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There are 188 guestbook entries in 19 pages and you are on page number 3

Comments by Ed on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 12:19 IP Logged IP Logged
Your age limit would disqualiy me as I am age 67 and ordained. Are there other options for me in the OCSO?
A candidate who already has a good religious formation may be accepted above the age limits in many of our communities. And in some cases, one who cannot be accepted to full membership as a professed monk, might be acceptable as an oblate, a member who does not make profession of the religious vows.
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Comments by Sheila Foley on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 20:04 IP Logged IP Logged
I always wonder if you ever play any sports for recreation or watch TV during critical world events or view EWTN. Do you go to funerals of your family members? I know all of these questions seem trite but I saw pictures of the junior professed monks mountain climbing at your house in Colorado? and I wondered.
In the past when most monasteries of our Order earned their living by farming that involved strenuous physical labor, they didn't need additional physical exercise. That's no longer true. Many monks and nuns need forms of recreation that refresh their minds and bodies, like hiking, jogging, bicycle riding, or working out in an exercise room on a treadmill, elliptical machine, or all purpose weight lifting unit. Other forms of exercise that involve companions are more rare: like playing volleyball or catch.

While many of our communities have a common room with a TV set, it is used infrequently. For example, Pope John Paul II's funeral, and other important events. A few times a year New Melleray's monks may watch an entertaining video on Thanksgiving or the Fourth of July, etc. But daily TV, like EWTN, is not allowed except for an elderly infirm person who has a lot of time on his hands.

We do go home for the funerals of close relatives.
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Comments by David Brown on Monday, October 19, 2009 at 22:55 IP Logged IP Logged
I have a question about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. How is the sacrament structured in the Abbey? Is there one confessor? Isn't that stressful to be the one to whom all is confessed? Also, is it difficult to confess to a fellow brother and then live so closely with him? Second question: Chastity, in my experience, is not easy and takes a lot of practice. Is the community comfortable about this issue? I've spoken to vocational directors in the past about how monks live chastely, and the situation got TENSE. That felt unhealthy to me. Are there chastity resources and training? Thanks
All the priests at New Melleray have faculties to hear confessions. Confessing to priests within the community does not make it harder to live with them but easier. By exposing our weaknesses we no longer have anything to hide, or cover up. We are known for what we really are, and that is very freeing, life giving and joyful. You are right, chastity is not easy. St. John Vianney once said that anyone who has not had to struggle with being chaste doesn't know what the spiritual life really is. There are classes and discussions during the period of formation, especially in the novitiate, about chastity. Being in the company of others who are striving to live chastely, who understand my battles, and encourage me, is one of the blessings of religious community life.
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Comments by Jason on Friday, October 16, 2009 at 10:15 IP Logged IP Logged
Hello, I was wondering if it's possible for a brother monk at New Melleray to be able to study to become a priest, should he feel the calling to become one.
Thanks and God bless! :)
Yes it is, and this has happened in several of our Trappist communities in the United States.
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Comments by Clayton on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 02:10 IP Logged IP Logged
I read the entry on sin, confession, and receiving communion. I have serious issues with all of that , as Judas the Betrayer ate and drank from the cup at the last supper. Jesus did not expel him, or rebuke him, yet already knew full well who and what was about to unfold later that evening. Do we or do we NOT take our cues from the Master?
Here is the reply from October 10, 2008, to a question on confession: "It is wrong to go to communion in the state of mortal sin, unless it is not possible to go confession first. Then one may make an act of contrition and go to communion, intending to go to confess as soon as one can." The Lord did not prevent Judas from receiving the piece of bread, but in the Gospel of John, the Evangelist writes, "After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him" (Jn 13:27). In the Catechism of the Catholic Church we read, "Anyone who desires to receive Christ in Eucharistic communion must be in the state of grace. Anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive communion without having received absolution in the sacrament of penance" (#1415). And, "Anyone who is conscious of grave sin may not celebrate Mass or receive the Body of the Lord without previously having been to sacramental confession, unless there is a grave reason and there is no opportunity to confess; in this case the person is to remember the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, which includes the resolve to go to confession as soon as possible" (Code of Canon Law, # 916).
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Comments by Jason on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at 16:52 IP Logged IP Logged
If, prior to coming back into full communion with the Church, one had led a life of serious sexual sin, but has since fully repented, would that be an impediment to becoming a monk?
It would not be an impediment to becoming a monk if you have been able to live a chaste life for several years.
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Comments by Cheryl on Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 11:51 IP Logged IP Logged
I'm happily married and am searching for the spiritual path in which I can live as a contemplative in the world. I've been a Third Order Carmelite for many years yet there still is something strongly lacking. Within the last year some friends over the Internet have introduced me to a Carthusian path for laity to live in the world. I don't know if this is from God or my restlessness. Also, I've started to read "Spiritual Secrets of a Trappist Monk" by Fr. Raymond. Someone told me that this would not be the best book for me as it seems dogmatic. I'd appreciate your personal opinion on my reading the book at this time. How do I know which path God wants me to follow in order to be his contemplative in marriage? Do I leave the Carmelites? I just want to be a person in love with God and living his will. I'm feeling very alone at the present time. Yet, I know there must be others out there who are also experiencing this confusion. I'm writing New Melleray because it has always been a part of my heart, my home away from home when life overwhelms me. Any insights that you may be able to offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. May God bless each of you in abundance.
What a beautiful grace you have: to be a contemplative in the world. That grace flows across all the different religious orders in the Church, including their third orders and lay associates. Carmelites, Carthusians, Benedictines, Cistercians, Franciscans, etc, all share in the one same gift of contemplative living in the Church and are inspired by the same Holy Spirit. Abbot Brendan gave a chapter talk about this on August 2, 2009, that might be helpful to you. Concerning Fr. Raymond's writings, many find his books helpful. Let your own heart be the deciding vote. Your experience of restlessness will in part always be the experience described by St. Augustine: "Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee." In the present moment, whatever is happening, put it to good use by offering all your prayers, works, joys, and sufferings (including all restlessness) for the good that our Lord wants done in this life. For St. Paul writes, "For those who love God all things work together for good."
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Comments by Michael on Monday, August 10, 2009 at 23:06 IP Logged IP Logged
Is there a way to distinguish between a genuine attraction to the silence of a contemplative life and a simple dislike for noise and interruption? Obviously there is more to a contemplative life than just silence, but that does seem to be a significant part of the Cistercian charism, and one which I personally appreciate quite a lot.
Henri Nouwen writes, "When we enter silence all outward noise is gone. No motors, no TV’s, no conversations. All is quiet. But that is when we start hearing the inner noise, the voices of jealousy, anger, resentment, lust, greed, feelings of rejection, loss, abuse. Their noise can become deafening. We may try to run from them, to find some entertainment to distract us. This is where the interior life begins. It is where we begin to confront our evil thoughts, to replace them with the softer gentler voices of goodness, peace, kindness, gentleness, joy, hope, forgiveness, love." (Nouwen: Can You Drink the Cup? P. 95) So, what do you feed on when you enter into silence: evil thoughts or the Word of God? That is how you know when you are seeking silence for the sake of prayer.
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Comments by Lynn on Friday, July 31, 2009 at 09:24 IP Logged IP Logged
At Vigils, which Bible translation to you take the Readings from? Also, where do you take the commentaries from? Thank you and blessings to all.
The monk who is reading at the Lectern may choose among the various approved translations, such as the NAB and the RSV Catholic Edition.
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Comments by Christopher on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 23:20 IP Logged IP Logged
What is your normal schedule?
The daily schedule is on our web page. Click on the link for "Liturgy and Schedule."
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