POSTULANCY - If after the stay in the community you feel the draw of a vocation, you can ask to be allowed to enter the community as a postulant. The word postulant describes what this period of discernment is. It is putting the question before oneself and the monastic community, if there is a fit. This period is normally six months. Candidates for admission must be between 21 and 40 years old, mentally and emotionally mature, and prepared to undertake a life of stability, obedience and conversion of life. The ability to live with others is essential. One is expected to come with a willingness to learn, and to model one’s life according to St. Benedict’s rule as lived at the abbey.

     NOVITIATE – This is a further step into the monastic life. If you persevere in discerning your call, it is at this stage that part of the monastic habit is given. The year is an intense time of formation and study. You live under the direction of a formation director and devote yourself to experiencing the Benedictine life as fully as possible, to aid the discernment of your monastic vocation.

     SIMPLE VOWS – The first stage of commitment is a vowed period of three years. You are given the Benedictine scapular and hood along with a new name. Anniversaries of vows at our abbey are counted from this initial stage. Temporary commitment can be extended beyond three years if necessary.

     SOLEMN VOWS – With solemn vows, the monk becomes a full member of the community for life. You are given the cuculla, the great pleated choir robe, as a symbol of your life-long commitment.

     One has only to examine the monastic schedule to get some idea of the temperament, stamina, values, sensibility and resolution of a monk. The community shapes him, a community that has been around a long time, longer than the oldest monk alive in it, longer than any generation living. Thousands of monks have taken the path throughout the centuries. So many can’t be wrong.