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"Because of the diversity of local conditions, cultural, religious,
and social, the monks of a new foundation shall draw up their
own Customary, which must be approved by the abbot of the founding
monastery. In addition to the specific norms prescribed by the
abbot for all the monks of the founding monastery wherever they
may be, the monks of the new foundation shall follow their own
Customary."
The Constitution and the Statutes of the Swiss-American
Benedictine Congregation, Section F. Of the Founding and Suppression
of Monasteries, S61.
December 2001
1. Table of Contents
1. Table of Contents...........................................................................
Page 3
2. Organization ..................................................................................
Page 5
A. Superiors
B. Chapter Members
C. Small Chapter
D. Community
Meetings
3. Officials..........................................................................................
Page 6
4. Committees....................................................................................
Page 9
A. Finance
Committee
B. Development
Committee
C. Liturgical
Committee
5. Prayer Life......................................................................................
Page 9
A. Conventual
Mass
B. Divine Office
C. Lectio Divina
D. Private
Prayers
E. Devotions
6. Suffrages.........................................................................................
Page 11
7. Monastic Asceticism.......................................................................
Page 11
A. Night
Silence
B. Day Silence
C. Culpa
D. Fasting and
Abstinence
E. Penance
8. Work and Apostolates....................................................................
Page 12
A. Inside
the Abbey
B. Outside the
Abbey
9. Formation.......................................................................................
Page 13
A. Candidacy
B. Postulancy
C. Novitiate
D. Juniorate
E. Ongoing
Formation
10. Interior Life and Practicalities.....................................................
Page 14
A. Monastic
Cloister
B. Monastic Rooms
C. Monastic Refectory
D. Monastic
Clothing
E. Monastic
Courtesy
F. Monastic
Recreation
G. Jubilees
H. Prudence
I. Guests
J. Money
K. Gifts
L. Season of Lent
M. Duties
N. Alcoholic Beverages
P. Travel
Q. Beards and Hair
11. Horarium.....................................................................................
Page 19
A. Superiors
Abbot
i. The abbot holds the place of Christ in the monastery. As
required by the Rule of Benedict and the Constitutions of the
Swiss-American Congregation(cf. S11, C11), the abbot assumes
the following duties and privileges.
a. The abbot is the spiritual father of the community. He is
shepherd, teacher and pastor of souls in the community. The abbot
is properly addressed by the title Father.
b. The abbot shall visit annually or as needed with each member
of the community.
c. The abbot is steward of the patrimony of the abbey. He is
the general administrator of the resources of the abbey. The
abbot appoints all officials for the administration of the monastery.
d. The abbot convokes and chairs chapter meetings. In general,
he is responsible for the agenda of chapter meetings. He posts
the time and agenda of chapter meetings.
e. The abbot oversees the continuing education of the monks.
The abbot gives conferences himself, and arranges for conferences
by guest speakers. The abbot approves the studies of the monks,
especially those studies which require a monk to be away from
the abbey. The abbot presents candidates for ordination to the
bishop. The abbot approves the selections for public reading.
f. The abbot oversees the formation program. He gives classes
to the novices. He oversees the training and formation of the
juniors.
g. The abbot bears ultimate responsibility for and is the final
arbiter of the liturgical life of the community.
h. The abbot has the powers and faculties granted to major
superiors.
i. The abbot oversees the care of the infirm.
ii. The abbot aids the development director in visits to benefactors
whenever it seems appropriate to do so.
Prior
i. The prior is appointed by the abbot to assist him, especially
to keep the community faithful to the vision of monastic life
as lived by the community of Mount Michael.
ii. The prior shares the abbot's responsibilities for pastoral
care of the monks, and assists the abbot in any way that the
abbot requests. The prior meets with the abbot on a regular basis
to provide dialog, information and support for the abbot.
iii. In the absence of the abbot, the prior assumes the duties
of the abbot according to the Constitutions of the Swiss-American
Congregation (C25) and according to the express wishes of the
abbot.
iv. The prior notifies the relatives of the family in the event
of the death of a member of the community. The prior also notifies
expositi and other monasteries of the death of the community
member.
v. The prior shall see to the disposal of goods of a member
of the community who dies.
vi. The prior is the secretary of the chapter and the secretary
of the small council.
Sub-Prior
i. The sub-prior assumes the duties of the prior in the absence
of the prior or in the event that the prior is unable to fulfill
his duties.
ii. The sub-prior assumes the duties of the abbot in the event
of the absence of both the abbot and the prior.
B. Chapter Members
Those monks who make up the chapter are specified by the Constitutions
of the Swiss-American Congregation (C7). As indicated in the
Constitutions (S6), a matter proposed by any capitular and approved
by a majority of the council can be made a part of the agenda
for a chapter meeting. Provision must be made to notify absent
chapter members of chapter meetings and to enable them to vote
by absentee ballot.
C. Small Chapter
In accord with the directives of the Constitutions of the Swiss-American
Congregation (C21, C22), the small chapter consists of the Prior,
the Sub-Prior and two members elected by the chapter for a term
of one year.
D. Community Meetings
To foster communication and to share responsibility, community
meetings should be provided for on a regular basis.
3. Officials
of the Monastery
If circumstances warrant, some official positions may be assumed
by someone other than a monk.
Archivist:
The archivist is to keep a chronicle for the monastery and to
see to the preservation of the more important documents.
Business Manager:
The business manager is to oversee the financial operations
of the monastery. He is to prepare budgets, collect income and
authorize expenditures.
Choirmaster:
The choirmaster is to train the choir and the schola. He shall
appoint the organists and shall prepare the daily liturgy for
the Mass and the Office.
Custodian of the Cars:
The custodian of the cars is to see to the cleanliness and
maintenance of the fleet and to arrange for needed repairs.
Custodian of Church Decorations:
The custodian of church decorations is to see to the proper
decorating of the chapel according to the rank and season of
the year. He is to work with the sacristan.
Custodian of the Monastery:
The custodian of the monastery is to see to the upkeep and
needed repairs within the monastic enclosure. He is to see that
common rooms are kept clean and orderly.
Director of Public Relations:
The director of public relations acts as a liaison between
the monastery and the public. He shall see to development of
resources for the monastery. He shall be responsible to see that
important events of the monastery are reported to the media.
He is responsible for the publication and distribution of the
Michaeleen and other published materials such as brochures or
booklets.
Farm Manager:
The farm manager is responsible for farming operations involving
monastic land. He is responsible for the care of the equipment
used for farming.
Gift Shop Manager:
The gift shop manager is to run the gift shop, order materials
and oversee sales.
Groundskeeper:
The groundskeeper is to keep the exterior of the property clean
and orderly. He shall direct those hired or assigned to tasks
related to the grounds.
Guestmaster:
The guestmaster is to see that all guest are "received as Christ." He
is to arrange for the lodging of guests when needed. He is to
keep the guest houses clean and in order.
Infirmarian:
The infirmarian is to see to the care of the sick and the infirm.
He shall be responsible to procure needed medications and to
arrange for appointments with doctors and dentists as needed.
Intentionarius:
The intentionarius is to oversee, record and distribute the
Mass intentions to the priests of the community.
Kitchenmaster:
The kitchenmaster is to oversee the operation of the kitchen,
the planning of the menu, and the buying of food. He shall coordinate
his activities with the business manager. The kitchenmaster should
be attentive to the quality of meals, and aware of any special
dietary needs of individual monks.
Librarian:
The librarian is to oversee the care of the books of the monastery,
the neatness of the library, and to arrange for the acquisition
of books.
Liturgist:
The liturgist is responsible for the preparation of the Office.
The liturgist prepares with musicians the accompaniment for the
Office and the Eucharist.
Master of Ceremonies:
The master of ceremonies is to see to the proper and reverent
performance of the liturgy for the community.
Oblate Director:
The oblate director is to function as leader of the oblates.
He conducts meetings of the oblates, arranges for oblate retreats
and oblate outings. He assists the oblates in social works of
charity such as helping at food kitchens.
Sacristan:
The sacristan is to care for the sacred vessels of the altar
and the vestments and other religious articles of the sacristy.
He is to care for the cleanliness and good order of the chapel.
He should work with the custodian of church decorations to see
to the adequate adornment of the chapel, especially on feasts.
Treasurer:
The treasurer is to oversee the finances of the monastery.
He is to work closely with the business manager.
Vestiarius:
The vestiarius is to see to the distribution of personal clothing,
needed toiletries and bed linens for the monastery.
Vocation Director:
The vocation director is to foster vocations, especially by
prayer and good example. He shall handle initial correspondence
with and the screening of prospective vocations. He shall invite
prospective vocations to the monastery to spend time to become
acquainted with monastic life. With the director of public relations,
he shall see to the publication of needed vocation brochures,
newspaper ads, and presentations at schools and colleges. He
belongs to the Omaha Archdiocesan Association for Consecrated
Life.
4. Committees
A. The Finance Committee:
The finance committee will be responsible for planning and
arranging the financial affairs of the community. The finance
committee consists of the abbot, the treasurer and three elected
members. The elected members serve three year terms which are
staggered so that only one member is elected each year.
B. The Development Committee:
The development committee will advise the abbot on areas of
future planning and development. The development committee consists
of the prior, the Director of Public Relations, and three elected
members. The elected members serve three year terms which are
staggered so that only one member is elected each year.
C. The Liturgical Committee:
The liturgical committee shall make suggestions and recommendations
to improve the liturgical life of the community. The liturgical
committee consists of the abbot, the master of ceremonies, the
liturgist, the sacristan, the choirmaster and the custodian of
church decorations. If desired the abbot may appoint further
personnel to the committee.
5. Prayer Life
A. Conventual Mass:
i. The conventual mass is always a sung mass.
ii. All monks are to participate in the mass according to their
participation in the priesthood of Jesus Christ unless validly
hindered or excused by the abbot.
iii. At concelebrated mass, only the voice of the principal celebrant is
to be heard. Concelebrants are to recite the Eucharistic prayer in a subdued
tone.
iv. All priests are to concelebrate unless validly hindered
or excused by the abbot.
B. The Divine Office:
i. The hebdomadarius leads prayers at office for a week, beginning
with Saturday vespers. The first, second and third readers likewise
are responsible for lessons from the Scriptures and assigned
readings at office for a week.
ii. All the hours of the office have sung elements, normally
the opening hymn and the New Testament canticle. A Marian hymn
is sung at the end of night prayer. The psalms are also sung
at vespers.
iii. Vespers are assisted with ceremonies on Sundays and solemnities.
Choir robes are worn at vespers on Sundays and solemnities.
iv. Before vespers on Sundays and solemnities, there is statio
and a procession into chapel. The abbot gives the signal to proceed.
v. The schola is used as needed to facilitate the singing, especially
on important feasts.
vi. At the beginning of morning prayer, at the verse, "O Lord,
open my lips," each monk shall trace a small sign of the cross
on the lips the first time the verse is intoned. At the other
offices, when the verse, "O God, come to my assistance is intoned,
each monk makes a normal sign of the cross, as is the case also
before the Benedictus, the Magnificat, and the Nunc Dimittis.
A bow is also made during the "Glory be" out of respect to the
Trinity.
vii. When the signal is given to begin the office, all are to
move up and fill in empty spaces.
viii. Anyone who is prevented on a regular basis from attending
office should excuse himself to the abbot.
C. Lectio Divina:
i. During the day, each monk shall devote at least an hour to
Lectio Divina. This time is devoted to meditation and mental
prayer over an appropriate reading selection. During the time
provided for this activity, a period of silence should pervade
the monastery so that no one is disturbed.
ii. Anyone who cannot complete Lectio Divina at the assigned
hour should make arrangements to do so at some other hour of
the day.
D. Private Prayer:
i. An examination of conscience is made at the end of each day
at the beginning of night prayer. At other times the examination
of conscience is recommended so that one may render an account
of himself and of his progress in virtue and of the lessening
of his faults.
E. Devotions:
i. The monks are invited to prayer for vocations each week after
the hour of night prayer.
ii. Each Sunday at evening meals, a prayer for vocations is
addressed to the patron of the monastery, St. Michael the Archangel.
iii. Every year, there will be a retreat for the community for
a period covering five days. The retreat is normally scheduled
at the end of the school year. A monk may, with the permission
of the abbot, make a
private retreat if it is deemed necessary.
iv. Recommended to the prayer life of each monk are the devotions
approved by the Church:
6. Suffrages
i. Each monk is entitled to proper funeral Mass and burial in our
monastic cemetery. In addition to the prescriptions in the Constitutions
of the Swiss-American Congregation (S58), each monk will offer
the holy sacrifice of the Mass, according to his own participation
in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, three times for each member
of the community who dies. In addition, there will be the daily
remembrance at the noon day prayer for seven straight days and
on each anniversary.
ii. In compliance with the prescriptions of the Constitutions,
once a month or twelve times a year each monk offers a Mass according
to his participation in the priesthood of Jesus Christ for all
the deceased monks of the Swiss-American congregation.
iii. Upon notification of the death of an oblate, the Intentionarius
will see that a Mass is offered for the repose of the soul of
the deceased oblate.
7. Monastic Asceticism
A. Night Silence:
Night silence begins at 10:30 pm each night and ends after morning
prayer. The discipline of silence is a gift that the monks give
one another for rest and for developing one's relationship with
God. Any speaking should be done by way of exception. Noise that
might disturb others should cease after 10:30 pm. Permission
for activities after 10:30 pm should be sought from the appropriate
superior.
B. Day Silence:
The day silence is observed as the normal spirit in the monastery.
Because monks ought to have a zeal for silence at all times,
monks should strive to have a calm disposition. Day silence tries
to eliminate all unnecessary noise and loud speaking. Special
care and thoughtfulness should be given while conversing with
guests. A reverential silence is to be kept always in chapel,
unless speaking is necessary. Even then it should be done in
a low voice.
C. Culpa:
Culpa is the individual practice of a monk who acknowledges
to the abbot his failures in external monastic discipline. This
is beneficial for monastic asceticism and each monk is encouraged
to do so before his superior. There is also a monk's obligation
toward fraternal correction for the good of another. When necessary,
this correction is to be given in a spirit of genuine love and
concern.
D. Fasting and Abstinence:
The practice of fasting and abstinence is determined according
to Sacrosanctum Consilium #12 and the Apostolic Constitution
on Fast and Abstinence issued by Pope Paul VI. Fasting by all,
unless health or age determines otherwise, shall be observed
on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fridays outside of Easter season
and Fridays which are not feast days should be treated as penitential
days. Abstinence is encouraged for the monks on these days. Additional
forms of self-denial are encouraged during the season of Lent.
Personal fasting is always to be moderate according to one's
own strength. If a monk is unable to fast because of health or
age, he should perform other acts of penance.
E. Penance:
For monks, the sacrament of penance is an integral part of spiritual
formation. Each monk is to have a regular confessor. The monk
is free to choose any priest he wishes, not necessarily a member
of the community.
8. Work and Apostolates
A. Inside the Abbey:
i. It is the responsibility of the abbot to assign various monks
to the many duties that are required to keep the abbey operating
in a clean, efficient, fiscally sound manner.
ii. The proper maintenance of the goods and property of the
abbey is the responsibility of the entire community. Each member
of the abbey is responsible in a corporate sense to care for
the goods and possessions of the community.
iii. Each monk is responsible for his own room, which is subject
to periodic inspection by the abbot. All are to cooperate in
keeping the common rooms neat and in order.
iv. Retreats and days of recollection will be fostered in order
that those in the area might benefit spiritually from what the
abbey has to offer, especially during Advent and Lent.
v. Hospitality is a Benedictine charism. Hospitality is to be
shown to all who come to the abbey. This hospitality takes effort
and patience, but should be done in a manner which is Christ-like
yet not disruptive to the monastic observance. The Guestmaster
is responsible for overseeing all activities dealing with guests.
v. Because meals are an essential element of monastic life,
monks should not habitually excuse themselves from meals.
B. Outside the Abbey
i. As the need may arise and the abbot sees fit, pastoral assistance
may be provided by the priests of the abbey. Such assistance
includes regular weekly assignments, emergency substitution,
or substitution for a brother priest who may be over-worked.
The abbot will decide on each request and situation.
ii. A monk may be assigned to some form of pastoral duty outside
of the abbey for a longer period of time. The abbot shall see
that such a monk so assigned is able to return to the abbey to
stay in contact with the community. The monk assigned outside
temporarily shall follow the diocesan regulations as to the management
of property and funds. He shall give the abbot an accurate account
of his personal income and expenditures.
iii. Requests for retreats or days of recollection outside the
abbey will considered and granted if deemed appropriate by the
abbot.
9. Formation
A. Candidacy:
i. Normally, men being considered for the candidacy shall be
interviewed by the vocation director, the novicemaster and the
abbot before being accepted.
ii. No candidate shall be considered until he has finished at
least a high school education.
iii. The vocation director is responsible for the candidate
during his candidacy.
iv. Normally the candidate will be involved in some work of
the monastery.
B. Postulancy:
i. Postulants are distinguished from candidates by an express
intention to enter the novitiate.
ii. Postulants are required to spend some time in the postulancy
before entering novitiate. The abbot may in consultation with
the novicemaster prolong the time of postulancy until the postulant
proves himself ready for the novitiate. In any case, the postulancy
shall not normally exceed one year.
iv. The novicemaster is responsible for the postulant during
his postulancy.
v. Normally the postulant will be engaged in some work of the
abbey.
C. Novitiate:
i. Only those who have completed the postulancy and who meet
the requirements of Church law and the norms of the Constitutions
of the Swiss-American Congregation (S10.1,#1,S38,S39,
C28,S60) may be admitted to the novitiate.
ii. The novitiate will accord with the Code of Canon Law and
the constitutions of the Swiss-American congregation.
iii. A monthly report is to be given to the novicemaster by
all in formation on the last day of each month. The novicemaster
meets with all in formation for an evaluation of their adapting
to monastic life.
iv. Each novice should meet monthly with a spiritual director.
v. The novicemaster shall make regular reports to the abbot
on the progress of novices.
vi. Novices are expected to maintain their health insurance
until entrance to profession.
vii. Before profession, the novice should make a living will
and assign power of attorney.
D. Juniorate:
i. After completion of novitiate, a novice may make temporary
profession for three years.
ii. The juniorate will accord with the Code of Canon Law and
the Constitutions of the Swiss-American Congregation (C34,S43,C35).
iii. Before solemn profession, the monk is to make out a will,
valid in civil law, in which he disposes of all he possesses
as he chooses.
iv. Before profession, a novice may submit a name to the abbot,
and if deemed appropriate, the monk will be known by this new
name in religion from the time of profession onward.
v. A junior monk retains his monies and possessions until solemn
profession, although he is not free to use them during his juniorate.
vi. A regular report is to be given to the Junior master by all in formation.
The junior master meets with all in formation to discuss their continuing
progress in monastic life.
vii. Each junior monk should meet monthly with a spiritual director.
viii. The junior master will make regular reports to the abbot
on the progress of juniors.
E. Ongoing Formation
i. Each monk should have a spiritual director. The spiritual
director need not be a monk.
ii. Monks are expected to grow intellectually and spiritually
by taking advantage of special classes, training programs and
workshops.
iii. Each monk is entitled to a sabbatical. Particulars about
a sabbatical are to be made by the monk with guidance from and
approval of the small chapter.
10. Interior Life and
Practicalities
A. Monastic Cloister:
The monastic cloister consists of the priory building and the
abbey building, except for washing room and the infirmary. Outsiders
are not permitted in the monastic cloister without permission
of the appropriate superior.
B. Monastic Rooms:
i. Monastic rooms should be a place into which we may retire
to seek God. They should be furnished in such a way as to be
pleasant, attractive and uplifting to the spirit. The rooms should
be kept uncluttered and neat.
ii. Normally anyone who is not a member of the community is
excluded from monastic rooms.
iii. No major remodeling of the physical structure of a room
should be done without the permission of the appropriate superior.
iv. Radios, tapes, and CD players are permissible, but should
be played so as not to disturb others at any time of day.
C. Monastic Refectory:
i. Meals are a continuation of the fellowship found in the Eucharistic
banquet. The demeanor of monks in the refectory should reflect
this principle. Formal meals begin and end with traditional monastic
meal prayers.
ii. The evening meal.
a. The
evening meal is eaten in silence with appropriate reading. The
reading includes
the martyrology, the Ordo, the Rule of Benedict, namesdays,
the necrology and a
selection assigned by the abbot. During the season of Lent,
selections from the
Constitutions of the Swiss-American Congregation and from the
Customary should also
be read.
b. On occasions,
the superior may allow speaking at the evening meal.
c. Monks are
expected to remain for the entire meal.
d. Dessert
is served after the bell to complete the reading.
e. Guests are
invited to share the community meal. Arrangements can be made
with the guest master for a meal outside the monastic refectory.
iii. At the Sunday evening meal, there is a blessing for the
incoming reader and waiters for the week. There is also a blessing
for the outgoing waiters. In addition, there is an intercessory
prayer to St. Michael for vocations.
iv. During the season of Lent and during retreat, breakfast
is eaten in silence.
v. At the noon meal, the staff and faculty of the school are
invited to share the meal with the monks.
vi. The dress proper for meals is the same as that which is
appropriate for prayers.
vii. The hours of the meals are determined by the horarium of
the monastery.
viii. The table waiter is to see that the tables and carts in
the refectory are ready for the meals each day. The table waiter
is also responsible to see tables are cleaned after meals, and
that all kitchen utensils are returned to the kitchen for cleaning.
Each monk in turn is assigned to be table waiter for half the
week unless other duties exclude him from this responsibility.
viii. Every monk is expected to attend meals since eating together
is an important part of community life. Frequent or prolonged
absence should be explained to the abbot.
ix. Meals should be simple but substantial, neither being too
extravagant nor inadequate.
x. Special dietary needs for the sake of health should be discussed
with the kitchen master.
D. Monastic Clothing:
i. Our normal clothing is the habit or black suit and collar
for those ordained, black suit and tie and for those not ordained.
In the summer, the habit or black pants and white shirt is the
norm for all.
ii. Clothing appropriate to the labor involved is acceptable at
times other than the Eucharist, prayers and meals. At noon day
prayer, the monks may wear clothes appropriate to the labor in
which they are engaged. However shorts are never appropriate for
prayers or meals.
iii. If a monk has need of clothes or shoes, he should approach
the vestiarius.
E. Monastic Courtesy
i. In formal situations or when those other than monks are present,
the proper title is always used when addressing one another,
that is, "Father" or "Brother". An abbot is called "Abbot". In
informal situations inside the monastery, use of first names
only may be appropriate.
ii. A monk must always strive to use language that is charitable,
correct and unaffected.
iii. Good table manners are to be shown in the monastic refectory
at all times.
iv. For reasons of poverty and good health, monks should not
use tobacco or drugs.
v. Drugs taken for reasons of health should be prescribed by
a monk's doctor.
vi. All buildings in the school and abbey are tobacco free.
The only exception is the recreation room in the priory building.
vii. All monastic vehicles are tobacco free.
F. Monastic Recreation
i. All professed monks shall receive an annual two week vacation.
The abbot should be given ample notification of the time, nature
and place of vacation.
ii. In addition to this annual vacation, professed monks may
take some days together in small groups, perhaps in visiting
other communities, or even in a more relaxed setting. A visit
with family may be made at any time with the permission of the
abbot as a particular occasion may demand, for example, a wedding
or funeral.
iv. In the daily horarium, recreation time is set aside. Special
attention is to be given to common recreation on Wednesday during
and after the evening meal and on Sunday during and after the
evening meal. Monks should not excuse themselves from common
recreation.
v. Appropriate exercise for physical and mental health is encouraged
for all.
vi. Common outings for the community may be arranged on certain
occasions.
vii. A monk should use discretion in his choice of entertainment,
whether in public at shows or movies or in private such as choice
of television programming.
G. Jubilees:
i. The twenty-fifth, the fiftieth, the sixtieth and the seventieth
monastic and priestly jubilees are celebrated at Thanksgiving.
H. Prudence
i. Monks need to exercise prudence in discussing internal affairs
of the community with those who are not monks.
ii. Monks need to exercise prudence in relationships outside
the community. This will help preclude the monk from turning
to those outside to satisfy the needs of relationship through
excessive contact. Healthy relationships are to be fostered within
the community, and no one should be excluded.
I. Guests:
If a monk receives guests, he should notify the abbot and the
guestmaster. Those in formation should receive the permission
of the appropriate superior to have guests.
J. Money
i. In accordance with monastic poverty, monks should possess
neither money nor credit cards.
ii. Abbey bank accounts require two signatures.
ii. When need arises or for personal purchases, the monk should
approach the abbot for money. After money is received, the monk
should give an account of expenditures.
iii. Purchases associated with the operation and maintenance
of the abbey made by monks within the normal responsibilities
of their job or position must be cleared via the normal budgetary
operation of the finance office.
iii. All money received by a monk should be given to the abbot.
iv. If use of a credit card is needed, a monk should approach
the abbot for a credit card.
K. Gifts:
Any monk who receives a singular gift needs permission from
the abbot to accept the gift.
L. Season of Lent:
i. The season of Lent has a monastic character. Monks are encouraged
to perform extra practices of prayer, fasting and charity during
Lent.
ii. On Ash Wednesday, each monk submits a Bona Opera which is
burned for distribution of ashes.
M. Duties:
Duties are assigned by the abbot or by those whom he delegates
to do so. These duties include pastoral assignments, assignment
of the daily presider at the celebration of the Eucharist, assignment
of the weekly reader and the waiter for the monastic refectory,
assignment for the washing of dishes, assignment of the use of
cars, the posting of schedules and weekly house cleaning assignments.
N. Alcoholic Beverages:
i. Though total abstinence from alcoholic beverages is still
to be admired and encouraged, at least let everyone endorse St.
Benedict's principle and be convinced that moderation is necessary
and that only the foolish and immature will give themselves to
excess.
ii. Alcoholic beverages should not be kept in monastic rooms.
O. Travel:
i. All travel off monastic grounds or the school campus requires
the abbot's permission. If the abbot or a superior is unavailable,
the monk should leave a note that he has traveled away from the
abbey.
ii. When a monk is to be gone for a lengthy span of time, or
if a journey entails a great distance, the monk shall receive
a special blessing from the abbot before his departure and after
his return.
P. Beards and Hair:
Beards and hair should be neat and well trimmed.
11. Horarium
Sunday
7:00 am Morning Praise
7:30 am Breakfast
9:30 am Community Eucharist
11:45 am Noon Day Prayer
11:55 am Lunch
5:15 pm Vespers
5:45 pm Community Recreation with Dinner
7:00 pm Night Prayer
10:30 pm Night Silence
Monday through Friday
6:30 am Morning Praise
7:00 am Breakfast
8:00 am Community Eucharist
11:45 am Noon Day Prayer
11:55 am Lunch
4:30 pm Lectio Divina
5:15 pm Vespers
5:40 pm Dinner*
7:00 pm Group Lectio
7:30 pm Night Prayer
10:30 pm Night Silence
*Wednesday Evening
5:40 pm Community Recreation with Dinner
7:00 pm Night Prayer
Saturday
8:00 am Morning Praise and Community Eucharist
9:00 am Informal Breakfast
11:45 am Noon Day Prayer
11:55 am Lunch
4:30 pm Lectio Divina
5:15 pm Vespers
5:40 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Group Lectio
7:30 pm Night Prayer
10:30 pm Night Silence
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