What is the Monastic Observership Program?

The Monastic Observership Program is designed for single men, ages 16 to 40. For a week you will live the Benedictine motto of “Prayer and Work” by joining the monks for prayer four times a day and Daily Mass, experiencing work side-by-side with the monks in the garden, sacristy, abbey offices, yards, and general maintenances areas.

In addition to community prayer and work, you will have the opportunity to meet regularly with monks to hear their life stories and to ask them questions.

To help you deepen your understanding of Benedictine life, you will participate in classes covering such topics as prayers, the psalms, the Rule of St. Benedict, the monastic vocation, the history of the Benedictines in general and of St. Bernard Abbey in particular.

 A Typical Daily Schedule of the Program

6:00a.m. - Matins/Lauds
7:15a.m. - Breakfast
8:15a.m. - Class on Monastic Life
9:15a.m. - Work
11:15a.m. - Time for Scripture Reading
Noon -       Midday Office/Lunch
1:15p.m. - Work
3:15p.m. - Free time for reading, meditation, etc.
5:00p.m. - Mass
5:30p.m.-Vespers
7:00p.m.-Compline
8:00p.m.-Informal Gathering
9:00p.m.-Night prayer (optional)

To apply for the program, please complete our online form. Please also provide two references from people who know you well such as a pastor, chaplain, employer, teacher or counselor and return them to the following address. One reference needs to be from a clergyman:

Vocation Office

Br. Benedict Dyar, O.S.B.
1600 St. Bernard Dr. S.E.
Cullman, AL 35055