Frequently Asked Questions

Are you Trappist?

No we are not. We are a part of what is called the Common Observance. The Trappists were a reform movement which desired a stricter practice of the Rule of Saint Benedict. At this time the differences between the two orders is negligable. There is a movement which is trying to bring the two orders together again. We pray such a movement succeeds.

What do you all day?

Our life is defined by our creed, "Ora et Labora", which translates, "Prayer and work". Our life is a structured and balanced life of prayer and work primarily to draw us closer to God and the mysteries of Christ. That's the high level answer. Here is a more practical answer for the layman who may be confused at this point. We awaken at 4:00 in the morning to pray Vigils or "a watch during the night". Afterwards is time for personal meditation and prayer and reading. Lauds is at 6:00 which coinsides with the rising of the Sun which is analogous to the "rising of Christ" or "coming of Christ". Afterwards again it's prayer and mediation and reading. Terce follows at 7:45 which translates, "third". Terce according to the rule is the third hour of the day. After Terce is a work period. For those in formation it is a study period. At 11:14 we have Sext, which is "Six" or the Sixth hour of the day for prayer. Mass follows and then some free time. None follows which is "Nine" or the ninth hour of the day for prayer and afterwards a work period. After work we have a period of time set aside for Lectio Devina and reading. Vespers follows which is the evening prayer. We have free time afterwards and our day concludes with Compline. As you can see we pray 7 times a day. If you include the personal time for prayer and meditation a monk is praying roughly 7 hours of the day and working 6 hours of the day. Hopefully you can now see the balance of work and prayer. Our free time is also part of the day. It is important a monk have some time for himself for prayer and for recreation. Work includes maintenance, ground work, cleaning, along with personal activities such as painting, workworking, tailoring, publishing, library, etc.

What is that you are wearing?

It is called a Cistercian habit. It consists of a long white tunic or robe, ankle length and a black scapular which is a sleeveless garment with a hood and covers the white robe like an apron. I have been asked when we wear the religious habit. Such practices differ from house to house and each answer reflects the opinions of the individual person and/or abbey and the practices they observe. Our practice is to wear the habit at all times in the Abbey except for work or activities where wearing the habit is simply not practical. We observe the wearing of the habit in public outside the abbey but leave that decision to the individual. We do not force the issue.

What is it like, being a monk?

This question is very difficult to answer because it is mostly a personal answer based on personal experiences during prayer and meditation with God. Therefore I must answer this question by warning you the answer is based on my personal experiences. Being a monk is like being enveloped in joy and love. You have others around you who support you in your vocation and encourage you during your trials and suffering whenever it may happen. It is life of discipline but is a life without the stresses of the world. We practice to separate our own lives from the common practices of the world and it is no easy task. It's very difficult to explain the feelings I have during my time here and over the years. The easiest way to learn is to visit a monastery and open yourself and even practice the life during your stay. There are abbey's where you can have a monastic experience that is pretty darn close to the real thing. I highly recommend trying a monastic experience if you are curious.