FAQs

Q:           Do I have to get up in the middle of the night?
A:            No, our first community prayer is at 5:45 AM.
 
Q:           Do the monks live in dormitories?
A:            No, each monk has a simple but comfortable room.
 
Q:           Do I have to give up my car?
A:            Yes. In fact, no one is entitled to personal property. The monastery’s goods are held in
                 common for the benefit of all.
 
Q:           Can I visit my family?
A:            Yes, but generally in the summer when school is not in session, except in the case of
                family emergencies.
 
Q:           How often do you pray together?
A:            We pray together four times daily and at the community Mass. There is also time for
                private prayer, another obligation the monks follow.
 
Q:           Is there someone I can talk to about practical questions without bothering a monk?
A:            Please ask our Vocation Director. He will be more than happy to help you.
                [email protected]
 
Q:           You make it sound easy. Is it?
A:            Actually, the call requires rigorous self-examination. You must also have a sincere love of
                prayer, dedicated obedience, a capacity for solitude, and perseverance. The monk needs
                all of these qualities and the desire to deepen them.
 
Q:           What’s the process that leads to solemn profession?
A:            See “Stages of Becoming a Monk” for the answer.