aboutclc

What is Christian Life Community?

It is a World Community that is…

Discerning …
A discerning stance towards life leads us to:
a greater awareness of God’s presence in all areas of our lives
family
work
church
neighborhood
friends
personal needs
a deeper appreciation of God’s life-energy in all of creation
an increased sensitivity to those activities, desires, and attitudes that lead us to either:
a deeper participation in God’s life and a sense of peace
a freedom to respond more fully to God’s loving desires for us.
The unifying experience among CLCers is the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, not simply as a retreat experience, but a way of life.

…Community…
The primary commitment in CLC is to a common worldwide way of life lived out in a local community. This communion in a world community provides:
a sense of graced history — we experience the power of the Spirit working through our communal history
provides a forum for an on-going discernment that brings the fruits of deliberations at the local level to the world community and the fruits of discernment at the world community to the local community
a sense of the sacredness of unity in diversity; an awe of the Spirit reflected in all cultures and ethnic groups
a broader context for discernment in our local community, seeking the more universal good which transcends geographical and cultural world views
solidarity with those around the world living the CLC way of life

…for Mission
Mission in the context of CLC is not an activity, but a focusing of one’s energy and passion on living as Christ — focused passion. This expresses itself through:
a preferential option for the poor
a simplicity of lifestyle
a sense of Church that leads us to be present where God’s love is lacking
a desire to develop community in all areas of our lives: family, work, parish, etc.
a willingness to collaborate with all people of good will to reveal God’s presence
an openness and flexibilty towards life that enables us to respond to the needs of the world
creative fidelity — living Gospel values in a way that speaks to our society today.

Who we are...

A worldwide lay organization that continues the spiritual journey of St. Ignatius of Loyola to seek and live in God’s presence daily. A discerning community who wants to follow Christ more closely and work with Him for the building of the Kingdom.


   Our Spirituality...

       Is centered on Christ. It is helped by the scriptures, the liturgy, the doctrinal development of the Church, and the revelation of God’s will through the events of our time. We recognize the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius as the characteristic instrument of our spirituality.

    What we do..

       We meet regularly in a local community to encourage a deep sharing of our faith and human life, a true community atmosphere and a strong commitment to mission and service.

    Our History...

      Christian Life Community is the continuation of the Sodalities of Our Lay, founded by Jean Leunis SJ in 1563 and approved by Pope Gregory XIII in 1584. Before the Sodalities there were committed groups of lay people around St. Ignatius of Loyola and his companions.