How does one pursue a vocation to the monastic life at Christminster?
At present Christminster has two solemnly professed monks – Abbot James and Father Joseph. Both are converts from Roman Catholicism. Abbot James formerly served as Prior of the Orthodox Monastery of Our Lady of Mount Royal under its abbot, Dom Augustine Whitfield, before his retirement. Lack of suitable space presently prevents our growing as a monastic community, and our receiving overnight guests or retreatants. Because monastic hospitality is so important and venerable a part of the Benedictine tradition, this is a serious drawback to our mission. Those interested in pursuing a monastic way of life are encouraged to explore becoming an Oblate of Christminster, as a suitable first step toward discerning a monastic vocation. The oblature is open to suitable Orthodox candidates, men and women. Those interested are invited to explore our web page on Oblates. We are particularly conscious of the need for a suitable monastic setting for Orthodox women of the western-rite observance. God c
