Throughout the history of our faith, lay men and women have been attracted to contemplation through the spirituality of Monastics.  Groups sprang up during the later twentieth century near Cistercian Monasteries in the United States and in Africa, and sought a deeper relationship with the monks and nuns in order to learn more about this unique type of spirituality to adapt it to their lives outside of the Monastic enclosure.  From these humble beginnings, Lay Cistercians have grown into worldwide communities.

Our observations indicate that this calling includes these elements: awareness of the inner life, a desire for a prayer centered life, recognition of the intervention of the Holy Spirit, and an awakening of reciprocity with God.  The response to this calling is discernment through participation in the Lay Cistercian community, with others who have received the calling and integration of contemplative Cistercian values in our daily lives.

Our community gathers once a month, (Second Sunday of each month) to renew ourselves in living the Gospel by the Cistercian contemplative path through prayer and study.  Periodically we gather with other Lay Cistercian communities in Florida.  Annually we have our 3-4 day retreat at our Cistercian Monastery, Abbey of The Holy Spirit in Conyers, GA.

For more information feel free to call Ann Brefka at 239-867-4262 or to contact Bud Karbach by email at naplesbud(at)yahoo.com.

Lay Cistercians of South Florida - Website

                                           
Walking with others on the Cistercian path brings mutual support and joy to the members of our Lay community and the community of monks with which we are affiliated.  We learn to see Christ in one another and to love as Christ loves us.  In the early years of involvement with the Lay Cistercian community we provide the newcomer with a program of formation, its goal the development of knowledge of the history of the Cistercian order, and the fundamentals of Cistercian spirituality. With initial formation behind us we continue our engagement in a life long journey toward God through the richness of the Cistercian charisma.

Formation for the Lay Cistercian is both personal and communal. It includes the following elements:

❖ The practice of Lectio Divina and prayer
❖ The Rule of Saint Benedict
❖ Knowledge of the treasure of Cistercian literature
❖ The Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours)
❖ Self-Knowledge
❖ The importance of the Eucharist and other Sacraments
❖ Spiritual accompaniment

The practice of both exterior and interior silence and listening is emphasized in living the Cistercian charism. Our annual monastic retreat is a means of reinforcing community and relationship with God.