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According to the Rule of St. Benedict, a person with a vocation to the monastic life must be one who truly seeks God through a life of prayer and who desires to practice obedience and undergo trials in his quest for God (cf. RB 68). In his prayer life the monk seeks to respond to the Word of God by giving Him praise, asking for grace, interceding for others, and offering thanks. The monk's obedience is another form of listening to God's Word as it is expressed in the concrete will of the abbot and the needs and challenges of the community. Knowing that he is a sinner in a fallen world, the monk accepts trials in union with the Lord's humility and suffering as his way of the cross. The monastery is a "school for the Lord's service" (RB Prologue) in which prayer, obedience and trials pave the way to an ever-deepening love for God and our fellow human beings. Today there are eleven young men at Our Lady of Dallas in different stages of the formation process. Brs. Augustine and Philip, having made their solemn profession in August of 2009, are scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in August of 2010. Several brothers, including Br. Philip, are currently pursuing their theological studies at various universities in Rome: Br. Philip (Angelicum), Br. Thomas (Pontifical Biblical Institute), Br. Ambrose (Alphonsianum), Br. Stephen (Sant Anselmo), and Br. Nathanael (Sant Anselmo). Br. Augustine and Br. Lawrence are attending the University of North Texas, and they are each working towards a graduate degree: Br. Augustine is pursuing a master's degree in Spanish and Br. Lawrence a doctorate in mathematics. Br. Ignatius, Br. Lawrence, Br. Anthony and Br. John are continuing their theological studies at the University of Dallas, in addition to teaching at Cistercian Preparatory School. The communities' newest member, Br. Justin, is completing the novitiate program, which includes a variety of courses offered by the fathers of the community. More information about the novitiate, as well as about the formation process and the monastic life of work, study and prayer, can be found by following the links at the top of this page.For more information about the formation process, please visit the above links about the novitiate and juniorate programs, as well as the links to more information on the monastic life of work, study and prayer. For further guidance in discerning and nurturing a vocation, please read If Today You Hear His Voice, a guide to vocations written by the abbey's novice master, Fr. Roch Kereszty. For information on vocation retreats in the abbey, consult the events calendar. You may also call, e-mail, or write to the Abbey's vocation director, Fr. Paul McCormick: Fr. Paul McCormick Please keep all of our young brothers in your prayers as they persevere in their vocations.
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