Vocations

Our next Monastic Experience Weekend here at St Mary’s Abbey, Glencairn will be taking place in 11-13 May, 2012.  If you would like to attend or make an enquiry about visiting us at any time please contact Sister Sarah at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 

“But look, I am going to seduce her
and lead her into the desert
and speak to her heart.”  (Hosea 2:16)

Welcome to our vocations pages.  The Spirit of God calls many different kinds of people to monastic life! Someone who feels that God is calling her to the monastery would need:

• to be a practising Catholic with a sincere desire to seek God;


• an ability to live in a community, balanced by a desire for solitude and silence;


• good physical health and psychological maturity;


• some work experience after school or college. Our usual upper age limit is 40 years.


• The process of discerning a vocation includes visits to the monastery, some time spent in the guest-house, and a short period living in the community.

Initial formation consists of at least six months’ postulancy; two years’ novitiate; and three years in temporary vows.

Through the vows of stability, fidelity to monastic life, and obedience, the sister renews and strengthens the consecration received in baptism, giving herself to Christ and committing herself in this particular community.

Visit our vocations stories and some links that may be of interest and guidance to you.  You can also find out more about our way of life by exploring our recommended reading introducing Cistercian spirituality and also follow what’s happening in Glencairn by visiting our news page and gallery.

Please see our Contact Us page if you would like to talk to our vocations director about your own vocation discernment.