Recently our Abbot General, Dom Bernardo Olivera,
wrote a lengthy reflection entitled: Reflections On The Challenge
of Charismatic Associations in which he states, "In
various places where our Order exists today, we see persons or
groups who want to
share our charism in one way or another." Along with other
communities throughout the Order, this desire has surfaced among
our friends and benefactors here at Genesee. See how
to join below.
In an effort to respond to this desire we have
formed a group known as The Genesee Lay Contemplatives. The following
paragraphs define the group and outlines its formation program.
This is not an oblate program in the canonical sense, rather a relationship with the Abbey of the Genesee. Since their beginning in 1993, the GLCs have adopted a Way of Life so as to closely follow the Cistercian way of prayer, silence, solitude, and simplicity of life; and practiced as follows:
1) Commit to a daily practice of contemplative prayer, consistent with Cistercian charism.
2)
Make time in their day for: silence to better attune themselves to the work of the Spirit within them; spiritual reading, including at least fifteen minutes in Scripture, to encourage and sustain them in their endeavors, and the ancient practice of Lectio Divina to form their hearts according to the Word of God.
3)
Practice simplicity of life in a way that will open others to the desire for God.
4)
Attend daily Mass and receive the Eucharist if possible, or for those who are not Catholic, to make a spiritual communion or visit a Church.
5)
Join in the prayer of the Church, the Liturgy of the Hours. Morning and Evening prayer (Lauds and Vespers) are required; The Office of Readings and the minor hours are encouraged.
6)
Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation frequently (Roman Catholics) to restore and nourish their commitment to Christ.
7)
Pray regularly for the living and deceased members of the Genesee community, including the GLC members.
8)
Because devotion to Our Lady is central to the Cistercian charism, GLCs practice a daily devotion to Mary such as the Rosary, Angelus (or Regina Coeli in Paschal Time) or Hail, Holy Queen.
9)
Attendance at monthly Days of Recollection is expected. Exceptions can be made by informing the Secretary in advance of an unavoidable absence.
10)
Write a monthly reflection paper on the reading assigned by the Spiritual Director. Additionally, members write a yearly review of life assessing their spiritual progress and development.
11)
Receive regular spiritual direction.
12)
GLCs are in service through the daily practice of work according to the Ora ET Labora, either for the good of their communities or in their life’s work.
Entrance Procedures
Entrance
Those seeking to become a Genesee Lay Contemplative (GLC) must:
1) Complete an application including a biographical outline of one’s spiritual history, and send it to the Admissions Director who will schedule and carry out a personal interview with the applicant. The Admissions Director and Spiritual Director will determine status and notify the applicant.
2) Obtain two letters of recommendation: one from your pastor and the other from your spiritual director (or other qualified person, if you do not have one). These letters should be sent to the Admissions Director along with the application.
3) Attend the November Day of Recollection as an observer.
Inquirer
Inquirers enter in January under the guidance of a Committed Member whose role is to welcome them, arrange to meet with them as a group, assign them a mentor, help them understand the GLC Way of Life, and answer questions that may arise. Inquirers are expected to attend all Saturday Days of Recollection during the January through May period, and to read and write monthly reflection papers on The Cistercian Way by Andre Louf describing their understanding of the chapters. The reflection papers are given to their guide. At the end of this period of discernment, they will write a letter of intent expressing why they want to enter the GCL Community, also given to their guide. Their guide will provide a recommendation to the council.
Candidate
Candidates begin a period of formation starting with the May meeting. The formation period ordinarily lasts two years. During this period, Candidates progress through a program of classes concentrating on the Rule of Benedict, the history of the Cistercian Order and the GLC community, Cistercian charism, prayer, liturgy and spirituality. Two months before the end of the formation period, Candidates will be asked to write a “Review of Life” reflection paper and a petition asking to make their Act of Commitment. The reflection paper and the commitment petition will be given to the GLC Council who will approve the Candidate’s admission to the GLCs. Approved Candidates will make a formal Act of Commitment at the May meeting following the formation period.
Committed Members
1) Abide by the GLC Way of Life.
2) Renew their Act of Commitment each year.
3) Strive toward an ever-increasing fidelity to their commitment to grow into true contemplatives.
4) Give encouragement to newcomers.
All Members
1) Attend an annual, three day retreat.
2) Comply with the guidelines of the GLC Council, which is the guiding and governing body for the GLC. The Council is comprised of eight members; the Council Chair serves as liaison to our Spiritual Director, who in turn is the liaison to the Abbot of the Abbey of the Genesee.
3) Write a monthly reflection paper on the reading assigned by the Spiritual Director, and an annual (due in May) Review of Life assessing their spiritual progress and development.
4) Pay annual dues, presently $75.
Joining the GLC
If, after prayerful consideration, you would like to join the GLC, please contact the Admissions Director: Margaret Mary Weider:
Margaret Mary Weider
96 Brook Road Caledonia, NY 14423
Phone: (585)-538-9254
Email: margaretmary31@hotmail.com
