Work

All our work takes place within the monastery enclosure and reflects the skills (or lack of them) of the current community. St Benedict was the originator of the work-life-balance idea, although he did not speak of it in those terms. He recognized that too little work and too much are alike bad for us spiritually, describing idleness as 'the enemy of the soul'. That is why he orders the monastic day around the threefold pattern of prayer, work and reading, giving to each its allotted time.

A major theme running though the Rule is that of reverence, for material things as well as people. The cellarer, for example, is told to look on all the goods of the monastery 'as though they were sacred altar vessels' and treat them accordingly. It is important to connect what we do in church with what we do outside: everything can become prayer and thanksgiving.

As you might expect, Benedict has no time for carelessness or sloppiness. He provides clear guidelines for the way in which the income-earning work of the community is to be carried out. There is to be no sharp practice, no dishonesty; anyone with a special skill or talent is not to become puffed up with pride but to recognize that the gift is bestowed by God and should be used for the benefit of the community as a whole.

Our primary work in community is prayer and the living of the monastic life but we also undertake various activities designed to be of service to others — and pay our bills.

That in all things
God may be glorified.
RB 57.9