In an effort to meet the needs of people in our day, New Melleray Abbey has instituted a new form of monastic hospitality. We call it the Monastic Center.

Purpose

Many men today, young and old, laymen, religious and clergy frequently express the desire to share more fully in the life of the monastic community when they come to the Abbey.

In response, we have set up a special program referred to as the Monastic Center Program, which allows these vistors to participate deeply in the life and prayer of the monastic community.

Our purpose is to share with these men the spiritual values and traditions of Cistercian-Trappist contemplative monastic life. This can best be done by enabling them to live just the way the monks do. In this way the visitor to the Monastic Center gains a personal experience of the daily life of the contemplative monk.

Through evening conferences the Monastic Center Associates (not to be confused with the Associates of the Iowa Cistercians) learn the spiritual doctrine of interior prayer, biblical contemplation, manual labor, and the Divine Office. (See the Primer on Monastic Spirituality.)They practice these observances in their daily life at the Center. The essential part of this prayer experience can be adapted to their everyday life in the world when the Monastic Center Associates return home.

Structure

A third floor section of the Guest House at New Melleray has been set aside and designated as the Monastic Center. It includes individual rooms which serve as monastic cells for the residents. It contains a small, select collection of books on contemplation and monastic spirituality. Special stalls in the choir of the monks are used by the residents. The rules which govern the monks' lives are practiced by residents in the Monastic Center. The monastic practice of silence and separation from the outside world is maintained. Residence in the Monastic Center may last for a minimum of four days up to several weeks or longer.

Residents at the Monastic Center are called "Monastic Center Associates" because while they are with us, their daily life is patterned on the life of the monks. They rise, pray, work, eat, and retire when the monks do. Like the monks, they spend their free time in prayer, meditation, and sacred reading in the silence and solitude of their cell.

Admission Requirements

Cost

No fee is charged. The applicant may make an offering to help cover the running expenses of the Monastic Center. No one is denied admission because of inability to pay.

Duration

The initial period of residency should be several days in order to complete the orientation period in the Monastic Center. Subsequent residency can be for longer or shorter duration. This is the minimum time necessary to complete the orientation period in the Monastic Center. Subsequent residency can be for longer or shorter duration.

Health

The Trappist regime of discipline at the Monastic Center is physically and psychologically taxing, but not beyond the capacity of normal health. In addition to good physical health, a strong character and sound mental health are required for admission

Age

Applicants are usually between 18 years of age and 64.

Admission Procedure

We suggest that men interested in joining the Monastic Center first spend a short time in retreat in our Guesthouse. At that time, they can ask to speak to the Director of the Monastic Center and request an Application Form. To schedule a retreat in the Guest House, contact the Monastic Center Coordinator.