Lay Associates IntroductionAlmost from the very beginning, that point at which we felt certain the Lord was calling for a new community of priests, we had the clear sense that he would call together, as well, a body of lay people to "associate themselves with us in some way," as our positional statement puts it. Accordingly, in September of 1986, we opened up the regular Friday night meeting of the brothers to all those interested in some kind of association with us. Within a year, over one hundred people were joining us as we praised God and sought his word. While this has been a wonderful source of support and encouragement to us, we have had a persistent notion that the vision for the lay association remained incomplete. It was not until the spring of 1989 that we were relatively certain that the full description (which follows) of the role of our lay associates was substantially in place. We believe the lay group is to be based on the vision of the Companions of the Cross, combining this with a sound spirituality for the lay person, for men and women who are eager to be disciples of Jesus Christ in the fullest sense of the word. The living out of this spirituality would lead to involvement of some kind in ministry as well (perhaps even directly affiliated with the community). It would thus bring together people, married and single, young (minimum age - 16) and old, discerning and settled. The associates would embrace the underlying concepts of the wisdom and the power of God upon which the vision of the Companions of the Cross rests. They would be open to being called to assist in the community's prior ministries to evangelize and to serve the poor, alienated Catholics, and youth - and would identify with the community's spirituality:
Who We Are
We see this fact foreshadowed in the variety of ways in which people assisted Jesus in his earthly ministry. The Apostles were specially chosen to be his closest disciples. But Jesus had other friends and disciples as well. Jesus was friends with Lazarus, Mary, and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). We hear of how others followed Jesus and helped out in his ministry: such as those who were part of the mission of the “Seventy-Two” (Luke 10:1-23); and how Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and John, and others had “followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs” In a similar fashion, the history of the Church shows us that there have been different ways and means by which lay people, in living out their baptismal vocation in the secular arena, would sometimes feel led to identify and associate in a deeper way with the life and ministry of various communities of priests and religious. This was because they wanted to embrace the same vision and spirituality of some particular community (i.e. Franciscans, Carmelites), but in the lay state. Some of them became known as third order seculars, although today they are more typically referred to as “lay associates.” So then, our Lay Associates strive to deepen their faith in Christ Jesus and their zeal for the Kingdom of God by endeavouring to emulate the spirituality and vision for ministry of the priests and seminarians of the Companions of the Cross. Lay Associates are called to support the Companions of the Cross in a variety of ways: by prayer and intercession on behalf of the community; friendship; material aid; and even assistance in ministry, where possible. Being a Lay Associate is one way of identifying with the life and ministry of this young community, and as such, it is a tremendous source of encouragement and hope to the priests and seminarians involved in this new work of the Holy Spirit for the benefit of the Church. What’s Involved:
The Lay Associates are not a community unto themselves, but are individuals and families who wish to be associated with the CCs by a sharing in their spiritual life and ministry to some degree. There are no required meetings to attend, but all are welcome to participate in the special joint CC - Lay Associate gatherings which take place several times per year (see Living Out the Commitment). The Vision and Spirituality of the Community:
The Companions of the Cross believe the Lord gave us his basic directions in this regard as we persevered in meeting together in our early days. Though our spirituality is continuing to evolve, we feel the principal elements are already in place. The foundation of the “vision” can be delineated as participation in the renewal of the Church through an effective evangelization founded on looking to the Cross - the power and wisdom of God (cf. 1 Cor. 1:23-24). Concretely this entails: (1) trusting in the Lord and giving him permission to move as he pleases; seeking his wisdom, his "now" word, and waiting upon it, with proper discernment, not making any major moves without it; (2) profound openness to the Holy Spirit, the power of God, and the various ministry gifts through which the Church is empowered; a strong conviction that God desires to touch and inflame the lives of all his people; (3) the renewal of the Church through the renewal of the person. Personal conversion, discipleship, empowerment, and “calling forth" of individuals to ministry comprise the chief strategy for renewal. Social and institutional changes will flow more easily from a renewed people. Personal conversion is the necessary first step. The components of this vision include: a fully Catholic spirituality imbued with an evangelical heart and the fire of Pentecost; surrender to the Lordship of Jesus; adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; openness to the ministry gifts of the Holy Spirit; evangelization; consecration to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary; fidelity to the Magisterium of the Church; simplicity of lifestyle; community involvement; concern for the poor; and other forms of outreach ministry and hospitality. Living Out the Commitment:It is our belief that embracing the spirituality and vision for ministry of the Companions of the Cross will lead Lay Associates and others to greater growth in intimacy with God. It will also result in a greater blessing for the world, bearing much lasting fruit. Living out the commitment to be a Lay Associate entails a willingness to do the following: Daily Personal Prayer & Intercession
We consider an hour a day to be the ideal, realizing that this may be a long term goal dependent upon family responsibilities, personal circumstances, etc. Therefore someone who is just beginning to pray seriously may have difficulty in finding and spending an hour in prayer on a regular basis. We encourage those who are starting to set a realistic goal and to strive to be faithful to that while gradually adding to the time as it becomes possible. We want to make a distinction between prayer and "prayers." The latter would be those composed by others and recited by us. The Rosary would be an example of this. Many find it an invaluable assistance in their relationship with the Lord. It can have a very gentle, calming effect upon the human spirit, disposing us more effectively to hear the Lord. We recommend it. But what we have in mind for our personal time with the Lord is spontaneous prayer, speaking to the Lord in our own words. And, since prayer is meant to be communication between God and me, I have to give him a chance to speak, too. This will mean that part of my prayer time will be spent simply trying to listen to the Lord. We will say with Samuel: “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10). As we persevere daily with a time of silence, we will probably begin to get a gradually clearer idea of how the Lord wants to communicate with us.
As some of the Associates themselves are called into more and more service and ministry, they, too, will need prayer support. So everyone, members of the community and Associates alike, are urged to pray daily for one another's needs. Reading Scripture
The Scriptures are an irreplaceable compendium of God's Word to us. He can speak to us through them. One of the most consistent testimonies coming from people who have just surrendered their lives to the Lord for the first time in any serious way is the manner in which the Scriptures seem simply to come alive for them. A previously un-experienced hunger for God's Word begins to motivate them to get into the Scriptures and learn the ways of God. Part of our quiet time with the Lord should include some prayerful reading of the Bible. Frequent Participation in the Sacraments
As well, we recommend a regular celebration of the Lord's forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Every month would seem to be a desirable goal. The Sacraments can be powerfully anointed moments in our lives as we soldier on with the Lord to our eternal goal. We want to pray, it is obvious, with the Church. We will celebrate the sacred mysteries together as the Lord leads us and will include the Liturgy of the Hours, even done in a communal setting as this becomes possible for us. Consecration to Jesus through Mary Mary is the mother of our Saviour. She was prepared with exquisite care for her role. She is a model for us without parallel in how to respond to God. She followed to the letter the promptings of the Holy Spirit and ministered in her day. She was given by Jesus, her Son, almost with his dying breath, to John who represented, we believe, the whole Church. She was taken up into glory and has continued to follow the Lord’s directions as he has directed her to minister to his people, even to being a prophet in our own day. She is mother of the Church. Like any mother, one of the things she does best, when we let her, is keep us together, with our eyes focused on Jesus. She is a gift from God. Consecrating our lives to Jesus through Mary’s Immaculate Heart is one further way we can call upon her role in the order of grace to help us joyfully persevere in our journey of faith. The prayerful recitation of the Rosary and other approved Marian devotions can be a great help to us all. ServiceLay Associates are called to be servants of the Lord. As a result, all Associates are encouraged to undertake some form of ministry or service as circumstances permit. What the Lord has gifted us with is to be shared, not hoarded. In the case of parents with young children, it is likely that most of their service to the Lord would be directed towards their families.  However, in order to keep our lives in proper balance, each one’s service needs to be discerned. There is an ever-present temptation for those who are on fire for the Lord to undertake too much. Over-extension can lead to frustration and burnout, things the Lord wants us to avoid. Where possible, such service may take the form of collaborating with the priests and seminarians of the Companions of the Cross in their various ministries and apostolates. Such collaboration is not always feasible, but would always be welcome. Keeping a Spiritual JournalA spiritual journal is not a diary. It is the place where I record my questions to the Lord, my hopes, my fears, my apologies, my frustrations. It is likewise the place where I jot down what I think he may be saying to me. Many people are reluctant to keep a journal because they fear the time required will be too demanding. It doesn't have to be. Some days, a line or two will suffice, Some days perhaps nothing at all. Other times, as inspiration seems to take over, longer entries will be appropriate. The journal is a valuable record for me as to how the Lord is directing my life. Reviewing it from time to time can help to keep me on track. Looking backwards is very often the reminder I need about God's now word for me. Without a journal, that can be very difficult.  Financial & Material SupportWe ask that Lay Associates consider making an annual contribution of some sort, in conjunction with their other gift giving to their parishes and other charities, to the work of the Companions of the Cross. As a relatively new community in the process of getting established, our material needs are great in many areas, especially the housing and education of our seminarians. By making a financial donation, or gift in kind, you are expressing your support for us in a very tangible manner. Although the notion of “tithing” is a very biblical concept, we wish to make it clear that we do not “require” a set amount or even that you donate anything at all! Any gift you may wish to make should be freely given. “Everyone should give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Your generosity in this important area would be most welcome and appreciated! Share Groups Lay Associates are invited to consider joining a small faith sharing group or community of some kind in their local area. Typically, such groups comprise a half dozen people or so, with whom one can share the struggles of life and give and receive ministry for personal needs and purposes of mutual encouragement. The priests and seminarians of the community meet in small share groups on a regular basis and can readily testify to the wonderful way they are blessed and strengthened by such encounters. We need other brothers and sisters to support us in our pilgrimage of faith through life. These small group meetings usually take place about twice a month and ordinarily last about an hour and a half. FastingThe fast is a long-neglected area of response to God's call upon the Church. We would like to help resurrect it. It is a powerful intercessory tool before the Lord, particularly when done in corporate fashion. Our recommendation is that we undertake a fast on Friday, the day when Jesus achieved his (and our) victory over sin and death. There are many ways to fast. Not all can manage twenty-four hours on bread and water, or on water alone. But different modifications are possible: skipping a meal or two; no food between sunrise and sunset; cutting down on portions or on favoured items. For those whose medical situations do not allow them to tamper with their food programs, other forms of fasting are possible in the areas of television, radio, or newspapers. Coming voluntarily away from some of the things we normally depend on makes it possible for us to come into more dependence on God. Attending Communal Celebrations (When and Where Possible)
In addition to the above mentioned “joint” gatherings, there are usually a number of “Lay Associates only” special meetings held throughout the year. These meetings afford good opportunities for new people to find out more about the Lay Associates and learn about the spirituality of the Companions of the Cross. Please contact our office for details as to the time and place of these sessions. How to Join:
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