Are You Called to Be A Monk?
Discerning Your Vocation
It can be difficult to know what the Lord is calling you to do with your life. The discernment process is often just that—a process, not a one-time decision. But that means that it can sometimes be difficult, confusing and frustrating. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can look for, in yourself and in your life, that might indicate that God is calling you to look deeper into Abbey life.
Ask Yourself These Questions:
Many of our monks found their vocations by first falling in love with God’s word.
Everyone has their part to play to keep the monastery running smoothly and peacefully. Being a monk means being willing to perform the tasks assigned to you and cheerfully giving of yourself for the sake of the community.
The daily life of a monk is primarily filled with prayer, work and community. While we do have some interaction with the outside world, it is far less than for most people.
Every vocation will be a gift of self, but if the idea of making yourself a specific gift in the Benedictine tradition sounds appealing, it may be a sign that you should consider looking deeper into our order.
Marriage is a beautiful gift from God, but the holy freedom celibacy brings is also a joy. Still, it requires a lot of self-discipline. Consider carefully whether you are up to the task.
The monastic life is not a place for those simply looking to escape the challenges of marriage and family life. We don’t become monks because we have a negative perception of marriage. On the contrary, we honor marriage, but choose celibacy to more freely serve God through lives of prayer and work.
If any of these statements apply to you, it might be time to take the next step in your discernment. Fill out the form below to begin your journey.
Get in Touch
Whether you have questions about discernment and vocations or want general information about Belmont Abbey, we invite you to reach out and ask!
