If you’re discerning a path to the monastery, you’ve likely thought about planning a visit to one. Even if you aren’t discerning, a trip to St. Bede’s monastery can be spiritually enriching with a look at how Benedictine values are lived out and an invitation to follow them in your life.
But for those who ask, “how do I become a monk,” visiting the monastery at some point is essential. Discernment will bring you to a monastery many times before you even say your vows. Early visits are a chance to develop a relationship with the community and begin to understand what will be asked of you as a Benedictine monk. And as that relationship develops, you’ll get the guidance you need as you answer the call.
You can learn more about the call to monastic life here.
Your first visit during discernment
If you’re learning the steps in how to become a monk, your first visit to our monastery in Illinois will likely be simple. That visit often involves working with the vocation director to get an introduction to our monastery. You’ll learn about the grounds, explore the basic rhythms and may even get a chance to meet with some of the monks.
It’s common to attend Mass or join in prayer. And some visitors may take part in a meal or the monastic labor on the grounds. It could last just a day, or even an entire weekend. Some monasteries even host “Come and See” visits, where groups of young men experience the daily rhythms as an introduction to Benedictine life.
What you should be asking yourself
Whatever shape your visit takes, what’s most important is the perspective you bring to it. Don’t think of it as a job interview or a test for you to pass. In fact, visiting the monastery isn’t necessarily an invitation to have yourself transformed—though, you may feel a strong, spiritual draw.
This is simply a part of the discernment process, where you learn firsthand what the monastery is like. Your goal is to get a sense of the space and the people. Upon further visits, you’ll become more familiar with the work, rhythms and silence.
When it comes to your internal state, start by observing what draws you to the monastery. Is this a lifestyle you could see yourself living, or are you actually just drawn to the idea being a monk? Note what the responsibilities are and what the daily work will ask of you. Begin to get to know the monks and ask yourself if you could see yourself living with them every day.
And most importantly, after your first visit, start to understand the questions or reservations that may arise surrounding Benedictine monastic life. Understanding the challenges you will face will help you better prepare yourself for the next steps. And St. Bede’s community will be there to help you answer these questions.
You can learn more here to understand if you’re ready for life in our monastery in Illinois.
Longer visits at the monastery
After your first visit, you’ll want to stay in touch with the vocation director. This is when you start to go deeper into discernment, exploring what monastic life will mean for you, and how future visits will help prepare you.
At our monastery in Illinois, you can arrange for longer visits on your own. These more involved visits include many of the daily routines: attending the Liturgy of the Hours with other monks, participating in the Eucharist, joining in community meals and work.
It’s also a chance to start reflecting on your own personal discernment, alongside the monks. You’ll have the chance to sit down with the abbot and other members, as well as continue your relationship with the vocation director. There will be chances to read more about The Rule of St. Benedict, plus spend longer periods of time in silence and personal monks’ prayer.
While you visit, continue to observe how the monks go about their days. Note how they interact with each other and how their spiritual posture influences how they move throughout their responsibilities.
This likely won’t be your last visit before joining in the monastery. There will be future visits as you continue discernment. In doing so, you’ll naturally start to develop a relationship with the monks. This is when you’ll begin to more directly face the questions and challenges you’re anticipating.
You may ask the monks about how they live out their vows, or what adjustments they faced in their first few years of the monastery. As you get more familiar with the monks, you can ask more difficult questions head-on, and get honest, helpful answers.
What’s expected of visitors to the monastery?
With any visit to a monastery, you’ll be treated to Benedictine hospitality. Benedictine monks welcome visitors as they would Christ—a model you’ll learn to follow when you become a monk yourself.
You can learn more about Benedictine hospitality here.
But remember: this is still a sacred place of discernment. You’ll be expected to follow the guestmaster’s instructions, observing the rules surrounding silence and access to private areas. You’ll want to ask before entering areas that aren’t open to guests. And you should respect the monks’ time and responsibilities.
When joining in communal meals or monks’ prayers, be sure to be punctual. Monastic life is dictated by strict rhythms. And even adhering to them as a guest will help you prepare for these schedules once you join the monastery.
Visiting even if you aren’t discerning
As mentioned, Benedictine hospitality means everyone’s invited to spend time with St. Bede’s community. Your visit as a layperson may look similar to the early visits of a man discerning his path to the monastery. You may take a guided tour, attend mass and join us for a meal or one of the monks’ prayers.
But there is also the opportunity to join our community for a retreat. St. Bede’s grounds include the Bethany House, a guest facility which once served as a student boarding house. Visitors stay at the Bethany House and are invited to engage in spiritual activities that more closely resemble a monks’ day. Even if you aren’t considering monastic life, it’s a powerful way to deepen your spiritual life within Benedictine teachings and practices.
If the next step in your discernment includes a visit to St. Bede’s, let’s start the conversation. You can reach out to us by using the form linked here.
