N
nsper7
Guest
This past week (09/22-09/28), I was in Washington, DC visiting the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land’s American monastery. I had an excellent experience there and made a good impression on the Vocations Director and also the Guardian (house servant-leader) and it is my sincere intention to return next year as a Candidate (the next Candidate class starts in September 2010).
Now, though, I really have to discern if this is what God is calling me to. I know I strongly desire to join the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land and the Vocations Director felt I would fit in very well, but discerning what God is calling me to can be a difficult process. Obviously, the one-year Candidacy is part of that discernment (I am living and working and learning with the Franciscans and other Candidates in preparation for Postulancy, but I can choose to leave or be asked to leave at anytime by the Friars).
One thing I would like to do would be to spend time in contemplation and away from distractions (i.e. TV, radio, computer, internet, too much free time, etc.). I know the Trappists offer, at least in the nearest monastery (Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina, still two states away, I live in FL) offer a Monastic Guest Program where the person lives, prays and works with the Trappist monks there. The program is free because the person is laboring with the monks at the Abbey.
Does anyone know if any other groups offer this sort of program? Money is an issue for me, so I would want it like what the Trappists in SC offer: I am working fully alongside the monks, thus earning my room and board and such.
I think something like this would be an excellent opportunity to discern my possible calling to the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, grow closer to God and overcome the sin issues that still trouble me (i.e. sexual RPGs, anger management, etc.).
Now, though, I really have to discern if this is what God is calling me to. I know I strongly desire to join the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land and the Vocations Director felt I would fit in very well, but discerning what God is calling me to can be a difficult process. Obviously, the one-year Candidacy is part of that discernment (I am living and working and learning with the Franciscans and other Candidates in preparation for Postulancy, but I can choose to leave or be asked to leave at anytime by the Friars).
One thing I would like to do would be to spend time in contemplation and away from distractions (i.e. TV, radio, computer, internet, too much free time, etc.). I know the Trappists offer, at least in the nearest monastery (Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina, still two states away, I live in FL) offer a Monastic Guest Program where the person lives, prays and works with the Trappist monks there. The program is free because the person is laboring with the monks at the Abbey.
Does anyone know if any other groups offer this sort of program? Money is an issue for me, so I would want it like what the Trappists in SC offer: I am working fully alongside the monks, thus earning my room and board and such.
I think something like this would be an excellent opportunity to discern my possible calling to the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, grow closer to God and overcome the sin issues that still trouble me (i.e. sexual RPGs, anger management, etc.).