Abbey Vocations
Contact Fr. Mark Purcell, Vocations Director. Tel: 804-784-3508. Email: frmarkpurcell@gmail.com
Online Vocation Inquiry Form
Is God calling you to a life of prayer and work?
Mary, Mother of the Church Abbey invites you to visit the monastery and take advantage of the vocation discernment retreats offered throughout the year.
Why the Benedictines?
The Benedictines are communities of men or women who have chosen a life of prayer and work following the Rule of St. Benedict. A community of men live together in monasteries whereas a community of women is called a priory.
What is the Rule of St. Benedict?
The Regula Sancti Benedicti or "Rule" was written over 1500 years ago as a "beginners" guide to perfect one's spiritual life. Through the centuries the Rule has become the mainstay of contemplative life in the West as well as the cornerstone of monastic life. As St. Benedict instructs us even today-- "Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he bring us all together to everlasting life."
Candidates for our community must be at least 21 years of age and have some life experience before entrance into the novitiate. Positive psychological, spiritual and physical evaluations are also required. The formation process includes a one year novitiate followed by three years of temporary vows prior to making a final profession.
The Benedictine community of Mary Mother of the Church Abbey requests you to remember the Abbey in your prayers and to pray for an increase in all religious vocations. Should you want to inquire further about pursuing a Benedictine vocation, please contact the vocation director.
More Monastic Profession and Ordination Pictures | 