The Inner Room: A Journey into Lay Monasticism FROM THE PUBLISHER
The Inner Room takes you on one man's journey into a largely invisible vocation -- lay monasticism. "The lay monastic dons no habit, wears no distinguishing ornament, lives not in a monastery," says the author. Yet, many people today are being led by the Holy Spirit to discover this new way to Jesus Christ. In The Inner Room, follow Mark Plaiss's journey, first into the Catholic Church and then into his vocation as lay monastic, while maintaining his family and professional life. The author recounts his experience of work and prayer in the monastery in his annual retreats, as well as his experience of being a lay monastic outside the monastery. Daily and psalm schedules at New Melleray Abbey are included, as well as an essay on lay monasticism the author presented to the 2000 convention of the American Benedictine Academy.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
This little book by Plaiss, a medical librarian and ecumenical officer for the Gary, IN, Diocese of the Catholic Church, addresses an aspect of spiritual life not well known in this country-the lay brotherhood of the monastic orders. Plaiss maintains his life as a husband, father, and person in the world while at the same time serving as a lay brother at the New Melleray Abbey in Iowa. His book touches briefly on the centuries-old tradition of the oblate and on his own movement toward the Catholic faith and ultimately toward the oblate's status before addressing matters of faith and prayer. Plaiss writes effectively and unassumingly; while his book pays perhaps too much attention to matters better treated by other Catholic writers and too little to the nature of the lay brotherhood, it will still prove an intriguing introduction to the oblates for many readers. For most collections. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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