Community Profile

Maronite Monks of Adoration Fr. Michael Gilmary Cermak, M.M.A. Vocation Contact 67 Dugway Rd Petersham, MA 01366-9725 978-724-3347 www.maronitemonks.org

Community Information

No. in community (professed members) 13 Year founded 1978 Generalate/ motherhouse Petersham, MA Province/federation Represented in US (Arch)dioceses Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn

About Us

Mission statement/description This cloistered, Eastern Catholic community is focused on Eucharistic adoration and reparation for the glory of the Most Holy Trinity and the good of souls. The spirituality of the monks "breathes with both lungs" - East and West. Their first source of spirituality is the liturgical life of their Maronite Catholic Church. They cultivate a special love for the Incarnation of Christ, His holy and lifegiving sufferings and his Sacred Heart: all in close companionship with the Most Holy Virgin. Qualifications for entry Ideally, an aspirant should be well adjusted to the life in the North American cultural context. Must be in good physical health, with all the mental and emotional strength needed to live an intense spiritual life of adoration in the give-and-take atmosphere demanded by community life. Must show by his life the desire to embrace obedience, chastity and poverty. Those wishing to join this Eastern Catholic monastic community are not obliged to become members of the Maronite Catholic Church. If one was baptized Melkite or Latin, for example, he remains Melkite or Latin. Formation program Six-month candidacy, one year novitiate in Petersham, MA, three years temporary vows followed by perpetual profession. Ideally, aspirants to the priesthood should have a college degree. Age range/limit 21-40 Consider belated vocations? No Belated/late vocations explanation Generally they do not receive men over 40 years old.