THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LAY CISTERCIAN COMMUNITIES

Reflect on and share the relationships that our Lay Communities have with the monastery with which they are associated.
As we decided in Huerta in 2008, establish a permanent Association of Lay Cistercian Communities.
Reflect on and share what formation means.

May 22, 2011
- Plenary Session: The Lay people associated with Cistercian monasteries and their recognition by the OCSO, Dom Armand Veilleux
- Plenary Session: The Hopes and Fears of the monks and nuns of the Order concerning Lay Cistercians, Sister Gail Fitzpatrick
- Plenary Session: The Goals of This Week’s Meeting, Dennis Day
  
  Discussion Questions: Relationships with Cistercian monasteries
  
  Each lay community has a unique relationship with the monastery with which it is associated. Should any aspects of these relationships be adopted as a common "ideal" towards which lay communities should aspire? If so, what are they?
  
  Are there any aspects of a group’s relationship with a Cistercian monastery that should be considered minimal for all lay Cistercian communities? If so, what are they?
  
  Are there any specific criteria that should be stated for a lay Cistercian group to belong to the International Association? If so, what are they?
- Language group discussions
May 23, 2011
- Plenary Session: Relationships with Cistercian monasteries (Characteristics of Lay Cistercian Communities)
- Language group discussion: The Bonds of Charity That Unite Us
- Plenary Session: The Bonds of Charity That Unite Us
May 24, 2011
- Plenary Session: Ratification of The Bonds of Charity That Unite Us
- Plenary Session: Presentation of Statute on Membership in the International Association of Lay Cistercian Communities
- Plenary Session: Ratification of Statute on Membership in the International Association of Lay Cistercian Communities
May 25, 2011
- Language group discussion: nominations for Steering Committee
- Plenary Session: Election of Steering Committee: Tina Payare (Spanish, alternate Polo Ossorio), Marie-Christine Rossignol (French, alternate Pascal Sonzogni) and Dennis Day (English, alternate Teresa McMahon)
- Financial Report
- Plenary Session: What is Formation?, Fr. Pierre-André Burton
  
  Discussion Questions: Formation Programs
  
  Does the International Association need to develop a statement on formation? If so, what are some important things it should include? How could such a document be used?
  
  A formation program on paper may differ greatly from a formation program in practice. What are the most important aspects of a formation program for lay communities? Prioritize the list.
  
  Are there any ways that Lay Communities can support and help one another in the formation of their members? If so, what are these? And how can they be implemented?
May 26, 2011
Excursion to New Melleray and Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbies, followed by paddle boat ride on the Mississippi River
May 27, 2011
- Language group discussion: Formation Program
- Plenary Session: Formation Program (Notes on Formation)
- Plenary Session: Closing and evaluation

International Association of Lay Cistercian Communities

FIFTH INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF LAY CISTERCIAN COMMUNITIES

Growing in the Spirit: Bringing the Cistercian Charism Home

Called to be transformed into the image of Christ. . .(2 Cor 3,18)

New Melleray Abbey / Mississippi Abbey (DubuqMay 21-28, 2011

We have the following goals:

Called to be transformed into the image of Christ. . .
(2 Cor 3,18)

New Melleray Abbey / Mississippi Abbey
(Dubuq
May 21-28, 2011