About the Order

The Cistercian Order was founded in France in the year 1098. It takes its name from "Citeaux", or "valley of absinthe" the location of the first monastery, the motherhouse of the Order. The Cistercian Order began as a Benedictine reform. It was characterized by simplicity of life, evangelical poverty, the study of sacred Scripture and separation from the world. These same things characterize the Order today. The Order has given the Church bishops, popes, and a number of saints.

Probably the Order’s most lasting contribution are the Cistercian spiritual writers, the most illustrious of whom is Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Cistercian Abbot and Doctor of the Church. The Cistercian Abbey of Our Lady of Spring Bank was founded in 1928 near Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, about 25 miles west of Milwaukee. To better live out their contemplative charism, the monks of Spring Bank moved to a more rural and secluded site near Sparta, Wisconsin, in the early 1980’s. Since that time, the first wing of a projected quadrangular monastery has been built; it has 15 cells for monks, chapel, refectory, kitchen, library and work space. A monastic church and additional living space are planned for the near future.

Cistercian monasteries of the Common Observance are world-wide and quite diverse in their apostolates. Some monasteries run schools or parishes; others, such as Spring Bank, are strictly contemplative. Whatever their particular apostolic work, all Cistercians try to live up the spirit and ideals of the founding fathers of the Order. The year 1998 marked the 900th anniversary of the establishment of Citeaux. This was an occasion of great outreach between our Cistercian Order and the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance (Trappists). Many people ask what the difference is between the two Orders. Today, there isn’t much difference, except that monasteries of the Strict Observance, are not as a rule, involved in any active apostolate. Currently, both Orders are working towards greater unity and fellowship, in the hope of one day being re-united into one Order.

The Spirit of Our Lady of Spring Bank Abbey

Whenever a man begins to pursue a Cistercian monastic vocation, it is important that he understand the monastic "sense of place". In other words, he is called to one particular monastery in the Order - to grow in holiness with that particular group of monks and follow the traditions and spirit of that house. Spring Bank is proud of its monastic heritage. The liturgy of the Hours is sung in Latin to Gregorian chant. A great emphasis is placed on the monastic traditions of lectio divina (spiritual reading of Holy Scriptures especially,and the Church Fathers and other solid spiritual authors), meditation on the Rule of St. Benedict, private prayer, study and work. A monk’s life should be that perfect balance of intellectual pursuits and simple labor, heartfelt prayer and plain common sense.

One of the chief priorities of the monks of Spring Bank is fraternal charity. Christ embraces Charity means accepting not only the diversity and abilities of other brothers, but their sins and weaknesses as well. Community life demands that a monk accept his brothers as sinners, but also that the particular monk realize that he is the biggest sinner of all. Monks do not enter the monastery already saints; they spend their entire vocation hoping to become saints. This is never a solitary quest, but always involves the community - growing together in patience, tolerance, humility - in short, holiness. Spring Bank is not a refuge for living out individual ideologies; it is a School of the Lord’s Service and a School of Charity. Lessons in this school continue for a lifetime. A monk is forever learning, striving to grow in virtue, trying to do better. He learns to treat others with the dignity due them as children of God, while he himself takes up the cross of Jesus Christ.

The love for tradition that the monks of Spring Bank have in no way impedes their goals for the future, or their willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. As time goes on (and, God willing, vocations increase) the community will constantly strive to learn how things can be done better - a more complete formation program, for instance, a clearer identity in the local Church, a more authentic interpretation of the spirit of the founders, a better and more worthy liturgy. A small community faced with many challenges, Spring Bank is at the same time a community with a future. Candidates must be willing to accept current circumstances; and, with the future in mind, and in monastic humility, seek not what the community can do for them, but what they can do for the community. But whatever talents, capabilities, learning or other qualities a new monk has, one thing is paramount: he must be determined to seek God alone, and constantly praise Him in prayer, work and study. This is the essence of the monastic vocation, and it is the duty and the joy of the monks of Spring Bank Abbey.

Prayer

A monk is a man of prayer. He prays in two ways - the Liturgy of the Hours, or public choral prayer, and personal, or private prayer. Neither kind of prayer can stand alone; each must support and strengthen the other. The noble verses of the Psalms, and the haunting melodies of the chant, inspire private prayer, and private prayer on its part bolsters and enhances liturgical prayer. The monks meet for choral prayer eight times each day. As part of the monastic horarium there is time appointed early each morning for private prayer. The monks of Spring Bank spend about 5 hours each day in prayer, liturgical or private. Monks do not emphasize "techniques" for private prayer. Private prayer is a highly individual thing; what works for one may not be right for another. The important thing is for a monk to use this scheduled time for lifting his mind to God exclusively, and not for other pursuits. He will be greatly rewarded in doing so, not only in his performance and attentiveness during the Liturgy of the Hours, but also by the peace in his soul that comes from a mind ever attuned to the Divine. A monk is not limited to designated times for prayer; prayer should suffuse his whole day. Whether at work or study, kitchen or classroom, a monk always tries to be aware of the presence of God and his own need for divine mercy.

The celebration of the Eucharist is the high point of the monk’s daily life. The community at Spring Bank has great devotion to the Eucharist, both in the daily celebration of the Mass and in private prayer. At Spring Bank we have adoration and benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sundays, Solemnities and First Fridays. In keeping with this strong Eucharistic sense, many monks of Spring Bank are called to Holy Orders. The vocation to the priesthood is in no way contrary to the life of a contemplative monk. Priests of the community concelebrate Mass daily, offer the sacrament of reconciliation to other members of the community and guests, and give counsel and spiritual direction to outsiders who request it. The Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours and private prayer, all these work together in the soul of the individual monk, making him a man of prayer and a man of God.

Work

"Ora et labora," "pray AND work"; this is the monastic motto. Work then, has a spiritual importance. The monk learns to offer his abilities and talents to God and to the community. He also learns patience and self-sacrifice in living by the labor of his own hands. Cistercian monasteries are self-supporting; they do not live from donations. Hence, remunerative work, as well as careful management and investment of resources: property, money, and human talent, are central to an integrated monastic life. Monastic work at Spring Bank is of different kinds. There is the routine cleaning and maintenance of the building and grounds. Some monks have regular positions like Fr Abbot at cellarer/steward and novice master; others do secretarial work or bookkeeping. Although great care is used in seeing that a professed monk is given work that suits him, new monks should realize that they may be asked to do chores that are arduous or menial. This work helps the monk grow in humility and obedience, and above all joy - a joy that comes from offering everything, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant, to the praise and glory of God.

The community has worked for the past three years to discern how, as a small community, we can best use our available resources to support ourselves and provide funds for almsgiving. We are committed to using the talents of all the brothers, along with our available financial resources and property, for work that will provide necessary support for our life, and the means to continue our 900-year old tradition of hospitality, guardianship of culture, and a spiritual presence to our secular society.

Lectio Divina

Lectio divina, spiritual reading chiefly of the Holy Scriptures and the Church Fathers, is a practice that influences every aspect of a monk’s life. The great drama of the Old and New Testaments becomes a living reality as the monk begins to see the entire history of salvation unfold in his day-to-day life. Time is given for lectio during the early morning hours. A monk should spend at least forty-five minutes a day with lectio. It is important to realize that lectio is quite different from reading a novel, for instance, or a magazine. The amount read, or simply the acquiring of facts, is not the goal: an encounter with the risen Lord through the printed page is. Lectio is practiced slowly, ruminatively. It is an invitation to witness the great acts of God throughout salvation history. Although the "art of sacred reading" may not hold the pride of place in today’s highly technical world that it held a century ago, lectio is a monastic practice that has stood the test of time. It is as viable for the monk of today as it was in the time of St. Bernard. Technology may change, become outdated; reading Holy Scripture won’t. Along with the Bible, some other books are quite appropriate for spiritual reading, such as the homilies of the Church Fathers, the writings of sound theologians, biographies of the saints or works of biblical or Church history.

Education

A monk’s academic education is never really completed. He may have earned his degree years ago, but his learning does not become truly effective until it is integrated into the day-to-day life of his monastic vocation. Brothers not going on priesthood are required to study at least a year of theology and philosophy at a suitable school. Academic acumen is not important, integration of the scared sciences into the mind and heart of the monk is. Novices are given in-house formation classes to prepare them for what will be expected in their theological studies. Monastic education can include non-academic vocational pursuits as well. A monk might go on to study forestry, mechanics, secretarial work, anything that can be of use to the community and help him become the man God wants him to be. Academic and vocational training also enhances the monk’s private interests. It is not unusual for a monk to study poetry, literature, arts, crafts and sciences in his own free time. A monk is man of many interests, but they all flow out from and enhance his love of God and his willingness to imitate Christ.

If a man feels that sacrificing everything to follow Christ is worth more to him than marriage, career and the lure of the world, he has the first signs of vocation. If he longs for silence, solitude, and wishes to devote his every waking moment to the praise and glory of God, the Abbey of Spring Bank may be just the place for him. There is no one personality type that makes a monk; a vocation takes root in the hearts and minds of men from every kind of family background, education and life experience. What is important is to realize that nothing must take precedence over seeking God, praising Him, growing in humility, and leaving the comforts and liberties of the world to live in a community of like-minded men. Make no mistake, the monastic life is not easy; community life is challenging, spiritual growth demands purgation and darkness. But the rewards are manifold. A monk can become the man he was always meant to be; he can achieve deep, genuine happiness. The most important reward is eternal beatitude with his risen Lord in Heaven; this is what a monk forever strives for. If after reading these reflections you think they speak to the deep spiritual desires of your own heart, you should investigate the monastic calling. Don't delay; the Lord Jesus may be looking for you to answer this call today.

The Process of Inquiry & Entry

The process for entry into Spring Bank is as follows. The inquirer should thoroughly and completely fill out a Discerner Information Form and return it to the Vocation Director. (You may submit this form online by clicking above, or you may print the document and mail it.) The Vocation Director will review the form and contact you to discuss your vocation. An initial visit of about five days will be arranged, if it is clear that you should consider our community. During this first visit there is time to discern one’s faith life, vocational call, etc. Afterwards, a second visit may be scheduled which usually lasts about two weeks. At this time the inquirer follows the life of the community - attending the liturgy, joining in their work and participating in formation classes. Also during this second visit, the Vocation Director will meet with the candidate and discuss deeper issues of faith and human development. Although these meetings might be difficult (as many aspects of the candidate’s personal life will come to surface), the candidate is urged to be completely honest and trusting. It is only in this way that a genuine call from God can be discerned. If after the second visit both the candidate and the community feel that this man may be called to the monastic life at Spring Bank, a date may be set for his official entry as a postulant.

Postulancy lasts for about six months, after which it is decided if the postulant is to go on to the year-long novitiate. At this time he receives the novitiate habit, and begins his official formation consisting of classes in Biblical Exegesis, Latin and Gregorian Chant, Monastic Spirituality and the Rule of St. Benedict. After the novitiate, the candidate may go on to simple vows which last for three years. At this time he receives the black scapular, and usually begins his theology studies at a suitable university. Even those monks not called to Holy Orders are normally required to follow at least one year of philosophy and theology at an outside university. After three years in simple vows, the community and the simple professed himself decide if he is ready to make solemn vows and become a full-fledged monk. At this time, he receives the monastic cowl, and becomes a full member of the community chapter. The new monk usually finishes whatever studies he needs, and if called to Holy Orders is ordained to the Diaconate, and later the Priesthood. After a monk has finished with studies and is in solemn vows he usually is given a permanent job in the community. This can be a variety of things - clerical work, building and land maintenance, librarian, choir director - whatever the community may need at that time. Of course, the new monk’s natural talents and dispositions are taken into account. But, most important of all, at this time the new monk really becomes a monk - dedicating his life totally to God within the monastic traditions of the community, prayer, work and study.

Candidates for Spring Bank Abbey should have completed some higher education and/or have some work experience. Although we do not have a strict age limit per se, candidates should be between the ages of twenty and forty. As our prayer life is centered in the Liturgy of the Hours sung to Gregorian chant, a candidate should have some vocal ability with an aptitude for further voice study. He also should be in good physical and psychological health, with a complete physical required for postulancy. Although Spring Bank does not require outside psychological testing, the future candidate can expect frank discussions with the Vocation Director on this matter. Of course, exceptions can be made for minor problems (both physical and psychological) that would in no way impede a person’s future life as a monk. A candidate should have a mature faith life. He should be honest and accepting of his sexuality and already living the virtues of a celibate life. He must be willing to adapt to the customs and regulations of the community and be tolerant and open to the various personalities and backgrounds of its members. Above all, he must realize that the monastic life is a School of the Lord’s Service and a School of Charity. Being a monk is a series of life-long lessons, and there is always a new virtue to be learned, another vice to be purged of. With the help of God’s Grace, a monk may hopefully succeed in imitating Christ fully, following Him to the Cross, and rising with Him to eternal life.

Vocation Inquiries from Foreign Countries

At this time, the Cistercian Abbey is only accepting international vocational candidates from Canada and Mexico.

Monastic Schedule

Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation

Contact our Vocation Director

If you are interested in learning more about our community, please contact: