Discernment Visits

Vocation Visit

The best way to begin discerning the monastic life is to visit Saint John’s Abbey. Spending 3-5 days in prayer, work, and conversation with the monks gives you time to contemplate, question, answer, and learn.

While on your Vocation Visit, you will:

  • Pray with the monks

  • Join us for meals

  • Stay in the monastic cloister

  • Help with Abbey's work

  • Learn and practice lectio divina

  • Explore the monastic tradition

  • Take a walk with a monk

  • Discern with the vocation director

Ask your questions, “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1), and discover if God has called you to be a monk at Saint John’s Abbey.

Johnnie Come and See

Who are the monks of Saint John’s Abbey? Experience monastic life: meet the monks, explore the monastery, pray, and work during an overnight stay.

The “Johnnie Come and See” is for Saint John’s University men.

  • Dates: Friday, November 7 – Saturday, November 8

  • Time: Begins with Mass at 5:00 pm on Friday and ends after lunch at 1:30 pm on Saturday. 

  • Location: Saint John’s Abbey, meet at 4:30 pm in the SJU Great Hall.

  • Accommodations: You will stay overnight in the abbey monastic cloister.

  • Packing: Please bring what you need for an overnight stay and clothing suitable for prayer and outdoor work.

  • Questions: Email the Abbey Vocations Director, Br. Benedict Leuthner, OSB at vocations@csbsju.edu

Monastic Experience Program — A 30-Day Monastic Immersion

Who are the monks of Saint John’s Abbey? The Monastic Experience Program is the opportunity to live the life of a monk at Saint John’s Abbey for 30 days. As a “MEP”, you will follow the discipline of the monastic life, exploring Benedictine prayer, spirituality, and work alongside the monks of Saint John’s Abbey.

The Monastic Experience Program is designed for men seriously considering a vocation. As a participant in the program, you will:

Program

  • Experience monastic life for 30 days

  • Attend prayer, mass, community recreation, and meals

  • Meet with a mentor/guide

  • Attend conferences on sacred readings, liturgical prayer, and monastic practices.

  • Work approximately 4 hours per day

  • You will receive board, lodging, teaching, and guidance

Expectations

  • You commit to experiencing and discerning the monastic vocation

  • There are no vows/formal commitments beyond respectful participation

  • A weekend visit to Saint John’s Abbey, before participating in the Monastic Experience Program, is encouraged. 

Requirements

  • Single, baptized, and confirmed Roman Catholic men, ages 18-43

  • Be a serious discerner of monastic life

  • Letters of recommendation and interview