We invite men who are between 21 and 50 years of age (exceptions can be made depending on the individual), to a “Come and See” as Jesus did in the gospel (John 1:39).  For those who experience an inner yearning to examine more deeply whether they may, in fact, be called to join our monastery, we have a series of steps to test that call.  Normally the first step is a “Live-In” experience which we recommend to anyone who wishes to know more about our life.  After an initial acquaintance, this experience of about two weeks allows one to live in the monastery enclosure, to experience not only our prayer life in which all guests are welcome to participate, but also to share work, meals, and recreation with the monks who live here.

The next step is Candidacy.  This is a period of six months when the one who is experiencing the call to monastic life actually has the occasion to try it.  In the context of prayer and the guidance of an experienced monk as mentor, the concrete carrying out of our motto “Ora et Labora”, prayer and work, provides the context to make an appropriate decision about joining the community.  Candidacy starts in September in preparation for entering the Novitiate on March 21st.

Third step is the Novitiate, a year of intense formation in prayer and understanding of the monastic life.