Discernment Process

First steps:  Men between the ages of 18 and 45, who feel a call to the monastic life, begin by getting in touch with the abbey’s Director of Vocations who, through correspondence, gives them an over-view of monastic life and an invitation to make a few visits to the abbey.

Monastic live-in experience:  Twice a year, in the spring and in the fall, the monastic community sponsors a Monastic Live-in Weekend for men in the above age group who may be discerning a vocation to the monastic life.  These aspirants participate in the full life of the community (prayer, work, meals, recreation).  Through this interaction those who are discerning a monastic vocation will get a better knowledge of monastic life and of the monks themselves.

Candidacy:  If, after the Live-in experience, an individual feels he is called to the monastic life he may ask to be accepted into the monastery as a candidate.  He will make his formal request to begin a six-month period as a candidate.  He will live the full monastic life but will not receive the monastic habit at this time.