STRICT OBSERVANCE CATHOLICS

Today, there is a thirst to grow more deeply by cultivating the “mind of Christ Jesus” to a level beyond what a traditional parish can offer. What I propose is not meant to replace parish involvement, but rather to foster a deeper observance of what it means to be a Catholic who seeks an additional layer of spirituality.

I am a professed Lay Cistercian (making my final promises before the Abbot at the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit) (Trappist), Conyers, Georgia. http://www.trappist.net. It is a strict observance group and not for everyone. The group stresses daily conversio morae and capacitas dei, making religion more a way of life with prayer as the Center and silence, solitude, work, prayer, and community as charisms to be cultivated using Cistercian spirituality. The Catholic Church offers many opportunities for the laity to grow deeper in their faith practice. My website is dedicated to sharing with anyone what I have gained from putting myself in the presence of Jesus and, with humility and obedience, waiting for what the Lord says to do. Do What He Tells You.

Rather than restrict what Catholics can do, the Church actually encourages each person to “make new wineskins” each day to hold the “precious wine that Christ allows us to drink.”

I encourage you to discern some of these lay associations, all of which are good and lead their members to concentrate solely on being present to Jesus so that He can be present to us. I have asked AI to identify some of these places you can contact for further information.

“Catholic Lay Institutes (often called “Third Orders” or “Lay Associates”) allow lay men and women to live out the spirituality of a specific religious order while remaining in the secular world. Members make formal promises or commitments to follow their chosen Order’s Rule through prayer, study, and community. [1, 2, 3]

Key Catholic Lay Groups & Their Charisms

• Secular Franciscans (OFS): Focus on gospel living, simplicity, and active service to the poor, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• Lay Dominicans (OP): Emphasize the “Four Pillars”: Prayer, Study, Community, and Apostolate (preaching and defending the faith). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS): Dedicate themselves to deep interior silence, contemplative prayer, and the spirituality of St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• Benedictine Oblates: Affiliated directly with a specific monastery, oblates adapt the Rule of St. Benedict (stability, hospitality, and ora et labora or “pray and work”) to their daily secular lives. [1, 2, 3]
• Lay Cistercians: Associated with Trappist/Cistercian monasteries, focusing on simplicity, manual labor, and contemplative prayer. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Third Order Augustinians: Seek God together through community, interiority, and the pursuit of truth under the Rule of St. Augustine. [1]

How to Join

Joining a lay institute is a serious commitment that supplements (but does not replace) regular parish membership. The process typically involves three stages of discernment and formation over 1 to 4.5 years: [1, 2, 3, 4]

1. Inquirer/Postulant: You attend local chapter meetings to learn about the charism and gauge if the vocation fits your life.
2. Novice/Candidate: You receive initial formation, study the Order’s Rule, and begin participating more fully in the community’s spiritual life.
3. Profession: You make temporary (usually 3 years) and then permanent promises to live the Order’s Rule for the rest of your life. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Getting Started Locally

• Franciscans: Find a local group through the Secular Franciscan Order USA Locator.
• Dominicans: Locate a chapter via the Lay Dominicans Chapter Directory.
• Benedictines: Search for a nearby monastery or check with the Oblates of St. Benedict directory to connect with an Oblate Director.
• Lay Cistercians: You can begin your Inquiry directly through the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, which hosts an active Lay Cistercian program. They offer initial monthly Gathering Days and structured guidance to help you enter a contemplative lifestyle. Those living outside Georgia are also sponsored by the Lay Contemplative Associates, a remote community of members scattered throughout the United States who connect via Zoom and meet annually at the monastery. [1, 2, 3]

Further Exploration

trappist.net

trappist.net/about/lay-cistercians/