Visitor's Questions

An encounter with the age-old hidden life of monks and nuns can awaken a variety of responses in those formed by contemporary American culture. Cistercian monks and nuns recognize this and are happy to answer questions put to us by visitors to our monasteries. We welcome any questions you might have and our responses are offered as an expression of monastic hospitality. Please use the form at the bottom of this page to submit your questions.

How do you keep your focus on doing God's work in these turbulent times?

What time do you get up to pray? How do you keep your focus on doing God's work in these turbulent times? How many times a week do you fast and for how many hours? During the fast do you obstain from all foods or some foods? As time goes on do you find it easier or harder to be true to your vows?

Is there a Third Order of the Trappists Monks?

I have always been at home alone out in the woods. 16 years ago I broke my neck, and have relied on people to care for me in a nursing home. The noise is unbearable, but fortunately I have a private room and I have found the Lord Christ. Is there a Third Order of the Trapists Monks? Presently, I am a Third Order member of the Confraternity of Penitents, of the original 1221 Rule.

I have been thinking about becoming a monk every day for about the last year, but am not sure if I want to become an official monk all of my life, so inside of me there is great conflict.

"I'm 21 years old and about ready to finish an Associate of Arts degree, but I do not feel attending a 4 year college or just finding an ordinary job is right for me now. I've read several entries about becoming a monk, or an oblate in your community, but I just don't know. I have been thinking about becoming a monk every day for about the last year and visited the guesthouse a couple days in May. The way the life as set up in the monastery is balanced and even beautiful from my perspective.

How can I prepare myself for a monastic communial life?

"Hello, I am probably going to a monastery not so far in future, and I am trying to understand more about monastic life and practice, in order to adjust better. I think I tend to create my own ways of doing things, with a good intention, but I am afraid that sometimes it might cause problems. I wonder if there's something I should practice, so that I would back off from my own ways.

"Do all monasteries use a different form of the Liturgy of the Hours?

"Do all monasteries use a different form of the Liturgy of the Hours? If so do you have a recommendation for civilians? Perhaps the St. Joseph 4 volume set? Also, are there plans to revise the set? I would hope not if I were to invest in them, as they are somewhat expensive."

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