We call the careful and humble prayer and work of listening to God’s call for our lives, “discernment. How is discernment more than our own desires and goals?

Each of us is called to our vocation. What does it mean to hear the call? How do we listen and discern? Br. Travis offers advice from his experience as a monastic discerner.

Former abbot of Saint John’s Abbey, Fr. John Klassen, OSB offers advice to men discerning the Benedictine monastic life.

The short story of one of the oldest monastic traditions within the Catholic faith. Briefly covering over 1,500 years, from Saint Benedict of Nursia (considered the father of western monasticism) through Metten, and finally, Saint John’s Abbey.

Fr. Lew Grobe, OSB, recounts his vocation story. Beginning with his early life and religious experience, he explains his sense of calling and journey of discernment at Saint John’s Abbey.

First Vows, also known as “simple vows” are made just after a monks novitiate year. Discerning God’s call throughout that year, and with the support of the community, the next step in monastic discernment is to make a 3-year commitment of further discernment and life in the community before making solemn vows.

First appealing to God, our monastic community come together in faith and hope to reflect on our common needs and goals and call on one of us to become our spiritual father

Abbot John Klassen, OSB, reflects on the importance of attending the celebration of the Mass.

Among our concerns when discerning God’s call for our lives is how our response to it will impact our friends and family. How will the most important people in our lives react? Monks of Saint John’s Abbey share their experiences.