"Our task then is to establish a school of the Lord's service."
(R.B. Prologue)

St.Benedict came to realise through his own experience that we come to God with and through other people. In the first fervour of his conversion he had run away from human company to become a hermit, but then he came to see the value of community life. The monastic community is a school in which each monk learns and puts into practice the service of the Lord. Each member of the community needs others with wisdom and experience to guide and form him, to give him support and encouragement.

The monks form a close-knit community

Commitment

In our vows we commit ourselves to each other in our shared vision of life so that Christ "may bring us all together to life eternal." (R.B. ch. 72). For we come to God together or not at all. The daily routine is organised so that we can share together important aspects of our life - prayer, meals, work, recreation; space is also preserved for the silence and solitude essential to our monastic search for God.

The search for God is the process of becoming less self-centred and more loving towards others. In community we are encouraged by the example, affection, and correction of others who are striving for the same goal. Each monk can rely on the prayerful support of all, and can find the deep friendship of a smaller number to allow him to grow emotionally and spiritually. We do not have the one-to-one relationship of marriage, yet the support of the community enables us to live our celibacy generously and joyfully.

Newcomers

Becoming a full member of the community takes at least four years. In this period the novice (newcomer) is discovering whether he can commit himself for life to his particular community and this way of life; a commitment which means giving up his personal possessions, career prospects, and the possibility of marriage. At the same time the community must decide whether to accept the entrant. Each Benedictine community has its own particular spirit - the community at Worth is generally noted for its warmth, informality, openness and hospitality.

The Abbot

Communities must change and develop to remain faithful to the monastic tradition. In this, as in so much else, the Abbot is the crucial figure. It is his role to unite and inspire the community to live out its ideals. Like a good captain, he seeks to bring the best out of each individual for the good of the team. He has to deal with a wide span of ages and a great range of personalities, as well as ever-changing circumstances. The task is a daunting one and he must always rely on the grace of God working in every member of the community.

The unity which the monastic community seeks to live out is a witness to the world of the transforming power of the Gospel. "Let them put absolutely nothing before Christ, and may he bring us all together to life eternal." (R.B. ch.72).