The Postulancy. In this stage, the candidate will be living in the monastery where he will make a gradual transition from the secular to the religious life. This is a time for him to become better acquainted with our community, prayer life, and work. Postulants normally reside in the Abbey nine to twelve months prior to entrance into the Novitiate.

The Novitiate is a time for the novice to learn the discipline and art of living the Gospel as a monk. This happens by listening to the monastic tradition and assimilating its values. During the Novitiate year, the novice studies the Rule of Benedict, monastic literature and history, and delves more deeply into the Scriptures, especially the Psalms. It is during the Novitiate that the novice is given the spiritual tools which enable him to live the monastic life. The novice finds this period to be a time of deep spiritual growth.

Simple Vows. Simple vows are a period of temporary commitment and usually lasts three years. The period of temporary commitment is, however, a serious commitment and is a time for continuing growth. During these years, the monk will receive a broad theological foundation, as well as some practical experience in apostolic activities. By embracing humility, poverty, chastity, stability, and obedience, he will be better able to determine his ability to live the monastic life successfully. The community will be able to decide whether his manner of life is in accord with its spirit and objectives. Pronouncing vows is easy, but the faithful living of their spiritual summons is a life-long task. There are successes and failures, joys and sorrows. But with self-discipline and patience, linked with sacrifice and mortification, the road broadens as one learn to rely more on God and less on self.

Solemn Vows. If after much discernment and four to five years of spiritual training the monk in simple vows would like to consecrate his whole life to God, he will ask the community to admit him to solemn vows.