Discernment Visits

Vocation Visit

The best way to begin discerning the monastic life is to visit Saint John’s Abbey. Spending time in prayer, work, and conversation with the monks gives you opportunity 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 the monastery’s work

  • Learn about 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, January 30 – Saturday, January 31, 2026

  • Time: The program begins with Mass at 5:00 pm on Friday and ends after lunch on Saturday. 

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

  • Accommodations: You will stay overnight in the monastery.

  • 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

The logo of Saint Joseph's University, featuring the initials SJU in red with blue and white outline against a black background.

February 13 – 15, 2026
March 27 – 29, 2026
July 31 – August 2, 2026

The Monastic Experience Retreat is designed for men in vocational discernment seeking a more profound understanding of monastic life, coupled with the unique spiritual experience that defines the vocation and has called men for over 1,500 years.

While on your Monastic Experience Retreat, you will:

  • Attend prayer, Mass, community recreation, and meals

  • Stay in and explore the monastic cloister

  • Help with the monastery’s work

  • Learn about and practice lectio divina

  • Explore the Benedictine tradition with a monastic instructor

  • Discern with the vocation director

  • Begin the retreat with Mass at 5:00 pm on Friday and end after lunch on Sunday. 

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.

Monastic Experince Retreats

Monastic Experience Program — A 30-Day Monastic Immersion

June 28 – July 12, 2026

*The 2026 MEP will be only two weeks due to scheduling limitations.

Who are the monks of Saint John’s Abbey? The Monastic Experience Program (MEP) is an opportunity to live the life of a monk at Saint John’s Abbey for thirty 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 four hours per day

  • Meals, lodging, teaching, and guidance provided

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