Is It Possible?

[Byzantine]

Can a priest become a monk? Like, can he, at least in theory, change from diocesan priest to, say, Franciscan priest? Or does it only work the other way around?

[AccountDeleted]

Yes.

[b][i][size="5"][color="#333333"]Monks and Priesthood[/color][/size][/i][/b]
[b][font="Times New Roman,Times"][color="#333333"][size="+1"]Q. Can a man who is a monk become a priest? Can a priest become a monk? If so how is his ministry lived out?[/size][/color][/font][/b]
[font="Times New Roman,Times"][color="#333333"][size="+1"]A. Anytime after the novitiate, with the Superior's permission a monk can begin studies at a Seminary. When someone begins his formation in the monastery his goal is primarily to become a monk. Usually studies for the priesthood (as well as all other academic studies) begin after the Simple profession of monastic vows.[/size][/color][/font]
[font="Times New Roman,Times"][color="#333333"][size="+1"] A diocesan priest can also join a monastery with the permission of his bishop. Like all other candidates for the monastic life, a priest is required to go through the initial stages of monastic formation (postulancy, novitiate, simple profession and solemn profession).[/size][/color][/font]
[font="Times New Roman,Times"][color="#333333"][size="+1"] A monk/priest's first duty is to minister to the monks of his monastery (especially with the celebration of the Eucharist). The priest can also assist the pastors of local parishes or even pastor a church.[/size][/color][/font]

[font="Times New Roman,Times"][color="#333333"][size="+1"][url="http://www.benedictinemonks.com/bnmonk06.htm"]http://www.benedictinemonks.com/bnmonk06.htm[/url][/size][/color][/font]

[Byzantine]

I'd give you props, but I'm out... Thanks!

[AccountDeleted]

Can I become a monk if I am already a priest?
[url="http://countrymonks.org.2.ecatholicwebsites.com/index.cfm?load=page&page=181"]OUR VOCATIONS[/url] / [url="http://countrymonks.org/index.cfm?load=page&page=233"]FAQ's[/url] / [url="http://countrymonks.org/index.cfm?load=page&page=240"]Can I become a monk if I am already a priest?[/url]





Yes. Two of our present monks were previously diocesan priests. As they will tell you, the process is not easy and requires careful planning. First, if you feel you have a monastic calling then you need to just come here for a private retreat to get to know our Abbey. If it becomes clear in your retreat that this is not your calling, then you have lost nothing.

However, if you do think that this is where God is calling you, then you will need to speak with your Bishop or Religious Superior. They must grant you permission to undertake a deeper exploration of this life by allowing you to make a more extensive vocation discernment stay of a week or so over a period of two or three stays. If you still feel that this is your calling, then you will have to apply to your Bishop or Superior for permission to apply to our monastery. If you are accepted for candidacy, then your Bishop or Superior will have to grant you a leave of absence to begin formation. You will still be incardinated in that diocese or religious community until you make solemn profession as a monk in our Abbey.

For most men, the time from that initial visit to entrance into candidacy is about two years. Once you begin formation as a monk, you will no longer function as a priest until the completion of your novitate. You may concelebrate at masses, but all other priestly work will cease as you first get formed as a monk. Fr. Elijah would be happy to speak with you further since he has most recently trod this path.


[url="http://countrymonks.org/index.cfm?load=page&page=240"]http://countrymonks.org/index.cfm?load=page&page=240[/url]

[AccountDeleted]

Just type in google the words

[i]can a diocesan priest become a monk[/i]

or

[i]can a priest become a monk[/i]

and you will find lots of info


enjoy

and don't worry about props. I can feel the love anyway

[Byzantine]

Thanks again!

And hey, why bother Googling when you can PM it?

[FutureCarmeliteClaire]

Yep! My ex-pastor did it!

[brandelynmarie]

We had a Maronite Rite Monsignor who became a monk up in Massachusetts.

[img]http://maronitemonks.org/images/WinterWalk.jpg[/img]

[Byzantine]

[quote name='brandelynmarie' timestamp='1325382528' post='2360968']
We had a Maronite Rite Monsignor who became a monk up in Massachusetts.

[/quote]

How does that work? Did he have to transfer Churches or what?

[CatherineM]

Not just monks. We had a priest back home who became a Navy chaplain, and there is a former diocesan priest stationed at the Marian Centre here. That's a lay apostolate.

[brandelynmarie]

[quote name='Byzantine' timestamp='1325382737' post='2360972']
How does that work? Did he have to transfer Churches or what?
[/quote]

I'm not certain, he had to switch Eparchys maybe?

Here is their video:

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sblQHzGBwIo"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sblQHzGBwIo[/url]

[url="http://maronitemonks.org/index.htm"]http://maronitemonks.org/index.htm[/url]

[Strictlyinkblot]

Gorgeous video, thanks.

[Byzantine]

[quote name='brandelynmarie' timestamp='1325384224' post='2360981']
I'm not certain, he had to switch Eparchys maybe?

Here is their video:

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sblQHzGBwIo[/media]

[url="http://maronitemonks.org/index.htm"]http://maronitemonks.org/index.htm[/url]
[/quote]

Ah! I thought you meant he joined a Latin Rite monastery!

[LaPetiteSoeur]

An oratorian I know was originally a Franciscan!

[i<3franciscans]

[quote name='LaPetiteSoeur' timestamp='1325436908' post='2361190']
An oratorian I know was originally a Franciscan!
[/quote]He probably still has a Franciscan heart.