Monastic Experience Weekend

Lord, who shall dwell in Your tent, or who shall rest upon Your holy mountain? 

Rule of St. Benedict Prologue (Ps. 14:1)

Have you ever wondered what life in a Benedictine monastery is like? Have you ever considered whether God might be calling you to be a monk? Several times each year, the Benedictine Monks of Chicago offer an opportunity to experience our way of life first-hand.

During 2024, we have scheduled two Monastic Experience Weekends:

Friday, June 21—Sunday, June 23, 2024

Friday, October 25—Sunday, October 27, 2024 (these dates have been changed)

What to expect

Accommodations: Participants will stay in the monastery’s Guesthouse. They should bring with them whatever they need for an overnight stay. Each will have his own guest cell, enabling him to share fully in our monastic solitude and silence.  Bedding, towels, and simple toiletries are provided, and simple breakfast items and coffee and tea are available in the kitchen.

Liturgy:  Participants will join the monks in choir throughout the weekend, chanting the full Divine Office with us and assisting at Holy Mass.

Meals:  Participants will join the monks in the refectory for meals at midday (dinner) and in the evening (a light supper).  Both of these take place in silence, with table reading and/or quiet music.

Silence:  We invite all participants to turn off their phones and forgo all digital media and communications throughout the weekend.  After Compline, the final prayer service of each day, the monastic community observes the traditional Grand Silence, when no talking is permitted.

Presentations and discussions:  Participants will gather in the monastery’s classroom to hear several presentations from the monks.  If they so choose, each will also have the opportunity to meet with a monk for one-on-one conversation.

The titles of past presentations include:

• Discernment of Spirits: A Primer
• Liturgy as the Action of Christ the Priest
• Formation into Monastic Culture

How to register

All single Catholic men between the ages of 20 and 35 who practice their faith are welcome to register. There is no charge for the weekend. If you have questions or would like to make a reservation, please contact our Guestmaster, Father Edward:

• Phone: (773) 927-7424 ext. 202
• Contact form: please indicate your interest in the Monastic Experience Weekend