A Monk's Day

A monk's day is balanced between prayer and work, in accordance with the Benedictine motto, Ora et Labora.

The monks gather together for common prayer several times during the day. Morning Prayer begins at 6:00 a.m. on Monday through Friday (6:30 in Saturday; 7:00 on Sunday) with the Office of Vigils. This consists of a hymn, psalms and readings. It is followed by the Office of Lauds.

The monks gather again at 11:50 for mid-day prayer.

At one point in the day, the monks gather for Conventual Mass.

After dinner, the monastic community gathers again for Vespers (evening prayer.)

Monks take the opportunity at other times during the day to pray individual prayer, and to engage in Lectio Divina, or prayerful reading of Scripture.