Community Profile

St. Mary's Monastery Br. Bernard Osbaldeston O.S.B. Vocation Contact 271 N. Main Street Petersham, MA 01366-0345 USA 978-724-3350 monks@stmarysmonastery.org www.stmarysmonastery.org

Community Information

No. in community (professed members) 7 Year founded 1987 Generalate/ motherhouse Dependent on Pluscarden Abbey, Scotland Province/federation Subiaco Congregation of Benedictines Represented in US (Arch)dioceses Worcester, MA

About Us

Mission statement/description St. Mary’s Monastery is a contemplative community of Rome Catholic Benedictine monks, faithful to the Magisterium and Catechism of the Catholic Church, and obedient to the Holy Father. The monks celebrate the Liturgy of the Hours in Latin and Gregorian chant. Their Novus Ordo Mass is in English with sung parts in Latin and Greek. They share their church and liturgies with the nuns of their twin community, St. Scholastica Priory. Qualifications for entry Sufficient mental and physical health to live monastic life. College degree not required, but college or some work experience is preferred. Adaptability to living the common life and obedience. A generous spirit and ability to get along with others. Formation program After one or preferably more visits, observership of one month is made, living with the monks. If one decides to return after that month, six months postulancy; then two years novitiate and three or more years in simple vows; then solemn profession. Age range/limit 25-40 preferred Consider belated vocations? Yes Belated/late vocations explanation No strict age limit. Older and younger case given individual examination; considered on case-by-case basis