Postulants & Novices
What are postulants and novices?
The monastic life begins with a simple but profound question:How is God calling me?The postulant and novitiate are the first stages of discerning that call. These periods allow a man to experience the daily life of Saint Louis Abbey, grow in prayer, and discern whether this mode of living is conducive to his own holiness and virtue.
Formation at Saint Louis Abbey
Formation is a balanced integration of prayer, study, work, and community life. Candidates participate in the full rhythm of the monastery, joining the monks for the Divine Office and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist while taking part in the work that sustains the community. They study Sacred Scripture, the Rule of Saint Benedict, monastic history and spirituality, Catholic theology, and the rich traditions of the Church. Regular spiritual direction, personal prayer, and ongoing conversations with the Novice Master help each man discern God's call with wisdom and freedom.
The Goal of Formation
Formation is not simply about learning the customs of a monastery—it is about becoming more like Christ. Through the wisdom of the Rule of Saint Benedict, candidates are formed in humility, obedience, stability, charity, and a lifelong desire to seek God. They receive both human formation as well as spiritual, learning to take up the habits that are conducive to a well ordered life. This can include anything from spiritual direction, to workouts led by the novice master. The goal is to cultivate a heart that is attentive to God's will and prepared to embrace the Benedictine way of life with joy, generosity, and perseverance.
The Process
The process starts with the postulancy, during which a candidate receives formation and seeks to discern whether this mode of living is conducive to his own virtue and holiness. Eventually, he may be invited to join the Novitiate. During the novitiate a novice will "enter the desert" with Christ, and will not take part in any of the external work of the monastery, or have a phone or computer.
