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Becoming a Monk
 Single
Roman Catholic men, age 20-40, are eligible to enter the monastery. An applicant
should have a sincere desire to seek God and serve the Church. He should be in
good health and be free of serious addictions. Celibacy is a discipline and
lifestyle integral to the monastic way of life, as such we expect that you lived
a celibate way of life for the past two years.
When an individual becomes serious about joining a monastery and selects Saint
Meinrad Archabbey, there are three basics steps. The first step is to begin
visiting the monastery and become acquainted with some members of the monastic
community. If there is still interest after visiting, the next step is to be
interviewed by the admissions committee, which consists of six monks, to discern
if our lifestyle will help the individual get closer to God.
If the individual and admissions committee discern that entrance into the
monastery would be appropriate, then the third step is to finish up the
necessary requirements for entrance into the candidacy program: application,
autobiography, physical exam, psychological and psychiatric evaluations. Each
individual approaches these three steps at his own pace as he discerns how God
is leading him.
We sponsor an off-campus affiliation program for men who wish to formalize their
relationship with Saint Meinrad Archabbey, but who are delayed in entering
candidacy because of commitments to family, work or school. Affiliates maintain
a relationship with the monastery through consistent visits. They practice their
faith in a parish and begin to participate in monastic practices, such as
praying lectio divina and the Liturgy of the Hours on their own. A monk is
assigned to serve as their discernment guide.
Spring Candidacy begins on May 5. Application and admission requirements must be
completed by January 5.
Fall Candidacy begins on October 19. Application and admission requirements must
be completed by June 19.
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