Mutual Service in Manual Labor

  1. Monastic Work
  2. Work and the Spirit

Shared Liturgical Prayer

  1. The Liturgy
  2. On the Practice of Liturgical Prayer

Meditational Scripture

  1. Mona: One, Alone
  2. Lectio Divina: Theory
  3. Lectio Divina: Practice
  4. Reading
  5. Meditation
  6. Prayer
  7. Contemplation
  8. Prayer in the Heart

Prayer in the Heart

  1. The Words of the Prayer
  2. Saying the Prayer
  3. Praying in the Heart

[The Monastic Primer was written primarily for the lay members of the Monastic Center Associate Program; however, many will find the information here of value as well.]

The monks of New Melleray have prepared this Primer as a brief introduction into the spiritual meaning of monastic observances that may be of assistance to you. It is not enough to merely go through the external practice of these observances. In order that you may be united with God in and through these observances, you must realize the significance of what you are doing. The few pages of this Primer will give you the basics, all you need to begin profitably. In time, you can gradually embellish your doctrinal understanding through more comprehensive reading and by means of reflection upon your experience of this life. Before immersing yourself in lengthy volumes about monastic and contemplative life, be sure you master the first simple and basic principles set down in this Primer.

Monasticism in the Cistercian Tradition is a way of Christian love, a specific form of loving life in Christ. We love God in others and in God's Self. Therefore, we monks live and love community and prayer. We love each other by forming community. We form community by loving God in praying together. Our love toward each other creates community. Our love for God creates prayer. We are a community of prayer. In our tradition, we build a life of prayer and community on three foundations. Let us look at the meaning of each of these.

We monks of New Melleray hope that the explanations given in this Primer and your experience as an Associate will be a permanent enrichment of your spiritual life as a Christian.

May God Grant It