B e n e d i c t i n e   M o n k s  -   W h o ?    W h y ?    H o w ?

Monks are called to a life of prayer. They are called to refocus their lives on a spiritual life, one centered on Our Lord, putting aside the materialistic lifestyle of the world. Benedictine monks are so designated because they live out their lives in the way that the Father of Western Monasticism, Saint Benedict, laid out. The Rule of Life that he wrote concentrates on the way that a monk can follow what God teaches in his Holy Scriptures.

In directing his gaze to God and centering his life on Him, the monk is actually living out his Baptismal Vows. This, and the adoration of the Divine that follows, is the very reason for his having been created.

How does the monastic vocation affect the Church? Many wonder about this. The monks play a major role in the life of the Church both at the 'grass roots' level and at the universal level. Envision the Church as a wheel. The rim of the wheel represents the people of God, the people of the parishes. The spokes represent the clergy, radiating out from the hub, symbolizing the Bishop. And in the center would be the monks supporting the clergy and the people with their prayers. The wheel is moving, as an entity, toward God -- all the parts of it moving as a unity. Perhaps this homely illustration gives some idea of the ways the prayer life of the monks supports the Church.

The monks, in their corporate worship, offer their prayers in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. They come together for community worship seven times a day, or about every three hours. As the fragrant incense rising is the symbol of Christian prayers rising to God, just so the monks lift up their prayers for the Church to the Father, always with adoration. As well, the monks lift up individuals by name to the Father in their intercessory prayers, seeking God's grace for those in need. Too, prayers for the faithful departed are a regular part of their prayers through Litanies, Requiems and special intentions at the Holy Mass. All these are a routine part of the monks focus -- support for, and service to, all the people of God, the Church.

Many of the faithful also feel called to be a part of this intercessory prayer life even though they are, and must remain, part of the secular world working and raising their families. They feel drawn to be a part of and to share somehow in the prayer life of the 'religious', the monks, and to serve in prayer to the extent their lifestyles allow.

In the Rule, Saint Benedict allows them to do so. Tied to the Order are Oblates (both clergy and laity), Priest Associates, and Associates. Basically, the category of participation depends on the commitment desired and the time available.

Oblates undertake a lifelong commitment of daily prayer and study, which is somewhat structured along the lines of the monastic life, but guided by the demands of family and job. Regular communication with the Mother House for spiritual direction is required, as is regular support of the Order. This giving of self and the development of a truly spiritual lifestyle can lead to a beautiful relationship for the Oblate with God.

Priest Associates follow the same basic guidelines as do the Oblates but provision is made for a less formal daily routine to allow the Priest to care for his charge. Some parishes are not able to have a daily Mass, as would be expected of an Oblate Priest.

Associates are those who share in the life of the Order in a less formal and structured way. Some people are not able to live such a structured life, and some are prevented from doing so by their already demanding lifestyles. Associates are required to say one Office daily, to pray for those on the Intercession Paper and for the Order and to study and read the Holy Scriptures regularly, as time allows. They are also expected to support the Order on a regular basis and to be faithful in attending Mass regularly.

The programs are definitely NOT clubs or social organizations -- they are pathways to the formation of the individual's spiritual life. This pathway may be short term or long term, depending on the individual. If you are looking for this kind of spiritual development, please contact us.

Retreats: Our monastery also provides a safe haven for those seeking a quiet place to talk with their Creator. From the beginning of monasticism, the faithful have sought out the quiet places in the monasteries to be with God.

We follow Saint Benedict's directions by providing a quiet, peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of the world.

Previous Page

[ Contents | The Benedictines | Oblates and Associates | St. Scholastica House | Vocationer's Guide ]