Requirements for a Monk

[BenjaminD]

I am just wondering what the requirements are to become a Monk. Personal requirements, history, ext. Are there certain people that would not be allowed in the Monestary? Thank you.

 

[Eloi]

Benjamin,

Welcome. The requirements will change from community to community, but basically:

You must be Catholic, have been Catholic for at least three years, be out of debt, and have no mental illnesses that may affect the community’s function (bi-polar, depression, delusional, etc).

The monastary is for people who feel their vocation is best lived out through constant prayer, but this cannot be hindered by other circumstances.

 

[OraLabora]

In addition to the above you must not have any dependents, or have been married although married with an annulment may be OK if you don’t have any dependents.

Sexual issues in particular homosexuality will probably also be grounds for rejection especially in the current climate. Nobody is perfect of course and a past sexual history with say being sexually active with a girlfriend before coming to the faith is not sufficient grounds for rejection. You don’t have to be a virgin but you do have to be ready for a life of celibacy.

Keep in mind that a monastic vocation should not be running away from the world, but running towards God. The discernment process is there to ensure that’s the case.

The requirements can in fact be found in the Code of Canon Law:

Admission to noviciate

 

[Trilor]

Also there are age restrictions for some commuinit9ies. Thsi is only fair, as monastic life is not a retirement home. This will vary from community to community. The Carthusians will not accept anyone over 45, for example. Some will accept late vocations but only after a longer trial period

 

[Bessarione_OSBM]

I am just wondering what the requirements are to become a Monk. Personal requirements, history, ext. Are there certain people that would not be allowed in the Monestary? Thank you.

The requirements dipend on the Monastic or Religious Order/Congregation and on the Rite (Roman, Oriental). Of course, 90% are established by Canon Law.

For example, we, Basilian Monks of Grottaferrata, are Catholics of Byzantine Rite, and our requirements are:

1.to be a Catholic and practicing man;
2.to love Jesus Christ and want to follow Him with a charitable soul and pure heart;
3.to desire a life of prayer and in communal service;
4.to live a sound moral life;
5.to be free from bonds such as marriage, vows, etc.
6.to be free from the dependency of children and parents;
7.to enjoy good mental and physical health;
8.to be free from financial obligations;
9.to be interested in the Byzantine-Greek rite and in the Spirituality of eastern Christianity;
10.to be between the ages of 18 and 35.

The main requirement, beside these above, is the will to change lifestyle, to convert the heart to Christ and to live in community with the human maturity necessary for this way of life.