To become a monk, one has to make a deep commitment to their spiritual path. They should sacrifice their possessions and lead a simpler life. A monk is a person who secludes himself from society and concentrates on religion.
Almost all religions have monasteries. However, the predominant ones are Christian and Buddhist monks. Becoming a monk is not an easy journey. It requires years of dedication, devotion, training, and transitioning.
Monastic life is simple that demands a person to shun the worldly pleasures and live a celibate lifestyle. A monastery is a place where monks and nuns live. Monasteries restrict access to the outside world. Before knowing how to become a monk, one has to know the religion well and then practice it.
To become a Catholic monk, one has to visit the monastery first. Monasteries allow entry for devotees. You can even stay for a few days if the monastery permits. This visit will help you to know the daily life of a monk in the monastery and what is expected of them.
Once you have decided to devote your life to religion and embrace spirituality, you can express your interest in becoming a novice. Becoming a novice is the first step in becoming a Christian monk. A novice is taught every aspect of monastic life.
Once you have passed your novice hood, you become a postulate or intended monk. You can prove yourself a good monk in this stage. Remember that the expectations set for you by the monastery will be higher. Postulates attend the community prayers, recreation, and study the aspects of monkhood.
If a novice wishes to devote himself to monastic life, the monastery will consider his application before he can take up a monk job. As a postulate, one has to take “temporary vows.”
This is to commit oneself to the beliefs and lifestyle of monastic life. One has to reject material belonging, involve in deep devotion to God. This is a temporary commitment and is for three years.
After three years, you will be invited to join the monastery. You will have to make final monastic vows for life. After solemn vows, you become a member of the monastery. You will have the right to discuss and vote on issues concerning the monastery.
[Also Read: Steps to Become a Nun]
There are some basic requirements for becoming a monk(1). These requirements will change from community to community. A candidate must be male, single, Catholic for at least three years and should have received the sacrament of confirmation. He should be secluded from all binding obligations to his family and should not have any debt.
A candidate should be strong both in physical as well as mental health. He should have no mental illnesses that can affect the monastery’s function. To become a monk, one has to be ready for the life of celibacy. Some communities have age limits. Late vocations are accepted but only after a long trial period(2).
Monks generally work during the gaps between the fixed times of prayer.
As mentioned above, throughout the day, the monks work apart from the fixed time for prayers. Monks carry out works like farm work, social work, binding books, brew beers, prepare wine, etc. as the monks have sworn themselves to a life of celibacy, they have only a very few material possessions.
If you have decided to dedicate your life to serve God and live a life in prayer and contemplation, then you can become a monk. Becoming a monk is to choose a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience.