By: Chris Bergmooser Kyle Boggs Jeff Osment

an institutionalized religious practice or movement whose members live by a rule that requires works that go beyond those of either the laity or the ordinary spiritual leaders of their religions.

Commonly celibate and universally ascetic, the monastic individual separates himself or herself from society either by living as a hermit or anchorite (religious recluse) or by joining a community (coenobium) of others who profess similar intentions.

Religious order in Oklahoma Founded by Cleo Epps

in order to better to cultivate the essential of their vocation, that is, the life of prayer, they do not assume pastoral charge of parishes nor run schools

To help them become perfect, Saint Benedict proposes to his disciples to seek God by living these counsels in monastic community under the authority of the Rule and of an Abbot who will be their spiritual father. In that framework, the monk seeks God and eternal life by imitating Christ along the paths of humility and obedience, preferring nothing to His love.

50 to 60 monks, divided between priests and laybrothers, are needed to maintain all the functions of a monastery.

Men who express an interest in our life are invited to visit the hermitage for the first time for a week. If interest is expressed once again, the candidate visits for a one to two month live-in participating fully in the daily schedule of the hermitage. It is after this visit that if the candidate is interested in joining the hermitage he applies to the prior and starts his application papers. Those applying must not be younger than 18 years of age, nor older than 40.