Prayer and Work
The alternation of prayer and work is the rhythmic breathing of the monastic day and gives our Benedictine life its most basic form. Gathering in the early morning for prayer in the abbey church, we go forth to work, assemble for prayer at midday, share a meal, return to work, and finally conclude our day with prayer. Hearing the Word of God together in the liturgy and individually calls us back to our Christian purpose and opens us to the possibilities for service and encounter with Christ that each day brings.
Service
The call to monastic life flows naturally into the call to service of others for the love of Christ Saint Benedict's rule says simply "Let the brothers serve one another." The monks of Saint John's have always understood this command to extend beyond the walls of the monastery into local, regional, and global communities. Some 150 years after our arrival in central Minnesota, we continue our service to the Church and world by our life of prayer, and through our work in schools and workshops, the Liturgical Press, parishes and chaplaincies, missions abroad and sponsored programs.
Hospitality
The opening in December 2006 of the Abbey Guesthouse responds to the emerging need in today's world for a place of spiritual rest and renewal. Inspired by Saint Benedict's teaching that "all guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ," Saint John's Abbey extends the heart and hand of hospitality to all who come to Collegeville, be it for an hour or for a lifetime. We want our home to be your home. May all who come here experience the simplicity of our sharing and the genuineness of our charity and be refreshed in body, mind and spirit. Welcome!
Join us for Prayer
Guests are always welcome to join the monks for daily prayers and Eucharist. Please come up to the choir stalls on the west side of the altar and a monk will help you. Seating for Sunday Eucharist is in the main body of the church.
|
