What, dear brothers, is more delightful than this voice of the Lord calling to us?
See how the Lord in his love shows us the way of life. Prologue
- Rule of St. Benedict.

     Give your calling some thought and prayer. 

Often we speak of "vocation" as a calling to religious life or to the priesthood. However, the Christian belief is that God gives everyone a calling to a particular way of life, which may not necessarily be the religious or priestly life. God's invitation to a person to the married life is also a vocation. The monastic life is a vocation to a celebate (non-married) life in a community of persons who dedicate their work, energy, and lives to seeking a very personal relationship with God.

Holy Cross Abbey is a Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery of the American Cassinese Congregation. Applicants should be men of good physical, mental, and spiritual health, who are regular in the practice of their Catholic faith, who are not expected to have the responsibility of caring financially or physically for parents or family members, and who are between the ages of 20 and 55. Other factors to consider in applying include being free of debt, having no problems with living at a high altitude (5300 feet and higher), personal, financial stability, useful talents and abilities, ability to live comfortably with others, a good standing with the laws and courts, freedom from addictions, ability to live chastely, good personal and social habits, love of the Church, love of prayer, desire to serve others, etc.

To learn more about Holy Cross Abbey and applying for admittance, send information about yourself (age, education, health) to: Vocation Director, Holy Cross Abbey, P.O. Box 1510, Canon City CO 81215-1510, or send e-mail to vocations@holycrossabbey.org

"Fishers of Men" also enjoy fishing for trout.