When Fr. Frank C. Phillips, C.R. founded the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius in 1998, it was his intention to also create a lay association to support this new religious institute of men. Therefore, at the same time that Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. canonically erected the Canons Regular as a Public Association of the Christian Faithful, he issued a second decree to canonically erect the Association of Saint John Cantius as a Private Association of the Christian Faithful.
Members of the Association (commonly called Lay Associates) support the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius through prayer, especially for vocations to aid the growth of the institute. They also dedicate themselves to the restoration of the sacred by striving for personal sanctity and by seeking the salvation and sanctification of all with whom they come in contact.
In particular, the Lay Associates of St. John Cantius unite themselves to the daily prayers and spiritual practices of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius. Although they are not strictly obligatory, Lay Associates are strongly encouraged to make these practices an important part of their own spiritual life to the degree that their state in life and personal obligations allow them.
They include:
1. Attendance at daily Mass (or whatever one’s state in life allows).
2. Eucharistic Adoration—some time each week if possible.
3. Marian Devotion—daily recitation of the Rosary.
4. Liturgy of the Hours—at least one of the Major Hours (i.e. Lauds or Vespers).
And if it is within their means, Associate Members are also encouraged to offer financial support to the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius in an amount determined by each individual member. For further information please contact Fr. Dennis Koliński, SJC using the link on the parish organizations contact page.