Monastic vocation

[Carlos]

Hello,

Im interested in considering a Vocation as a Monk and have several questions.

I have given this thought previously however i felt that i was not ready to pursure this fully due to my current occupation which at this time i have 2
more years to complete for retirement.

Im attracted to the life of silence and solitude and detachment and wish to learn more.

Inspirations include St. Mary of Egypt St. Benedict, and the desire to live a life of repentance abandoning the "things of the past".

Im also attracted to the thought of the Holy Mountain Mount Athos and its history concerning the Most Holy Theotokos and attempting to dicern if this would indeed be a wise decision with much reflection, dicernment and guidance.

I sometimes reflect if the Most Holy Theotokos still favors Athos and if i will receive conviction to make the right decision and someday enter into the Monastic life, or, to continue in my current status as a single person.

I am a Catholic and have previously discussed my concerns with a priest
and he gave me a printout of the particular Churches of Christendom that
listed the various Catholic, Orthodox, and Byzantine.

Another concern is will i be able to keep my retirement?
Are there age limits?.

Or can i contribute a part of it to a Monastic Community if i were accepted.

Much can be said on this and i would greatly appreciate any suggestions.
Thank You, Carlos.

[Trudy]

I'm interested in considering a Vocation as a Monk

I am not qualified to answer any questions about monasticism Carlos but may God guide you to those who can help you. I am confident He will.

Prayers for you.

Athanasia

[Paul Cowan]

Dear Carlos,

I think the best only person to answer this is a current Monk.

You said:

Another concern is will i be able to keep my retirement?
Are there age limits?.

From my studies, I would say no to both questions.


Inspirations include St. Mary of Egypt St. Benedict, and the desire to live a life of repentance abandoning the "things of the past".

If this is your position, why are you trying to hang on to them? Glory to God for ALL things. Again, seek out a current Monk.

And Yes, the Ever Virgin Theotokos still favors the Holy Mountain. And She always will.

In Christ
Paul

[Father David Moser]

Im interested in considering a Vocation as a Monk and have several questions.


I noted from your profile that you are Roman Catholic. Much of the information here you will find about being an Orthodox monastic. If that is your goal, then your first priority is to become Orthodox. Only after that should you even begin to consider whether or not you wish to enter monastic life.



Im attracted to the life of silence and solitude and detachment and wish to learn more.


If this is the case, then you might want to reconsider becoming a monk. Most monks I know, especially novices, work hard, and their work is their prayer. They do not have the luxury of silence and solitude and detachment because they are part of a monastic community. If this is what you want, may I humbly suggest that you begin now and live such a life of prayer, silence and solitude at home. Break this routine only for your work but return to it the moment you walk out your employer's door and keep it until you return the next morning. Then in a couple of years, when you are able to retire, continue to live this way all the time. Move next door to a Church that has daily services and attend as many of the services as possible. Monastic life is not generally about silence, solitude and detachment, but about obedience, prayer, and labor.



Another concern is will i be able to keep my retirement?
Are there age limits?.

Or can i contribute a part of it to a Monastic Community if i were accepted.


The answers to these questions will vary with different monastic communities.

Fr David Moser

[Carlos]

Thank You Athanasia, Paul Cowan and Fr. David Moser for each of your
responses, i appreciate it and understand your replys.
May God bless each of you, Carlos.

[Daniel Harrison]

I dont think Mount Athos would work for you seeing how you are a Roman Catholic.

[Rick H.]

Trappist's at:


The Abbey of Gethsemani (http://www.monks.org/)