manual the cistercian order of the holy cross, common...

Manual

The Cistercian Order of the Holy Cross, Common Observance

Updated October 2018

MANUAL OF THE ORDER OF THE HOLY CROSS

POSTULANCY PostulancyisaoneyearperiodofprayerandreflectionontheCistercianvocation.Duringthistimeyoushouldcompletethefollowing.YourNoviceMasterwillguideyouandansweryourquestions.Rememberthatweareheretohelpyou.ItiswithgreatpleasurethattheCistercianOrderoftheHolyCrosswelcomesyoutoPostulancy.Mostpostulantsandoblateshaveperiodsofconfusion,faithcrises,depressionandamyriadofnegativelifesituations.Expectthistohappenandexpectthatwewillbetheretoguideyouthroughthem.Rememberamonkisnowhowmuchhehasstudiedorhowmuchhehasprayedbutwhohehasbecome.Quitefrankly,postulancyisatimeoftestingnotonlyyourcalltotheCistercianwayoflife,butofyourfortitudetokeepthefaith.Cisterciansarefrequentlydescribedasthemostdifficultofallthereligiousdisciplines.Manypostulants,despitetheirbestintentionsandhardwork,findthe“call”wasnotgenuineortheylackthefortitudeorattitude.Shouldthishappentoyou,behonestwithyoursuperiorsanddiscussitwiththem.Donotperceivethisasfailure.OnedoesnotfailwhenoneishonestwithGodandhisfellowman.YoursuperiorsandIwilldoallwecantoguideyouduringthischallengingtwelve-monthjourney.WepraythatGodmakesclearHiscalluponyourlife.WelookforwardwithpositiveanticipationknowingthatGodhasgreatthingsinstoreforallthosewholoveHim.Rememberamonkisnothowmuchhehasstudiedorhowmuchhehasprayedbutwhohehasbecome.

Required reading for postulants TheMembersectionisfullofgreatreadingsandinformationandwewouldencourageyoutoreadthemall.YouwilllearnhowwethinkandbecomeveryproudofyourOrder.YouhaveoneyeartocompletethisworkIfyouplanandputtimeasideyoushouldhaveplentyoftime.IfyouneedsomeassistancecontactyourNoviceMaster.Postulantswillcompleteaone-pagesummaryandaone-pagereflection,usingtheformatdescribedontheSeminarywebsite,foreachcourseandvideoselections.Gradingwillbepassorfail.PapersshouldbeforwardedtotheAbbotGeneral'sofficeoryourNoviceMasteruponcompletion.YoushouldbeabletofindallofthebooksonAmazon.comTheaboverequirementspartiallysatisfytheSTLrequirementsforSt.StephenHardingTheologicalCollegeandSeminary.ShouldapostulantwishtopursuetheSTL,B.Th.,orM.Th.,heshouldconsulttheAbbotGeneral’sofficefordetailsandfees.POS-POL101PolityoftheCistercianOrderoftheHolyCrossText:DocumentsoftheCistercianOrderoftheHolyCross.(Completetheseriesofquestionsthatyouwillfindinthe“StudyAid”sectionandsendtoyourNoviceMaster),summaryandreflectionpapersareNOTrequired.POS-BEN101LifeandWayofSt.BenedictSixtextbooksareusedinthiscourse:•LifeandMiraclesofSt.Benedict(LP)•NovenatoSt.Benedict(LP)•St.BenedictfortheLaity(LP)•MedalorCrossofSt.Benedict,byDomProsperGueranger,OSB(AP)•PrayingWithBenedict:PrayerintheRuleofSt.Benedict,byKorneelVermeiren,OCSO,trans.byRichardYeo,OSB(CP)

•TheRuleofBenedictforBeginners:SpiritualityforDailyLife,byWilDerkse,trans.byMartinKessler(LP).POS-CIST102SchoolofLoveandVocationFourtextbooksareusedinthiscourse:•IntheSchoolofLove:AnAnthologyofEarlyCistercianTexts,ed.byEdithScholl,OCSO,prefacebyBasilPennington,OCSO(CP)•TheCistercianWay,byAndreLouf(CP)•TheWayofSilentLove,byACarthusian,trans.byAnAnglicanSolitary(CP)•TheCallofSilentLove,byACarthusian,trans.byAnAnglicanSolitary(CP)

Additionally Required St.Benedict’sRuleforMonasteries(Completethemeditationson“TheRule”thatarefoundinthe“StudyAid”sectionandsendtoyourNoviceMaster),Thisismeanttobea6monthmeditationplanwithisoutlinedandallsetupforyou.YouaretoanswereachquestionandsendthemtoyourNoviceMaster.SeparatesummaryandreflectionNOTrequired.PostulantsmustviewthefollowingvideosbytheAbbotGeneral:WhatisaMonk?,VowsofStability,Obedience,Conversatio,andProtectingyourVocation.Youcanfindalinktothemonthevideopageonthiswebsite.Dowriteaonepagesummaryonallofthevideoscombinedandaonepagereflectiononthesame.

Recommended reading for postulants ImitationofChristbyThomasa’KempisTheSevenStoryMountainbyThomasMertonIntroductiontoaDevoutLifebyFrancesdeSalesBenedict’sRule:ATranslationandCommentarybyTerrenceG.KordongSpiritualDirectionandMeditationbyThomasMertonExploringSpiritualDirectionbyAlanJonesThePracticeofSpiritualDirectionbyBarryandConnolly

Rememberamonkisnothowmuchhehasstudiedorhowmuchhehasprayedbutwhohehasbecome.

Thesearerecommendationsnotanopportunityforyoutobeperfectandthentheguiltthatfollowswhenyoufail.Mostofushavemanyresponsibilities.Thekeyhereisbalance.Soiflifebecomesoverwhelmingonedayfine,justsaymorningoreveningprayers.Bebalanced.

Daily Prayer Activities AminimumofMorningPrayer,EveningPrayer,andComplineareencouraged.Theideal,ifpossible,aretheeightmonasticoffices.Dailyprayershouldinclude:A.OpusDeifromyourprayerbookB.MeditationontheRuleofSt.BenedictC.LectioDivina(spiritualreading,Scripture)D.DailyprayerforOrder.ThiscanbefoundintheLiturgysection.WeeklyAtwomealfast,healthpermitting

Tithing TithingisanimportantpartofourjourneywithGodandtheCommunityofFaithfulthatHehasgiventous.ForCistercianMonkstithingisanimportantpartoftheirvowsofobedienceandstability.WeareobedienttothecommandinScripturetogive.Wecannotbe“excused”or“excuse”ourselves.ThroughtithingwelearndependencyonGod,togovernourlifefromthelustforobjects,andtobethankfulforwhattheGoodLordhasgiventous.ToCisterciansstabilitymeansthatthisistheplace,thelivingcommunity,wherewefindGod.Wehavearesponsibilitytogivelifetothatcommunitythoughthegivingof

ourtreasure,time,andtalents.OurConstitutionrequiresusalltogive5%ofourgrossincometotheOrder.AdditionallyweshouldbequicktovolunteertoperformdutiesonbehalfoftheOrder.TithesshouldbereceivedattheHomeOfficebythe15thofeachmonth.Anindividualwhocannotkeepthesesimplerequirementswouldnotbeagoodcandidateforreligiouslifeorthereceptionofvows.

Monthly Reports Monthlyreportsareanopportunityforreflectiononthepastmonth’sspiritualgrowthandotheractivities.ItisalsoonemoreopportunitytocommunicatewithyourSuperiorwhocaresaboutyourdevelopment.Reportsshouldbeturnedinwithyourtithebythe15thofeachmonth.Rememberamonkisnothowmuchhehasstudiedorhowmuchhehasprayedbutwhohehasbecome.

Plan for the First Twelve Months Months1:1.Establishdailyregimenofprayer,studyandcontemplation.•ChristianPrayer:LiturgyoftheHours,(preferred)or•OtherapprovedMonasticorMarianHours2.Orderbooks,necessaries.3.AttendChaptermeeting(s)orestablishregulartelephonecontactwithyourNoviceMaster.4.Selectanapprovedspiritualdirectorandconfessor.5.Makeyourmonthlyoffering.6.SendinyourmonthlyreporttotheAbbotGeneral.

Rememberamonkisnothowmuchhehasstudiedorhowmuchhehasprayedbutwhohehasbecome.Months1-9ThemostimportantitemsaretobeinfrequentcontactwithyourNoviceMaster,continuewithyourstudiesanddevelopanactiveandmeaningfulprayerlife.Rememberweareheretohelpyou.YourshouldbecontactingyourconfessorandSpiritualDirectoronetimepermonth.Seeinformationonthisbelow.IfyouhaveanyquestionsspeakwithyourNoviceMaster.Itwouldbewisetogetthisassignmentdoneduringthefirstmonth.Itwillgiveanopportunitytogettoknowhowwedothings.Text:DocumentsoftheCistercianOrderoftheHolyCross.(Completetheseriesofquestionsthatyouwillfindinthe“StudyAid”sectionandsendtoyourNoviceMaster),summaryandreflectionpapersareNOTrequired.Months1-6completethesereflections.Getstartedonthisyourfirstmonthandcontinueforthenextmonthsasdirected.St.Benedict’sRuleforMonasteries(Completethemeditationson“TheRule”thatarefoundinthe“StudyAid”sectionandsendtoyourNoviceMaster),Thisismeanttobea6monthmeditationplanwithisoutlinedallallsetforyou.YouaretoanswereachquestionandsendthemtoyourNoviceMaster.SeparatesummaryandreflectionNOTrequired.Months7-9YouhavebeeninregularlymonthlycontactwithyouNoviceMasterandsendinginyourmonthlyreport,tithe,andthewrittenassignmentsthathavebeenrequiredofyou.Hopefullyyouareuptodate.Ifnotthesearethemonthsthatyoucatchupandgetallthingsready.Month10:YouwillsoonbetakingNovicevows.Thereareanumberofthingstoprepare.1.NotifytheAbbotGeneralofyourdesiretobeacceptedintothenovitiateordesiretowait.2.RequesttheAbbotGeneral'sapprovalofyourreligiousname.

3.ObtainhabitandcrossofSt.Benedict.Thereareanumberofplacestopurchaseyourhabit.TheyarelistedintheResourcepage.4.NotifytheAbbotGeneralthatyouhavereadtherequiredbooks.5.ProvideadescriptionofyouradherencetotheRule.6.Beginmeditationsonpreparingforvows.7.Ittakesalotofplanningforyourreceptionofvowssostartplanningnow.Month12:Havingobtainedpermissiontoenterthenovitiate,makeyourvowsinfrontoftheAbbotGeneralorhisdesignate.Otherinformation

Novice Master/ Spiritual Director/Confessor

Novice Master: YouwillsoonbeassignedaNoviceMaster.Hewill•HelpyouineveryphaseofyourCistercianjourneyandcommunitylife•Walkyouthruallthevariousstepsandprocedures•Directyouinyourrequiredreadings•Discussthereadingswithyouandevaluateyourwritings•Helpwithyouwiththevariouschallengesinaccommodatingyourlifetocontemplativepractices•Helpyou,yourfamily,andifnecessary,yourlocalcommunitytobetterunderstandyourvocationandhelpyoutodevelopit•Helpyoulearnhowtopray,listentoourLord,andrespondappropriately•Bethepersontowhomyoumightaskforspecialrequestsorpermissions

•HelptheOrderevaluateyourreadinesstoenterintotheNovitiate.YoushouldinitiatecontactwithyourNoviceMasteratleasttwicepermontheitherbyphoneore-mail.YourNoviceMasterwillbereportingtotheAbbotGeneral’sofficeregardingyourprogress.

Spiritual Director PostulantsarerequiredtohavealocalSpiritualDirector.Itmaytakeawhiletofindacompetentperson,ofthesamegenderasyourself,toguideyourSpiritualDirection.Itiswellworththeeffort.IdeallyaSpiritualDirectorhassomeformaltrainingandexperienceintheart.Certainlytheyshouldhavedevelopedtheirowndeepspirituallifeandbeamemberofanhistoricsacramentalchurch.He/sheshouldunderstandandappreciateyourvocationintheCisterciancontemplativelife.YoumaywanttoinviteyourNoviceMastertobeincommunicationwithyourSpiritualDirectorshouldyourDirectorneedadditionalinformation.YourNoviceMastermustapproveyourSpiritualDirector.

What is Spiritual Direction? SpiritualDirectionisconcernedwithhelpingapersondirectlywithhis/herrelationshipwithGod.Theunderlyingquestionis,“WhoisGodforme,andwhoamIforHim?”Theseandsimilarquestionspointtoanotherkindofhelp.TheDirectorhelpstheothertoaddressGoddirectlyandtolistentowhatGodhastocommunicate.ThefocusofthiskindofdirectionistherelationshipitselfbetweenGodandtheperson.Thepersonishelpednotsomuchtounderstandrelationshipbetter,buttoengageinit,toenterintodialoguewithGod.Spiritualdirectionofthiskindfocusesonwhathappenswhenapersonlistenstoandrespondstoaself-communicatingGod.WedefinespiritualdirectionashelpgivenbyadirectorthatenablesapersontopayattentiontoGod’spersonalcommunicationandtorespondtothispersonallycommunicatingGod,togrowinintimacywiththisGod,andtoliveouttheconsequencesoftherelationshipwithintheCisterciancommunity.Thefocusonthistypeofdirectionisonexperience,notideas,andspecificallyonreligiousexperience.

ThespiritualdirectorismostinterestedinwhathappenswhenapersonconsciouslyputhimselfintothepresenceofGod.Notthatthedirectorhaslittleornointerestintherestofaperson’slife.Heisinterestedinthewholeperson,butthefocusofinterestistheprayerexperienceofthedirectee.YoushouldpersonallysitinfrontofyourSpiritualDirectoronetimepermonth.Thisshouldnotbealongdistancerelationship.

Confessor TheSacramentsChristinstitutedtheSevenSacramentsoftheNewLaw:Baptism,Confirmation(orChrismation),theEucharist,Penance,AnointingoftheSick(ExtremeUnction),HolyOrders,andMatrimony.TheSevenSacramentstouchallthestagesandimportantmomentsofChristianlife.Theyproducethegracethattheysignify.ConfessionThosewhoapproachtheSacramentofPenance/ConfessionobtainpardonfromGod’smercyfortheoffensescommittedagainstHim,andare,atthesametime,reconciledtotheChurchwhichtheyhavewoundedbytheirsinsandwhichbycharity,byexample,andbyprayer,laborsfortheirconversion.Private,auricularconfessionispreferredovercommunalpenitentialrites.MonthlyreceptionoftheSacramentisrequiredbypostulants,novices,lifeprofessedandthoseinHolyOrders.Oblatesareencouragedtoreceivethissacrament.BishopsandpriestsarethesoleministersoftheSacrament.The“SealoftheConfession”isABSOLUTE.Thecontentsandidentityofapenitentcanneverbemadeknownunderanycircumstances.Theconfessormayrefusetohearaconfessionorgiveabsolutionifthepenitentdoesnotcometothesacramentwiththeintentandwillingnesstobereconciledandamended.TheSacramentofReconciliationnormallycontainsSpiritualcounselbytheconfessorandmaybeadministeredinanysuitablelocationbutmustbedoneinthephysicalpresenceoftheconfessornotoverthephoneorotherformsofcommunication.ThosethingsnecessarytoconfecttheSacramentare:confessionofsin,impositionofapenance,andabsolutiongivenasappearsinapprovedsacramentaries.

NormallyyourConfessorandSpiritualDirectoraredifferentpersons.WiththepermissionofyourNoviceMasterexceptionsmaybemade.NeitheryourNoviceMasternoranyothermember/officeroftheOrderwillbeincontactwithyourConfessor.Howevertheymayaskyouifyourarekeepingthispractice.YourNoviceMastermustapproveyourConfessor.


NOVITIATE

Duringthenexttwoyearsyouarerequiredtocontinueyourdailyandmonthlyrequirementsofpostulancyandtocompletethereadingassignmentsbelow.Itmightseemlikealotofreadingbutrememberitisoveratwoyearperiod.SincethisthelifethatGodiscallingyoutothereadingsshouldbeveryenjoyable.

Noviceswillcompleteaone-pagesummaryandaone-pagereflection for each course usingtheformatdescribedforwritingpapersontheSeminarywebsite.Gradingwillbepassorfail.PapersshouldbeforwardedtotheAbbotGeneral’sofficeuponcompletion.

TheaboverequirementspartiallysatisfytheSTLrequirementsforSt.StephenHardingTheologicalCollegeandSeminary.ShouldanovicewishtopursuetheSTL,B.Th.,orM.Th.,heshouldconsulttheAbbotGeneral’sofficefordetailsandfees.

Required reading for novices:

NOV-BEN102TheRuleofSt.Benedict

Threetextbooksareusedinthiscourse:

ReadingSaintBenedict,byAdalbertdeVogue,OSB,trans.byColetteFriedlander,OCSO(CP)SeekingGod:TheWayofSt.Benedict,seconded.,byEstherdeWaal(LP)St.Benedict’sRuleforMonasteries,trans.byLeonardJ.Doyle(LP)

NOV-BEN103BenedictineSpirituality

Threetextbooksareusedinthiscourse:

MonasticPractices,byCharlesCummings,OCSO(CP)TheBenedictineHandbook,ed.byAnthonyMarrett-Crosby(LP)ALife-GivingWay:ACommentaryontheRuleofSt.Benedict,byEstherdeWaal(LP)

NOV-CIST101HistoryandAchievementsofCistercians

Twotextbooksareusedinthiscourse:

TheNewMonastery:TextsandStudiesontheEarliestCistercians,ed.byE.RozanneElder(CP)TheCistercians:IdealsandReality,byLouisJ.Lekai,O.Cist.(CP)NOV-CIST103ContemporaryCisterciansFourtextbooksareusedinthiscourse:TheMonasticJourneyofThomasMerton,ed.byBrotherPatrickHart,OCSO(CP)HowFartoFollow:TheMartyrsofAtlas,byBernardoOlivera,OCSO(CP)WhatMakesaCistercianMonk?,byAnthonyDelisi,OCSO(CP)TheLegacyofThomasMerton,ed.byPatrickHart,OCSONOV-CONT101IntroductiontoContemplationFourtextbooksareusedinthiscourse:NoMomentTooSmall:RhythmsofSilence,Prayer,andHolyReading,byNorveneVest(CP)TheHermitageWithin:SpiritualityoftheDesert,byaMonk,trans.byAlanNeame(CP)InteriorPrayer,byACarthusian,trans.byMaureenScrine(CP)PrayerandContemplation,byRobertLlewelyn,(CP)NOV-CONT102LectioDivinaFourtextbooksareusedinthiscourse:HappinessandContemplation,byJosefPieper(IP)PrayingtheBible:AnIntroductiontoLectioDivinabyMarianoMagrassi,OSB,transbyEdwardHagman,OFMCap.(LP)PrayingTheWord:AnIntroductiontoLectioDivina,byEnzoBianchi,transbyJamesW.Zona(CP)TheClimateofMonasticPrayer,byThomasMerton(CP)NOV-CONT103ContemplativePraxisThreetextbooksareusedinthiscourse:TheSchoolofPrayer:AnIntroductiontotheDivineOfficeforAllChristians,byJohnBrook(LP)EucharisticContemplation,byErnestRanly,CPPS(LP)PrayingtheRosary:TheJoyful,Fruitful,Sorrowful,andGloriousMysteries,byWarrenF.Dicharry,CM(LP)

Recommended reading for novices: 1.TheRuleoftheMaster,translatedbyLukeEberle2.ATheologyofChristianPrayerbyWright3.TheOtherSideofSilencebyMortonKelsey4.FreedomofSimplicitybyRichardFoster5.NoMomentTooSmall,RhythmsofSilence,PrayerandHolyReadingbyVest6.SpiritualFriendshipbyAelredandRievaulx7.CistercianStudiesQuarterlybyCistercianPublications8.PrayerandContemplationbyLlewelyn9.FathersTalkingbyAelredSquire10.TheWayofSilentLovebyA.Carthusian11.EncounteringtheDepths,Prayers,SolitudeandContemplationbyMarthaMaryClare,SLG12.MonasticPracticesbyCharlesCummings,OCSO


LIFE PROFESSED LifeprofessedmonksaretotakeanactiveroleinaidingtheOrdertogrowinnumberandmaturity.Theyaretobeamodelforholiness.Lifeprofessedmonksareexpectedtocontinueincommunityorchapter,tomaintaincontactwiththeAbbotGeneral,theirconfessorandspiritualdirector.Undertheirguidancemonkswillhavetheopportunitytospecializeintheirstudies.Lifeprofessedmonksshouldcontinuetheirmonasticformationthroughstudy,prayer,andservice.YoushouldseekthehelpofyourAbbotGeneralorlocalsuperiortodevelopyourcontinuedformation.


OBLATES OblatescomefromavarietyofreligiousbackgroundsandwishtodeveloptheirrelationshipwithGodbyassociatingthemselveswithamonasticgroupthusgaininginsightfromthemonksandtheirlifestyle.Afteroneyearofsuccessfulformationthecandidatemaytaketheirpromises(foundintheliturgysection)thusbecominganofficialoblate.ThentheycanuseOCCO/OBLaftertheirnames.Pleaserereadoftentheinformationonthewebsiteonwhatitmeanstobeanoblate.BypracticingthethingsgivenmostimportancetoCistercianlifeyouwilldiscoverthejoyofanewandprofoundrelationshipwiththeLord.A.OpusDei(dailyprayersusingaprayerbook,welifetheLiturgyoftheHours*)B.LectioDivina(aprocessofmeditation)C.Stability,dailyconversion,andobedience(aresteptoholiness)E.Regularcontactspiritualdirector(whowillguideyouandansweryourquestions)EachOblateisencouragedto:A.PraydailyfortheCistercians(theprayerislocatedinLiturgysection)D.Attendhis/herownchurchweeklyF.ReadapartoftheRuleofBenedictdailyG.AttendmonthlyChaptermeetings,orparticipateintheirlocalcommunity,ormaintainmonthlycontactwiththeAbbotGeneral.Formorning,noonandeveningprayers,youaretoselecteitherTheBookofCommonPrayer;ChristianPrayer:TheLiturgyoftheHours,TheShorterChristianPrayer;WorkofGod,BenedictinePrayer,oravariationoftheLiturgyoftheHours.

Necessaries to help you in your journey *•TheBookofCommonPrayer(Anglican),orChristianPrayer:LiturgyoftheHours(RomanCatholic),orWorkofGod,BenedictinePrayer,orOtherapprovedliturgies•St.Benedict’sRuleforMonasteries•NovenatoSt.Benedict

Required reading for Oblates that you will find very interesting 1.AShareintheKingdom,ACommentaryontheRuleofSt.BenedictforOblatesbyBenetTvedten,OSB2.SpiritualityforEverydayLivingbyBrianTaylor3.TheLifeandMiraclesofSt.BenedictbyPopeSt.Gregory4.PreferringChrist,ADevotionalCommentaryandWorkbookontheRuleofSt.Benedict,byNorveneVest,OblateOSB

Recommended reading for Oblates 1.IntroductiontoaDevoutLifebySt.FrancesdeSales2.SpiritualDirectionandMeditationbyThomasMerton3.ExploringSpiritualDirectionbyAlanJones4.ThePracticeofSpiritualDirectionbyBarryandConnolly

Tithing TithingisanimportantpartofourjourneywithGodandtheCommunityofFaithfulthatHehasgiventous.ForCistercianOblatestithingisanimportantpartoftheirsupporttotheOrder.OurConstitutionrequiresusalltogive5%ofourgrossincometotheOrder.


A MODEL FOR A RULE OF LIFE AFTER THE LIFE OF ST. BENEDICT Anyruleoflifeshouldbedevelopedslowlyandveryindividually,takingintoconsiderationone’sownlifecircumstances.Thegospelcaneasilybecomenothingmorethanlawwhenrigidlyapplied.Andwithoutthemotivatinginfluenceofcommunity,undertakingarulecanbedifficult.Therefore,itisadvisedthatonebeginwithwhereoneactuallyis(intermsofspiritualpractice)andaddonenewelementatatime,asonefeelsready.Thissuggestedruleisintendedtoprovideaspringboardforreflection,anditservesasoneexampleoftryingtoincorporatethespiritofSt.Benedictintoeverydayliving,thatinallthingsGodmightbeglorified.Pleaserememberthatitisnothowmuchyouhavestudiedordonebutwhatyouhavebecomethatisimportant.

Commitment to Life Stability*Alifelongcommitmenttoone’svocation,familyandfriends–beingfullyacceptingofthislifeasavehicleofgraceConversatio*Opennesstogrowthandchange;willingnesstolookatoneselfandtobechallengedbyGodandothersObedience*FidelitytothisRuleandtothelimits,demands,disciplines,andtherhythmsofthelifewehavebeengiven

Life in Balance Prayer*OpusDei:theofficeofMorningPrayerbutshouldalsoincludesilentcontemplationNoontimeoffice,meditationuponpsalmsorprayerfulrecollectionofthepresenceofGodEveningprayeroffice,meditationuponpsalmsandscriptureorprayerfulrecollectionHabitualrecollectionthroughouttheday

Study*LectioDivina:dailyreadingsinScripture,spirituality,includingSt.Benedict’sRuleforMonasteriesWork*One’sjob,churchministry,manuallabor,exercise,andfinancialgivingforchurchandcharitableworkPoverty*Simplicityandmoderationinpossessions;reverenceforanddetachmentfromthingsChastity*WorshipingGodinphysicalrelationships,notusingtheotherorabusingtheselfFasting*Aweeklytwo-mealfast;disciplinedmoderationinfoodanddrinkalwaysSolitude*Paradoxical,butnecessary,aspectsoftheRulemustbekeptinbalancewithinself,community,andfamily.Almsgiving*Givingasignificantpercentageofmonthlyincometochurchandothercharities,generositywithallpossessions,anda5%tithesentdirectlytotheofficeoftheAbbotGeneralforthemaintenanceoftheOrder.


HABITS

• Habits,LittleHabitsandBrothersCollars• Noviceswearhabits.HabitsmustfollowtheCisterciantraditionsandwhile

theymaydifferfrommonasterytomonastery,thestyleforeachmonasterymustbeconsistent.

• Monksorhermitslivingoutsidethemonasterywillwearhabitsthatconsistofawhitetunic,blackbeltandalongblackscapularunlessheisotherwisedirected.

• Thehabitiswornwhenitisefficaciousforboththemonkandthosearoundhim.The“littlehabit”isthecrossofSt.Benedictandmaybeworninplaceofthehabitatothertimes.OnlyanAbbotwearsagoldorgoldtonecross.Onlysuperiorswearcrossesoverthehabit.

• Men’shabitsarewornbynovicesandlifeprofessed.Eachchapterorcommunityshouldhaveasimilarityinstyle.Thehabitconsistsofawhitetunic.Nolaceorothertrim,includingcolor,shouldbefoundonthetunic.Thelengthshouldbetotheankles.Sleevestyleshouldbenarrowandfoldedback.

• Ablackbeltwithasimplebuckleisworn.Thebeltwidthshouldbe1½”to17/8”.

• Along,black,hoodedscapulariswornoverthetunic.Lengthistomid-shinandisthesameinfrontandback.Thescapularisnotsewntogetherontheside.Theedgeoftheshoulderendsatthenormalshoulderseam.

• Thehabitiswornovertraditionalclothing.T-shirt,blackpants,blacksocksandblackshoes,notsandals

• BrothersCollars(black)mayalsobewornifitbestsuitedfortheoccasion.Howeverhabitsarepreferred.Seewww.idonnelly.comcatalogpage541forinformation.

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• Woman’shabitsarewornbynovicesandlifeprofessed.Eachchaptershouldhaveasimilarityinstyle.Thehabitconsistsofawhitealb.Nolaceorothertrim,includingcolor,shouldbefoundonthealb.Thelengthshouldbetotheankles.Sleevestylecanbewideornarrow.

• Ablackfeltwithasimplebuckleisworn.Thebeltwidthshouldbe7/8”to1½“.Alongblackscapulariswornoverthealb.Lengthistomid-shinandisthesameinfrontandback.Thescapularisnotsewntogetherontheside.Theedgeoftheshoulderendsatthenormalshoulderseam.

• Veilsarewhitefornovicesandblackforlifeprofessed.• Thehabitiswornovertraditionalunderclothing,includingawhiteorivory

fullsliporcamisoleandhalf-slip,thesamelengthasthealb.Shoesshouldbeblack,closedtoe,lowheelorflat.Blacksocksorneutralorblacknylonsareappropriate.

• Nomakeup,nailpolishorjewelry(exceptweddingbands)shouldbewornwhileinhabit.

• Thehabitiswornwhenitisefficaciousforboththemonkandthosearoundhim/her.The“littlehabit”isthecrossofSt.Benedictandmaybeworninplaceofthehabitatothertimes.OnlyanAbbotwearsagoldorgoldtonecross.Onlysuperiorswearcrossesoverthehabit.

Seenextpageforinformationonbrother’scollarsformenonly.

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The Cistercian Order of the Holy Cross, Common Observance

Protocols

General Introduction Wehaveallwitnessedvariousritualsofgreetingsandbehaviorsbetweenindividuals,groupsandcultures.Withoutevenknowingtheparticularsitbecomeseasytodistinguishthesignificanceandfamiliarityoftherelationships,andhoweachvaluetheother.St.Benedictclearlydefinesasystemofmonasticranking,greetingsandbehaviorsforcommunityliving.Thepurposeofwhichistolearninthis“schooloflove”justhowtohonorandbeobedienttoChristaswehonorandpracticeobediencetowardseachother.Withthisinmind,wehaveadaptedTheRuleandanhistoriccustomarythatwemighthonorourGoodLordandgiverecognitionofHispresenceinandamongstus.IbelievethatourmonasticlifeandvowsmakeuslivingSacramentals.WhenwehonoreachothertheactualgraceofthoseSacramentalspoursforthoneveryone.Lettheseprotocolsbeameansofblessing.Benedictus,++OscarJoseph,OCCOAbbotGeneral

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Protocols: Etiquette

Addressing Clergy and Religious Religioussuperiorsshouldbetreatedwiththeutmostrespect.Therulesofetiquettethatapplywhendealingwithpeopleofdifferentsocialstandingapplyhereaswell,forexample:duringintroductions,laymenareintroducedtosuperiorsandreligious(e.g.,AbbotGeneral/Abbot/Prior/Brother,IpresentMrs.Doe.Mrs.Doe,thisisAbbotGeneral/Abbot/Prior/BrotherSmith.”).Anoteonkneeling:•KneelontherightkneeforChristinthetabernacle;•KneelonbothkneeswhentheEucharistisexposed.Other:Ifabishoporpriestvisitsyouinyourhome,itiscustomarytoaskforablessing.Whenbeingblessed,kneelonbothkneesuntilheisfinished.Whenajuniormonkgreetsaseniormonkhesays,“benedict,”meaning“blessme.”Theseniormonkreplies,“benedictus,”meaning,“mayGodblessus.”

ABBOT GENERAL/ARCHBISHOP/PRIMATE Face-to-faceGreetingYourExcellency,YourGrace,FatherAbbotorAbbotOscarJosephEnvelopeAddressTheMostReverendOscarJoseph,OCCO,ArchbishopofTheCistercianOrderoftheHolyCross,CommonObservance;orAbbotGeneralLetterore-mailSalutationYourExcellency,YourGrace,FatherAbbotorAbbotGeneralAbbotOscarJoseph,OCCOStandwhenheenterstheroomandremainstandinguntilheinvitesyoutosit.Menmustremovetheirhatsinhispresence.Whengreeting,kisshisringasasignofrespectforhisoffice.Repeatreverentialgestureswhenleavinghispresence.

BISHOP, MITRED ABBOT Face-to-faceGreetingYourExcellency,YourGrace,FatherAbbotorAbbotJohnEnvelopeAddressTheMostReverendJohn,OCCO,Abbot

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LetteroremailSalutationYourExcellency,YourGraceorFatherAbbotorAbbotJohn,OCCOStandwhenheenterstheroomandremainstandinguntilheinvitesyoutosit.Menmustremovetheirhatsinhispresence.Whengreeting,kissyourbishop’sorMitredAbbot’sringasasignofrespectforhisoffice.Repeatreverentialgestureswhenleavinghispresence.ShouldtheAbbotGeneralnotbepresentandanotherbishopispresentasimplekissingoftheotherbishop’sringissufficient.

MONK/PRIEST Face-to-faceGreetingTheRuleofSt.Benedictavoidscreatingaclericalcast.Theclericservesatthepleasureofthesuperiorandhasnospecialrank.ThereforetheusualtitleofamonasticpriestisBrother.Brother,BrotherJohnunlessotherwiseallowedbytheAbbotGeneral.EnvelopeAddressBrotherJohn,OCCOLetterore-mailSalutationDearBrotherJohn,OCCO

DEACON Face-to-faceGreetingBrother;BrotherJohnEnvelopeAddressBrotherJohn,OCCOLetterore–mailSalutationDearBrother,OCCO

ABBOT/PRIOR Face-to-faceGreetingFatherAbbot/PriorEnvelopeAddressAbbot/PriorJohn,OCCOLetterore-mailSalutationDearAbbot/PriorJohn,OCCO

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BROTHER Face-to-faceGreetingBrother,BrotherJohnEnvelopeAddressBrotherJohn,OCCOLetterore-mailSalutationDearBrotherJohn,OCCO

MOTHER SUPERIOR Face-to-faceGreetingMother;MotherMaryEnvelopeAddressMotherMary,OCCOLetterSalutationDearMotherMary,OCCO

SISTER Face-to-faceGreetingSister;SisterJaneEnvelopeAddressSisterJane,OCCOLetterSalutationDearSisterJane,OCCO

Protocol For Ecclesiastical Relationships TheOrder’sclergy,orthoseunderitsjurisdiction,arecalledtoservetheOrderandthosewhofrequentlyparticipateintheOrder’sactivities.Itwouldbeuncommonforaclerictooffersacramentalservicestoothersorparticipatesacramentallywithotherjurisdictions.Theprotocolsbelowofferguidanceshouldsuchoccasionsarise.Nomemberofourclergymaytraveltoadministerthesacramentsorperformotherecclesiasticalfunctionsinanotherabbey/prioryorministrywithoutfirstobtainingthepermissionofhisAbbot/PriorandtheirBishopSuperior.AnyvisitingmemberoftheclergyplaceshimselfundertheauthorityandsupervisionofthelocalAbbot/PriorandtheirBishopSuperior.Thereceivingabbey/priory,missionchurch,parish,dioceseorjurisdictionmustfirstmakethenecessaryinquiriesandcoordinationwiththevisitingclergy’sownAbbot/PriorandBishopSuperiorbeforehecelebratesthesacramentsoranyotherecclesiasticalfunctions.TheOrder’sclergywillnotagreetoperformorwitnessanytypeofreligiousservicethatwouldbeinsignificantoppositiontotheOrder’sCanonsandConstitution,i.e.,attendaMasspresidedoverbyafemale;presideoverorwitnessahomosexual

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marriage;presideoverorwitnessasacramentalmarriageof/byunbaptizedpersons.Ifthereareanyquestionsabouttheappropriatenessofattendingorparticipatinginareligiousservice,consultwiththeAbbotGeneral.

Visiting Other Locations within the Order Allordainedclergyand/ormonksvisitinganabbey/priory,whetherinanofficialcapacityorforpersonalreasons,shouldhavetheirlocalsuperior’spermissionandshouldinformtheAbbotGeneral’sofficeastotheirvisit.Itisproperforallvisitingclergyand/ormonkstobeclothedintheirproperhabitswheneverattendinganyservicesorfunctionssponsoredbytheOrderorwheneverseekinganaudiencewiththeAbbotGeneraloranAbbotorPrior.

Visits by the Abbot General ForthesakeofsimplicitythedocumentbelowassumestheAbbotGeneralisalsothePrimeBishop,Archbishop.ProtocoldictatesthattheAbbot/PriorandalltheresidentmonksgreettheAbbotGeneraluponhisarrival.ShouldtheAbbotGeneralbeabishop,heassumesthefunctionsofchiefliturgicalcelebrantandofficiantofallservicesintheabbey/prioryheisvisiting.AlthoughtheAbbot/PriorisresponsiblefortheoversightofallarrangementsandlogisticsfortheAbbotGeneral’svisit,theAbbot/PriorisrequiredtocoordinatewiththeAbbotGeneral’sofficeastohisproposeditineraryfortheAbbotGeneral.TheAbbot/PriorisrequiredtosubmitallhisproposalstotheofficeoftheAbbotGeneralattheearliestpossibletimesoastogivetheAbbotGeneralsufficienttimetomakeanycommentsand/orchangesintheproposals.Thus,noscheduleorprogramisdeemedfinalorofficialunlesstheAbbotGeneralhasgrantedhisfinalapproval.AnychangesintheapproveditineraryrequireconsultationwiththeAbbotGeneral.

Meetings and Liturgy TheAbbotGeneralhastheprerogativetopresideandspeakateverymeetinginanyoftheOrder’sabbeys/priories,etc.Ifheistobepresent,theAbbotGeneralshouldbefurnishedwithacopyoftheprogram(foraspecialfunction)ormeetingagendaseveraldaysinadvance.

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ProgramswhereintheAbbotGeneralisrequestedtospeakorperformanyfunctionarenotdeemedofficialandfinaluntilpermissionisobtainedfromtheAbbotGeneral.Wheninvitedtomeetings,gatheringsorspecialfunctions,theAbbotGeneralisalwaysaccordedtheprerogativetoaccept,rejectoraltersomeportionsoftheitineraryasheseesfitandnecessary.NothingmaybeimposedontheAbbotGeneral;itishisdiscretiontodowhatseemsbestfortheoccasion.ItisproperforeveryonetostandastheAbbotGeneralentersaroomduringanymeeting.Ifthemeetingisalreadyinprogress,itshouldbemomentarilystoppedtoacknowledgethepresenceoftheAbbotGeneral.TheAbbotGeneralwillgiveapprovaltoresumethemeeting.AllwhoarewithintheroomshouldstandiftheAbbotGeneralisrequestedtoapproachthepodiumorpulpitduringofficialgatheringsnotheldasaliturgicalfunction.

CEREMONIAL PROTOCOL ThesamecourtesieswouldbegiventoanyBishopoftheOrder.

ASSISTING CLERGY TheAbbotGeneralshouldbeinformedandpresentedwiththepeopleassignedtohispersonalceremonialunit.Heretainstheoptionofmakingchangestothelistofassistants.TheceremonialunitarrivesfortheservicemuchearlierthantheBishop,soastobeproperlyvestedandpreparedwhentheBishoparrives.ThoseassignedtotheBishop’spersonalceremonialunit,andforthatmatterallassistingclergy,shouldfirstobtaintheBishop’spermissionpriortoremovingtheirliturgicalvestmentsandleavingtheevent.

THE LITURGY AllceremonialsandliturgiespresentedtotheBishopareconsideredunofficialuntilheconfirmsitsformandcontent.TheBishop,whenpresent,isthechiefcelebrantofallliturgicalandEucharisticservices.Itisassumedhewillpresideunlesshedesignatessomeoneelse.TheBishopistobegiventhefirstprerogativeinallthingspertainingtotheliturgy.Itisdeemedimpropertoimposeuponhimwhatshouldbedone.Hemaybe

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remindedastosomerubricsorprescribedactionsbutitalwayshischoicetodootherwiseastheHolySpiritpromptshim.Whenpresent,theBishopisaccordedtherightoffirstoptiontopronouncetheabsolutionandtobestowtheblessinguponthecongregationduringtheliturgyordailyoffice.Apriest,whendesignatedtocelebratetheEucharistwiththeBishoppresent,doesnotservecommuniontotheBishopunlesstheBishopisnotvestedandisseatedinthenave.Instead,thepriestshouldstepasideandallowtheBishoptopartakeoftheelements.Afterthisthepriestwillpartakeoftheelementshimself.Specialrequestsforprayers,blessingsorministryfromtheBishoparetobeconveyedthroughthedeaconfortheservice,whowillpresenttherequesttotheBishopandobtainhispermission.AllotherecclesiasticalserviceswhereintheBishopisnotpresent,orispresentbutnotofficiating,shouldbebroughttotheBishop’sattentionforhisblessingandapproval.TheBishop’sdesignateddeaconandchaplainshouldbepresentduringhisvesting,beforeandafterservices,alertandreadytoserve.Forliturgicalcelebrations,especiallyacelebrationpresidedoverbyaBishop,amasterofceremonies(oftentheBishop’sdeacon)isneededtoprepareanddirectthecelebrationinclosecoordinationwiththeBishopandothersresponsibleforplanningitsseveralparts.Thedeaconshouldknowhowtoencouragefruitfulparticipationandhowtoenhancethebeautyoftherites.TheBishopisalwaysgreetedwithadeepbowbytheassistingministersorotherswhentheyapproachhim,whentheyleaveafterassistinghim,whentheypassinfrontofhim,orhepassesinfrontofthem.WhentheBishopand/ortheBishop’schair(cathedra)arebehindthealtar,outofreverenceforboth,ministersshould,asmuchaspossible,avoidpassingbetweentheBishopandthealtar.

Social Protocol and Etiquette For Entertaining: Procedures BecauseofficialentertainmentisanecessarypartoftheAbbotGeneral’sroleasheadoftheOrder,theAbbotGeneralisoftencalledupontohostofficialfunctionsthatrequirestrictattentiontoprotocol.BASICPRINCIPLESBEFOREPLANNINGANEVENT:Thefirstoftheseprinciplesisthatthehost,whointhecaseoftheOrderisusuallytheAbbot/Priorofthelocalarea,hisAbbot,ortheAbbotGeneraloftheOrder,isalwaysplacedatthecenterof

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theheadtableordais.Ifapodiumisplacedatthecenterofthetablethehostshouldbeplacedatrightcenter,asviewedfromthefront.Intheplaceofhonor,whichisalwaystheimmediaterightofthehost,wouldbeplacedtheguestofhonor,orifthereisnone,eithertheco-hostormasterofceremonies.WhenthedaisorheadtableisreservedforleadersoftheOrder,theseatingofthoseleaderswouldfollowthesamepatternasdescribedaboveforboththehostandguestofhonor,whereasallotherleaderswouldbeseatedinanalternatingpatterntotherightofthehostandguestofhonorandtotheleftofthehost.Inadescendingfashion,themoreseniorleaderswouldbeplacedclosetothecenterateitherside,whereasthosewithlesserrankwouldbeplacedtotheoutside.Thesecondprincipletofollowisthatofprecedence.Thehighest-rankingpersonpresentshouldbeaccordedtheplaceofhonor.Ifalesserrankingpersonisdesignatedtobetheguestofhonor,itiscustomaryforthehigherdignitarytoforgothehonorsofprecedenceinorderfortheguestofhonorofalesserranktobeseatedappropriately.Insuchcasesasthese,severalsolutionscanbefoundinordertohonortherankingdignitaryandtoproperlyplacetheofficialguestofhonor.Onesolutionwouldbetoinvoketheprincipleof,“courtesytoastranger.”Regardlessofhisrank,heisaccordedaone-timeprecedenceundertheprincipleofcourtesytoastranger.Asecondpossiblesolutionwouldbetheuseofroundtables,ormorecorrectly,twoequaltables.Thehostwouldheadthefirst.Tohisimmediaterightwouldbeplacedtheguestofhonor.Headingthesecondtablewouldtheother,moreseniorrankingleader.TheroundtableseatingplanaccomplishesthisrequirementbymakingtheAbbotGeneral/Abbot/Priorthefactoco-host.Whentheaffairistobemixed,thatiswhenbothsexesaretobepresenttheyaretobemingledusingtheetiquetteasdescribedabove.ThehostoftheeventwouldmostlikelybetheAbbot/Prioroftheplace.Theguestofhonorcouldbeeitherachurchmanoramemberofthelaity.Whenfemaleguestsarepresentattheheadtable,theyshouldbeseatedinalternatingplaceswheneverpossible.Thehonoredguest,however,wouldsitoppositethehost,whereastheguest’sspousewouldsitnexttothehost.PlanningProceduresforOfficialEntertaining:TheassistanttotheAbbot/Priorshouldalwaysbeincludedintheplanning.He,betterthanallothers,knowsthepreferencesofhissuperior.Healsohasthefirsthandknowledgeastowhoshouldandshouldnotbeincludedontheguestlistfortheeventathand.Thefollowingisalistofallthetopicsthatanadhoccommitteeshouldbepreparedtopresent:�Dateoftheevent�Guestlistsizeandmakeup

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�Invitation-style,componentsandwording�Siteforthefunction�Decorations-flowers,banners,lanterns,etc.�Typeofmealtobeserved(lunch,dinner,banquet,horsd'oeuvres)�Menus-choiceofcaterer,choiceofmenu,dietaryrestrictions,preferencesofthehostandguestsofhonor�Receivingline-members,proceduresandtiming,wherepersonsinthereceivinglineshouldstand�Seatingplan-tableshape,seatingassignments�Music,entertainment�Audiovisualneeds�Photography�Printedprograms�Publicaddresssystem�Publicrelations�PressreleaseRECEIVINGLINE�Thefollowingplacementisthecorrectformulaforanecclesiasticalreceivingline:�Host�Guest(s)ofhonor�Seniorleader�Co-host�MasterofceremoniesIftheentertainmentfollowsaliturgicalceremonyatwhichthehostpresided,celebratedorconcelebratedandwherehegreetedthefaithfulattheendofthe

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liturgy,noreceivinglinewouldberequiredattheentertainment.Asimpleprocessiontotheheadtableattheopeningoftheeveningwouldbeappropriate.

GUEST LISTS Guestlistsshouldbepreparedwithpropercarewellinadvance.AnyadditionsoruncertaintiesshouldbereviewedwiththeAbbot/Prior’sassistant.

INVITATIONS Itisgoodtoremainfaithfultocustomsandtraditionsregardingtheissuanceandacceptanceofinvitations,whethersocialorliturgical.Intheecclesiasticalworld,onemustneverrefuseaninvitationfromtheAbbotGeneral,AbbotorPrior.Ifforanyunavoidablereasonyouwouldbeunabletoattend,youshouldseekpermissionfromtheAbbotGeneraltobeexcused.Paycarefulattentiontothedressrequirementsofformalinvitations.Goodmannersalsorequirethatallpersonsinvitedtoaneventarriveattheappointedtime.

STYLE AND FORM FOR INVITATIONS Therearemanystylesandtypesofinvitations.WithintheOrder,however,onemustbecarefultoavoidthetrendy.Thebestformsforinvitationsarethetraditionalstyles.Forspecificquestionsregardingtheassemblingofaproperinvitation,thehelpofaprinterorcardshopownercanbeinvaluable.

THE BODY Thebodyiswhatwehavecometocallthe“invitation.”Thisincludesalltheparticularsoftheeventsuchastheidentityofthehostorhostess.(Inthecaseofanordinationorconsecration,thehostwouldbetheofficiatingbishop.)Thebodyoftheinvitationincludesthenameoftheorganizationinvolved,date,time,address,andtherequiredstyleofdress.Whiteorivorypaperwithblackinkistraditional.ForthemostformaleventsitwouldbeappropriatetoembossthecoatofarmsoftheAbbotGeneral,AbbotorPrior.Thecoatofarms(orseal)couldalsobeengravedincolor.

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THE R.S.V.P. Theresponsecardcomesinmanyforms.Itspurposeistoalerttheinvitedguestastothemanneranddatebywhichareplyisneeded.TheR.S.V.P.cardmayasktheinvitedguesttocallthehostbyaparticulardate,oranenvelopemaybeincludedinwhichthecardmaybereturnedtothehostwithanacceptanceordeclinationnotedonthecard.IftheguestistomailtheR.S.V.P.cardbacktothehost,anaddressed,stampedenvelopeshouldbeincludedforthispurpose.WhenonehasreceivedaninvitationwithaR.S.V.P.request,apromptreplyshouldbegiven.Alwaysrespondbytherequesteddatewithanacceptanceordeclination.TherearesomeoccasionsinwhichaR.S.V.P.isnotnecessary.Ifaneventislargescaleandthereceptionthatfollowsismorealongthelineoflightrefreshments,suchascookiesandpunch,aR.S.V.P.maynotbeneededunlesssomeideaofheadcountisrequiredforcatering.Ifaneventfollowsinachurchhallofsocialcenterandtheseatingcapacityisnotaconcern,thennoR.S.V.P.cardmayberequired

RECEPTION CARD Thereareoccasionsinwhichmanypeopleareinvitedsoaneventsuchasaconsecration,ordination,oranniversary,andnotallareinvitedtothereceptionfollowing.Whenthisisthecase,thebodyoftheinvitationshouldnotmentionareception.Instead,aseparatereceptioncardshouldbeincludedintheenvelopesenttopeoplewhoareinvitedtothereception.Thereceptioncardwouldincludethelocationandtime.

PROTOCOL CARDS Aprotocolcardshouldhavetheheading“Protocol”inbold,centeredatthetop.Thetextstyleshouldbethesamestyleusedonotherprintingfortheoccasion.Thesecardsaremeanttobeinformationalsothatimportantdetailscanberelayedtotheinviteespriortotheevent.Itcanbeincludedintheinvitationenvelope.Informationaboutthestylesoftheeventortheprocedurestobefollowedduringtheeventwouldbeitemsincludedintheprotocolcard.Titlesofindividualspresentmightalsobelistedsothattheinviteeswillknowtheproperformsofaddresstouse.OtherhelpfulinformationontheProtocolCardcouldbeparkinginformation,etiquette,orsecuritydetails.

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TABLE ETIQUETTE Atlargefunctions,abriefreceptionusuallyprecedesadinnerorbanquet.Smokingattableisneverpermitted.Seatinglistsatlargeeventsareusuallydesignedbyalphabeticalorderorbytablenumbers.Wheneverpossible,spousesshouldbeseatedtogether.

Sample ordination invitation: This is a sample; items may be added or deleted. BytheGraceofGodAndwiththeConsentofGod’sPeopleTheMostReverendOscarJoseph,OCCOArchbishopandAbbotGeneralTheCistercianOrderoftheHolyCross,CommonObservanceWillOrdainBrotherColumcille,OCCOLeeWernsingTotheSacredOrderofPriestsInChrist’sOneHolyCatholicandApostolicChurchOntheFeastofBlessedUbaldSunday,TheNinthofApril2006FourintheAfternoonClergy,WhiteStoles(NameandaddressofthePlace)Yourprayersandpresencearerequested.

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(Receptiontofollowin…(at)…)YoumayusetheArchbishop’sshieldontheinvitationandotherprintedmaterialsfortheordination.Sampleprotocolcard:Thisisasample;itemsmaybeaddedordeleted.PROTOCOLPleasecomeearly.Latearrivalswilldisturbtheceremony.Businessformaldressisappropriate.Printedmaterialswillbeprovidedtohelpyouparticipateintheceremony.IfyoubelieveintheRealPresenceofChristintheEucharistyouarewelcometoreceiveCommunion.Pleasestayaftertheceremonytoreceive,individually,thefirstblessingofthenewpriest.Religiousitemsmayalsobeblessed.Therewillbeagifttable.TheArchbishopshouldbeaddressedas“YourGrace.”Youarewelcometohonortheofficeofbishopbykissinghisring.Youneednotkneel.Priests,thosewearingclericalclothing,areaddressedas“Father.”Monks,thosewearinghabits,areaddressedas“Brother.”Theyarewarmandfriendly.Introduceyourself.CistercianOrderoftheHolyCross,CommonObservanceTheLordAbbotGeneralOscarJoseph,OCCOCistercianOrderoftheHolyCrosswillacceptMarioClaytonCamilleriAsaNoviceintotheOrderInvestitureandNoviceVowswillbefollowedbyHolyMassonSunday26April2009at6:30p.m.atSt.MaryParishChurch,Qrendi

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YourprayersandpresencearerequestedRefreshmentswillfollowInvestituremarksthebeginningofatwoyearnovitiate,duringwhichBrotherMario,OCCOwillbelivingtheCistercianmonasticvowsofobedience,stabilityandconversion,undertheRuleofStBenedictandthetraditionsoftheCistercianOrderoftheHolyCross,CommonObservance.FollowingtheRuleofSt.Benedict:Oraetlabora,theCistercianaimsatachievingperfectionthroughalifeofwork,prayer,study,silence,solitude,contemplation,simplicity,poverty,chastityandcharity.


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