Tuesday, January 25, 2011

New Entrance Procedure--"Vena Cava"

Our entrance date for Cloisterite Hermit aspirants is usually February 2. However, due to inquiries not coming through Cloister Outreach, we have discerned a process we pray will be more beneficial to all involved.

Since the Plan of Life is called "Nesting in the Sacred Heart," we have dubbed the process "Vena Cava." In the heart's anatomy, there are the Superior Vena Cava, and the Inferior Vena Cava. Our point in using this name--received through inspiration--is to put the discerner/aspirant into greater proximity of the Sacred Heart, in which they should build their nests (confidence).

The first year of Vena Cava--starting the First Sunday of Advent--will be spent as a Discerner-Cooperator (D-C) with Cloister Outreach (CO). This entails becoming familiar with our website; yahoo groups; mission in general; and vocations in one's own territory. Since the hermits will eventually be taking over CO, knowledge of the association's mission is essential. Membership on the Cloister Outreach Vocations Incubator (COVI) listserv will be required, for the sake of the daily prayer for discernment to the Holy Ghost. Membership on some of our other groups will depend on the D-C's circumstances.

The second year of Vena Cava will be spent as a white-cord Lay Cloisterite. A distinctive garb may be worn with the white-cord tiechel. This year is required due to our desire for the hermits to have first-hand knowledge of the Lay Cloisterite experience. The last ten months (February 2 to November 21) of the Lay Cloisterite phase will assist in preparation for acceptance as a Cloisterite Hermit Nova, with the last month spent with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. One has a choice of leaving COVI, but membership on the Cloister of the Heart listserv will be required.

November 21, the Feast of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple, and the date of the Pro Orantibus, is the reception date for the Cloisterite Hermits.

Vena Cava Timetable:

First year:

First Sunday of Advent--Begin work as Discerner-Cooperator for Cloister Outreach

Second year:

First Sunday of Advent--Begin lifestyle of Lay Cloisterite.

February 2 to October 21--Follow procedures for Cloisterite Hermit Aspirant

October 21-November 21--Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

November 21--Begin lifestyle of Cloisterite Hermit Nova