What do Benedictine Monks do?
The Benedictine monks (and nuns) are a contemplative order: by that, I mean that they see their primary “work” as prayer and adoration. However, their motto is “Ora et Labora” (“Pray and work”), and each Benedictine monastery or abbey supports itself through various projects. The Benedictines do a little bit of everything from making food products for sale to the creation of vestments and altar linens. The Benedictines are also an educational order. They maintain several universities such as St. Alsem’s College in New Jersey and Benedictine College in Kansas. And that is the extent of what I know about the Benedictines!
