If you are wondering what sort of a person joins a monastery or if the monastic life is for you, perhaps the following may help.  A sincere desire to seek God and a devotion to Christ are basic to the monk's life and vocation.  A readiness to turn to God in prayer and contentment in his presence are indications of this desire and devotion.  Clearly you need a basic knowledge of the Catholic Faith and the experience of having lived it.

Community life means living together with others, so you need to be able to do this.  Someone who is content to serve others, who has a genuine concern for their good, and is able to live simply and amicably with them is the sort of person who finds contentment in community.  Prayer, Lectio, and Work are the pattern of the monk's life, so he foregoes an active apostolate, because he is convinced of the power of a life given to God in prayer.

Fundamental skills, crafts and work experience are most acceptable, as is anything else you can bring in that line, but the essential is a willingness to learn.  Monastic life is also physically and mentally demanding, so you need good health and a reasonably well-balanced personality

If you are interested in the monastic life or have any queries, please contact the Novice Master at; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Novice Master, Mount Melleray Abbey, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, Ireland.

Telephone; 058-54404