To Be a Monk
An Essay on the Cistercian Vocation

  1. To Be a Man
  2. To Be A Christian
  3. Experience of the Divine
  4. Community Life
  5. Solitude
  6. The Word of God
  7. Fraternal Love
  8. Compassion and Humility
  9. To Be A Monk In Practice
  10. Signs of a Call to be a Monk
  11. The Monks of New Melleray
  12. Daily Monastic Schedule
  13. Entering New Melleray
  14. Entrance Procedure

If you feel called and can meet our basic entrance requirements, write asking for a questionnaire. After reviewing your completed questionnaire, we will inform you of the feasibility of a visit for interviews.

Should the interviews indicate a possible vocation to our life you will be invited to return for a period of one month's candidateship in the community.

If the candidateship reveals the positive signs of a monastic vocation, the candidate will be invited to return as a postulant.


Vocations Director
New Melleray Abbey
6632 Melleray Circle
Peosta, IA 52068

Phone: 563.588.2319