Inquiry Session.
      Ad Hoc Inquiry Committee. In consultation with the Spiritual Directors the Council will select a Chairperson for the Inquiry sessions (the “Chairperson”) and a group of three to four Lay-Cistercians to facilitate the Inquiry process. The committee should include at least one Professed and the Chairperson of the previous Inquiry Session.
      Inquiry General Procedures. The Inquiry process will take place every two years. Three Inquiry Sessions will be held over a period of approximately three months. Inquiry Sessions may take place before the two-year period if so decided by the Lay-Cistercian Community
      Those who complete the Inquiry Sessions and wish to continue in the discernment process will be invited to attend a Lay-Cistercian Gathering Day and the Inquirer’s Retreat. The retreat will be organized by the Spiritual Director(s), a committee of Professed Lay-Cistercians and the Chairperson of the Inquiry Process. The Retreat schedule will include conferences on the Rule of St. Benedict, the Liturgy of the Hours and the Cistercian charism.
      During the Inquiry Sessions, as well as, in the intervals before and during the Inquirer Retreat, the Inquirer will discern with the Spiritual Director(s) about the final decision to begin the Novitiate. If the discernment of the Inquirer and the Spiritual Director affirms the entry of the Inquirer into the Novitiate, the Inquirer will submit a Letter of Intent to the Council. In the Letter of Intent, the Inquirer is asked to articulate the reasons he or she is drawn to contemplative spirituality and why he or she wishes to join the Lay-Cistercian Community of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit.
      As soon as possible, following the Inquirer Retreat, the Council in consultation with the Spiritual Director(s) and Chairperson will come to a final decision regarding the reception of the Inquirer into the Novitiate. The Spiritual Director(s) and the Council will inform the Inquirer of their recommendation accordingly.
      The Novitiate. The Rite of Reception of Novices ordinarily takes place on Palm Sunday. A Novice Director will be appointed by the Council to oversee the formation of Novices. However, all Professed Lay-Cistercians have a responsibility to assist in the formation process by prayer, example, and/or personal involvement. A “Guardian Angel” will be assigned to each novice. A Guardian Angel is Professed Lay-Cistercian whose service begins on the day the Inquirer is received as a Novice and continues until his or her profession.
      The goal of formation is two-fold:
      1. To help the Novice develop a contemplative dimension within the demands of daily life
       2. To foster a deep spirit of community
      The two-year Novitiate will include attendance at the monthly Lay-Cistercian gatherings. During the gathering day a class will be held for formation of the Novices.
      Preparation of Juniors for Profession. Near the end of the two-year formation period, the Novice writes a letter of intention to the Council expressing his or her desire to make simple promises. The Council along with the Spiritual Director(s) will present the Novice’s intention to the Community for a final vote of approval. Following the final vote of approval Novices will be invited to make simple promises in the presence of the Spiritual Director(s) and the Lay-Cistercian Community. These simple promises will be binding for one year, and renewable on the two following consecutive years. During this period they will be referred to a “Junior Professed Lay-Cistercians.”
      The silver Jubilee Medal of Saint Benedict is the external sign of the Junior Professed Lay-Cistercian.
      Preparation for Full Profession. After the above three-year period, the Junior Professed Lay-Cistercian will be voted upon by the Community to take on a lifetime commitment. Visible adherence to the tenets of the Profession Statement and Lay-Cistercian way of life will be the guideline or standard whereby this vote shall be conducted. The Spiritual Director(s) and a fully Professed Lay-Cistercian appointed by the Council and designated as the Formation Director will determine adherence in consultation with the Junior Professed. They will make the appropriate recommendation to Professed Lay-Cistercians who will exercise the vote of admission.
      Prior to full profession, the Junior Professed Lay-Cistercian will write a letter to the abbot stating his or her intention of becoming a Fully Professed Lay-Cistercian.
      The Lay-Cistercian promises are centered on the Profession Statement. Brief statements reflecting the personal spirituality of the Junior Professed may be added to the basic Profession Statement and will be read verbatim in the Rite of Profession ceremony in the Abbey Church before the abbot, assembled monks, family and close personal friends.
      The gold Jubilee Medal of St. Benedict is the external sign of the Fully Professed Lay-Cistercian.

Appendix Three: Auxiliary Membership
      Definition. Auxiliary membership shall be defined as a status of community interaction pertaining to a Professed Lay-Cistercian who desires to continue his/her membership, but cannot attend monthly meetings due to the following circumstances:
      1. Sickness – personal, or that of close kin
      2. Geographical distance due to relocation, etc.
      3. Personal spirituality, such as a call to eremitical life
      Application. The Community member will discern the circumstances with the Spiritual Director(s). A letter is written to the Council explaining the circumstances that require a change to auxiliary membership status. Upon receipt of the written request, the Council together with the Spiritual Director(s) will vote on the request and then advise the applicant accordingly. Lay-Cistercians who receive approval for auxiliary membership will be called Auxiliary Lay-Cistercians.
      Guidelines. The Auxiliary Lay-Cistercian will endeavor to fulfill as many of the obligations of active membership concerning the daily way of life as his or her respective circumstances permit. It is recommended that the Auxiliary Member discern this guideline with the Spiritual Director.
      The Auxiliary Lay-Cistercian will make an effort to attend the annual Community retreat and the Lay-Cistercian Rite of Profession ceremony for those Junior Professed making final promises.
      Auxiliary Lay-Cistercians are welcome to attend the Community gathering day, but will no longer have voting rights, nor qualify for a simple majority count. They are not eligible to serve as a Council member.
      When absent from monthly meetings, Auxiliary Lay-Cistercians will strive as much as possible to enter into the spirit of the day. They are encouraged to spend at least one hour before the Blessed Sacrament on such days and to keep the horarium of the monthly day if possible.
      Auxiliary Lay-Cistercians are exempt from committee membership, but are welcomed and encouraged to contribute to the life and work of the Community in whatever manner is conducive to his or her respective circumstances.
      Review. Auxiliary membership status will be reviewed annually during the month of January. In order to continue this status, it is incumbent upon the Auxiliary Lay-Cistercian to notify the Council during the month of January of his or her intent to remain on auxiliary status, to return to active status, or to withdraw from the Lay-Cistercian Community. Auxiliary Lay-Cistercians may return to active status whenever circumstances permit by informing the Council in writing of his or her ability and desire to resume active membership. Upon receipt of this letter the Auxiliary Lay-Cistercian will automatically be restored to active status effective as of the date of his or her correspondence.
      Readmission of a Lay-Cistercian. A former Professed member of the Lay-Cistercians who has not sought auxiliary status, and who desires readmission is to submit the request in writing to the Council for consideration. The Council, after prayerful consideration and consultation with the Spiritual Director(s) may place the petition for readmission before the Lay-Cistercian Community for a vote of approval for readmission. The Council will work out a period of probation before full membership is re-established. During this period of probation, the Lay-Cistercian will not qualify for a simple majority count, nor have any voting rights.

NOTES


1. Our Lady is addressed under the title of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit as the patroness of the Cistercian Monastery in Conyers, Georgia.
2. Further reflection on this vow as taken by monks and nuns can be found in Chapter 2 of Centered on Christ by Dom Augustine Roberts, OCSO.
3. Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. Second Vatican Council, Chapter 5.
4. Refer to RB 73, v. 3, “What page, what passage of the inspired books of the Old and New Testaments is not the truest of guides for human life?”
5. c.f. the first sentence of “The Bond of Charity for Lay-Cistercian Groups.
6. Ending of “The Bond of Charity for Lay-Cistercian Groups”.
7. “The Bond of Charity for Lay-Cistercian Groups” (1).
8. “The Bond of Charity for Lay-Cistercian Groups” (1).
9. “The Bond of Charity for Lay-Cistercian Groups” (3).
10. “The Bond of Charity for Lay-Cistercian Groups” (4).
11. The Cistercian Way by André Louf pp. 74-79. The book is used extensively in teaching and study within the Lay Cistercian Community.
12. “The Bond of Charity for Lay-Cistercian Groups” (6).
13. “The Bond of Charity for Lay-Cistercian Groups” (5).
14. “The Bond of Charity for Lay-Cistercian Groups” (2).
15. “The Bond of Charity for Lay-Cistercian Groups” (7).
16. “The Bond of Charity for Lay-Cistercian Groups” (8).
17. “The Bond of Charity for Lay-Cistercian Groups” (8).
18. Spiritual Friendship by St. Aelred of Riveaux.

To contact us:
Lay-Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit
c/o Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery
2625 Highway 212 SW
Conyers GA 30094