Vocation Program

Listen … incline the ear of your heart

If you are thinking about becoming a monk or are wondering what it feels like to be a monk, then … come for the July vocation program at St. Gregory’s Abbey:

  • Worship & Pray
  • Work & Learn
  • with the monks

… if you are male, age 18 to 50, and if you can spend two weeks (or more) at the abbey in July*. The only cost is $25 for registration.

*The July program is highly recommended, but if a person has a serious interest in monastic vocation and cannot come in July, he may contact the novicemaster to set up an individual program at another time of the year (a minimum stay of two weeks is required.)

For more information and an application form, contact:
Vocation Program Director
St. Gregory’s Abbey
56500 Abbey Road
Three Rivers, MI 49093
(269) 244-5893
E-mail the Novice Master
novicemaster@saintgregorysthreerivers.org

OR

download the following PDFs (3 total) for application materials and send your deposit via PayPal (note it for “vocation program deposit”)
PROGRAM APPLICATION PDF
PROGRAM INFO
GUEST INFO
also read our schedule: SCHEDULE

The purpose of this program is to enable the applicants to discover more about their vocations in the Church and the world as a fulfillment of their baptismal vows, especially in a monastic setting.  An applicant must plan to stay at least two weeks. Any who wish to visit the Abbey but who cannot stay this length of time may contact the Guestmaster and arrange a visit as a guest, not as a vocationer. (The July program is highly recommended, but if a person has a serious interest in monastic vocation and cannot come in July, he may contact the novicemaster to set up an individual program at another time of the year – a minimum stay of two weeks is required.)

The first requirement of one interested in the program is a letter explaining something of his sense of vocation or giving reasons for wanting to spend time at the Abbey. He is then sent an application form which requests certain information and provides space for the name and address of someone who knows the applicant well and would be willing to fill out a reference form. If there are any health or dietary limitations, a medical statement is required. A $25 registration fee must be sent with the completed application to reserve a place in the program.

In general, each applicant may suggest the dates for his visit. Those who apply early enough will be able to have the dates they wish; those who apply later may have to alter their arrival or departure dates. The departure date can be an estimate; the participant may want to stay longer than he first intended, and this will be permitted as long as there is room.

The vocationer should bring work clothes for inside and out and a black cassock if he has one. The monks encourage simplicity of life and do not encourage unnecessary expenditures. Work will vary from domestic chores and outside labor to more specialized projects such as sacristy work or clerical assignments. There is no pay for such work, but neither is there any expense for lodging or board.

The vocationers’ daily schedule is modeled on that of the monks and includes times of liturgical prayer, private prayer, work recreation, study and classes. Each vocationer will have conferences with the monk who directs the program, such conferences covering any subjects which both feel relate to his vocation and future, and concerning as well the difficulties of living in such a close-knit group. The training gained in this last area often proves invaluable.

The Abbey requests that each vocationer be willing to follow generously the simple way of life provided. After his participation in the program has ended, he has no more obligation to the Abbey. But while he is here he should realize that the rules of the program are binding.

Address all inquiries about dates and other matters concerning the program to the Vocation Director:
novicemaster@saintgregorysthreerivers.org

Finally, and in summary:
1. One does not select a vocation for oneself; one tries to find God’s selection for him.
2. Faithfulness to daily duties and charity in the common life are the basis for all vocations.

VOCATIONERS FROM THE PAST FEW YEARS:

vocationers 1

vocationers 2vocationers 3

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW OF OUR SUMMER VOCATION PROGRAM

FOR MORE PHOTOS OF THE JULY PROGRAM, SEARCH OUR ABBEY LETTER ARCHIVES AND LOOK IN THE “FALL” ISSUES