Is God Calling You?
Discover the profound peace of a life dedicated to prayer, community, and sacred labor in the Cistercian tradition.
Understanding Monastic Life
Monastic life is a radical response to the Gospel, a commitment to seeking God above all things. In the silence of the monastery, we learn to listen to the "still, small voice" that speaks to the heart.
It is a life of balance: Ora et Labora—prayer and work—woven together in a rhythm that spans the centuries.
Daily Life of a Monk
The Divine Office
Gathering seven times daily to chant the Psalms and celebrate the Liturgy.
Sacred Labor
Sustaining our life through manual work, from baking bread to agricultural crops and livestock crafts.
Lectio Divina
The prayerful reading of Scripture and spiritual books.
Fraternity
Living together in a bond of mutual love and Cistercian fraternal service.
The Journey to Stability
Discernment is not a solitary task but a shared journey with the community. We move slowly, allowing God's will to unfold over years of testing and growth.
Initial Contact
A simple conversation with the Vocation Director to begin exploring your desire for monastic life.
The Observership
Living within the community for several weeks to experience the rhythm firsthand.
Postulancy & Novitiate
A dedicated period of formation, study, and integration into the Cistercian charism.
Basic Requirements
While every soul is unique, certain foundational criteria help ensure a healthy monastic life.
Age Requirements
Minimum age of 18 years. Maximum age of 30 years for Secondary School Leavers, and 35 years for Graduates.
Academic Requirement
Minimum of five (5) credits including English Language and Mathematics.
Faith & Freedom
A practicing Catholic male, with freedom from significant financial debt and major family obligations that would prevent full entry into the cloister.
Frequently Asked Questions
While we live a cloistered life, monks may leave for necessary medical care, community business, or family emergencies. The spirit of stability, however, calls us to find God within our own house.
We observe "The Great Silence" from the end of Compline until after the first morning prayer. Throughout the day, we maintain a "monastic silence" where speech is used primarily for necessity and charity.
Monastic life is a sacrifice of presence, but not of love. Monks communicate with family through letters and occasional visits, holding their loved ones constantly in prayer.
Inquire with the Vocation Director
Take the first step toward peace. Your inquiry will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and prayerful consideration.